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Future Vehicles Mazda9
160 messages, Last post on Apr 13, 2008 at 7:04 PM
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Great topic for a discussion. Here's my 2 cents: Would I love to see a Mazda9 - hell yes! I own a Mazda6 and love it. I think it's a bit too small as a family car so moving up in size to a car with the same attitude and driving characteristics really appeals to me. Will it happen? I'm not completely sold that it will. Why? The Mazda6 has been a hit in Asia and Europe. However, I don't see the need in those markets for a larger Mazda. The US would be the perfect place for this car but Mazda simply is not thought of when buyers look to go for a larger car. The Millennia was a terrific car in that segment and did not really capture the attention of the market. Maybe it was competitive reasons or maybe it was the state of Mazda at the time, but it should have sold better than it did. Also, maybe it's because it was supposed to be for the luxury line that never came about - anyone else remember that it was suppsed to be called Amati? Besides a much smaller market for a Mazda9 than there is for the 6 globally there are cost issues to build. People have suggested that they use a Ford or Volvo platform to reduce the price of entry. Good thought, bad idea. I could be wrong, but Ford used the Volvo S80 platform for the 500. That platform is ideal when building a boxy car like the S80 and was partly to blame for the 500's less than attractive looks. Mazda would not have the freedom to build a car with the current Mazda DNA. If it doesn't look Mazda-cool, then they lost me as a buyer. IMHO, Mazda would have to build the platform themselves. Ford and Volvo love the 3 and 6 platforms so much they are using them in current/planned vehicles so that may reduce the cost a bit but is it enough? If they can pull it off then they've got to find a niche at a pricepoint above the 6 and hopefully would not have to compromise too much in the process. That's the end of the cons. Here are the pros. How many cars in the $25-32K range really excite you?. How many 'have the soul of a sports car'? Some come close but they're built to be more balanced between sporty and luxury. Chrysler was able to create quite a buzz with the 300 - it's in the same segment but was different enough to capture sales. Could Mazda do the same? I think so. They're on quite a roll and are very focused with what they're doing. The segment does not have to be a bunch of BMW 3-series wannabes. It could use a product that has more dramatic lines and puts a premium on handling. Is that enough? I don't know. But if they do end up making it and it's anything as fun as my Mazda6 then it's likely to sit on the top of my short list when I look to buy again in the next few years.
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Replying to: thereptile1 (Jul 22, 2005 7:10 am) I think the main obstacle will be the market demand for the car. The 929 was a well received car, and the Millenia was a better car. But I don't know if either were profitable for Mazda, and that's going to be the bottom line.. |
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The Mazda6 platform (CD3) can be stretched quite a bit, even up to a 112 inch wheelbase if need be. Although what's really happening, is taking a current vehicle (more of a cross-over utility), sedanize it, and place it as a Mazda9. If anyone knows of the Volvo S100/C90 (depending on the source) idea, it's pretty much the same senario. But because of the "Zoom Zoom Zoom" factor, Ford is waiting to implement the 3.5L Duratec35, before that project continues... |
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| Imo Mazda can further broaden its portfolio with a higher end model if they chose to do the "9". This could b wish full thinking but case in point Acura has the RL. Now doesn't that vehicle have a 3.5l V-6 and SH-AWD? Hmm? Ford will soon be releasing a 3.5l V-6 from the Duratec Family (Of Mazda design originally) and if not rwd why not save extra production cost then to use the Mazdaspeed 6's Awd? Similar to the Acuras layout im very sure by spicing the 3.5 and adding some zoom -zoom to the Awd, suspension, brakes, drivetrain, etc, Mazda would surely have a contender. | |
Mazda6 production is heading to Mexico and that opens up Flat Rock for something new in the Mazda line-up. Rumors around flat rock seem to indicate a large mazda sedan....
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Replying to: audia8q (Oct 04, 2005 5:59 am)
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This discussion pops up every now and then and dies out pretty quickly (like it should). With the Mazda6 getting up-sized in 07 or 08, the Mazda9 would have to be even bigger. I think we'll see a Mazda9 at about the same time monkeys start flying out of my butt.
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Replying to: mazda6s (Oct 04, 2005 6:26 pm) |
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This discussion pops up every now and then and dies out pretty quickly (like it should I think we'll see a Mazda9 at about the same time monkeys start flying out of my butt. Well you might want to get your butt ready....My source at Flat Rock has informed me that they have been told to expect to build a full sized mazda car for the 2008 model year....so what do you think this may be??
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| I own a '94 Mazda 929 and i love it i just wish they can go forth and produce the "9" with sporting credentials and crisp styling that mazda has now. If i had it my way i would want (Fantasizing) a 3.5l v-6 with that miller cycle they produced for the millenia. Add the mazdaspeed 6's awd. They should just do it Dammit! | |
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