Auto Channel

Mazda will be showcasing this concept called the Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, to be held at the Makuhari Messe in January 2008.

The Mazda Atenza is the Japanese Domestic Market name for the Mazda 6 that we and the rest of the world know, and this new Mazdaspeed Concept hints at the styling of the upcoming high performance version of the second generation Mazda 6.

It’s mostly aesthetics - large rims and a lowered body, with nothing special under the hood. There has been no firm decision by Mazda to make a new Mazdaspeed 6 (also known as the Mazda 6 MPS in some markets).

This exhibit will be used to gauge public reaction. But given that buyers of high performance models usually do care about the technologies in the drivetrain, I’m not sure how realistic of a gauge of consumer interest that will be.

One more rear shot after the jump.