AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

From the Cars We Can Drive to Work file:
2008 Mazda 6

The 2008 Mazda 6 made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. In my opinion, from the pictures, it's one of the best looking midsized sedans out there. According to Mazda, the new generation 6 bucks the modern trend and is actually lighter than its predecessor. It gets correspondingly higher fuel economy and lower emissions despite an increase in power. The new 6 will get most of the upgrades slated for next-year's facelifted Ford Fusion, a more powerful engine, 6-speed transmission across the board and standard stability control.

Best of all, the Mazda 6 will apparently continue to be produced in the UAW-staffed Flat Rock, Michigan factory; and it will therefore qualify for us to drive it to work. Ironically we still won't be able to drive the 6's platform-mates, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, because those vehicles are assembled in Mexico.

There's no word on when the car will be available. If it's truly a 2008 model, the answer should be "very soon". Some earlier spyshots indicated that the redesigned 6 would be designated a 2009 model.