We may already be familiar with the Mazda Takeri concept car, but it's set to spearhead Mazda's assault on the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March.
That assault includes showcasing Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology, and its SKYACTIV range of gasoline and diesel engines, all of which are aimed at using energy more efficiently.
The Takeri concept looks near-identical to the Tokyo exhibit, but it still gives us a good idea of what the next generation of Mazda 6 sedan might look like. The production car is expected to share the Takeri's "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language, also seen on the 35 mpg CX-5 crossover.
Under the hood sits a SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, with an i-stop stop and start system, and a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.
i-ELOOP also features, Mazda's regenerative braking system that uses a double-layer capacitor, rather than a battery, to store energy. This reduces weight and cost, while offering all the usual benefits of braking regeneration, supplying power to accessories without increasing alternator load - and therefore fuel consumption.
While the Takeri-inspired Mazda 6 should make it to the U.S, Mazda still seems undecided on whether the SKYACTIV diesels will also reach our shores. Given the impressive efficiency of the SKYACTIV-G gasoline models as seen in the CX-5 crossover, the diesel may not even be required.
Press days for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show kick off on March 6, and we'll be there to bring you all the latest news. Keep up with our Geneva reports on our dedicated show page.
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