The strong selling Mazda6 will see the deletion of the not-so strong selling turbocharged, all-wheel drive MazdaSpeed6 and wagon variants next year, followed by a full redesign in 2009. Autoweek speculates that, due to Mazda's overlords at Ford deciding to withhold their 3.5L V6, the automaker will transplant the new 3.7L V6 from the CX-9 crossover. Touch?, Ford.
The Mazda3, which quickly established itself as an alternative to the perennial favorites Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, will only see mild revisions for its next generation in 2009 (as a 2010 model), mainly refinements to fit and finish and amenities. Mild tweaks to Ford's global C1 platform on which it's based are expected as well.
On the sports car front, a turbocharged MazdaSpeed MX-5 will arrive in 2008, but the model won't be revised until 2010, mandated by new safety regulations for the '11 year model. A new race ready variant, the MS-R, will be available this fall, consisting mainly of suspension and aero upgrades.
Mazda continues to pledge allegiance to the Wankel rotary engine, with a planned redesign for the RX-8 coupe in mid 2009 as a 2010 model. For 2008, a limited 40th Anniversary edition will be available with special paint and interior options.
Mazda's crossovers, both new to the market, will see few if any changes. The CX-7 will remain as is, while the larger CX-9 will get a bump in engine displacement, reaching 3.7L for the V6, as well as a corresponding torque increase.
On the bubble are the B-Series pickups, suffering from declining sales in compact pickups, and the Mazda5 mini-minivan, suffering from generally slow sales. The B-Series' salvation is tied to its Ford Ranger sibling, also threatened by sluggish sales. If Ranger assembly is transferred from the soon-to-be closed St. Paul plant, then the B-Series may also see another year. Regardless, the V6 option will be dropped, leaving only a four-cylinder. The Mazda5 only has to reach its sales target of 15,000 units to see a redesign in 2009.
The only foreseeable addition to the Mazda stable is the diminutive Mazda2 sub-compact (pictured). With Honda, Toyota, and Nissan finding an enthusiastic audience for the Fit, Yaris, and Versa, it seems a foregone conclusion Mazda would also bring their city car to the US market. Autoweek isn't so sure this is set in stone, however. After reengineering the Mazda2 for US safety and emissions regulations, the car would likely fall too close to the Mazda3's price point for comfort. At the very earliest, expect to see the smallest Mazda on showrooms in 2010.