The Mazda Takeri concept was first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and premiered Mazda’s “KODO-soul of motion” design language.

While the Takeri is only a concept, it sheds light on Mazda’s future lineup and will likely be the next Mazda 6. The Takeri is also the first Mazda to have the new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. In essence the i-ELOOP system works like all other regenerative braking systems, except that it is destined to be outfitted in traditional gasoline cars. The electricity produced by the system will be used to run the cars electrical components, reducing strain on the engine which thus increases fuel efficiency.

Mazda will debut the Takeri concept in Europe at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show and has released new photos of the concept before the debut.

Let us know if you think Mazda’s new styling is a hit or a miss in the comments section below.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri concept

Out photographers have snapped several spy photos of the upcoming Mazda6 undergoing testing in the frozen European north. Underneath this current-generation body there’s plenty of new equipment to evaluate, from an all-new Skyactiv chassis and suspension system, right down to the engine and a start-stop system mated to an innovative regenerative braking system.

The next-gen Mazda6 will look nothing like this mule, which sports a chopped-up body similar to the prototypes we’ve already driven. Instead, it will share the swooping lines of the Takeri Concept car, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Mazda has confirmed north America will get a diesel engine in early 2013, but hasn’t confirmed which model it will arrive in yet.

Look for the debut of the new Mazda6 next fall at the Paris Motor Show.

GALLERY: 2013 Mazda6 Test Mule

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

Find out more about the next-gen Mazda6 by reading our prototype drive here.

The last time Mazda offered a coupe model based on the underpinnings of its mid-size sedan, it was called the MX-6. It was quite popular in its day, and two-generation of models had been produced before Mazda pulled the plug on the sports sporty car back in 1997.

Now a unnamed senior company source has revealed that the new Mazda6 will spawn a coupe model, which will be based on the stunning Takeri concept car, which was a hit at the recent Tokyo Motor Show.

While the new sedan model of the Mazda6 is expected to hit the market in early 2013, the coupe version might arrive a year later. The coupe will follow the principals of other new Mazda SkyActiv vehicles, while adding new technologies like i-Eloop, which is Mazda’s version of a regenerative braking system which can help improve economy by 10%.

While European markets will likely get a 2.0-liter petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines, the North American model could also be offered with a V6 engine. Only time will tell.

[Source: WhatCar?]

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The Tokyo Motor Show has come and gone and won’t be back for another two years. If you missed out on all the excitement (and wacky concept cars) then watch AutoGuide’s video wrapup, with ten short spots highlighting all the most exciting new models. If you’re after more in-depth coverage, then see our Tokyo Motor Show page here and see all of our videos at the AutoGuide YouTube page here.

Watch more videos from the Tokyo Motor Show below:

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As Honda and Toyota soldier on with the same old designs, Mazda has taken heed of the attractively styled products coming out of Korea these days and decided to fire back. Using the brand’s new Kodo design language the Takeri Concept is a look at the next-generation Mazda6. Based on an all-new platform and powered by a diesel engine it’s also the first example of a Mazda vehicle using the brand’s new i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

For more on the Takeri concept, watch the video below:

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Kicking off the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda unveiled a stunning new concept car that will eventually head to production as the next generation Mazda6 family sedan. A shot at the bold styling direction of brands like Hyundai and Kia, Mazda’s new Kodo design language is certain to bring much needed attention to Mazda dealerships with the sort of styling one might normally associate with a premium European brand.

Mazda first debuted the new design language in the Shinari concept with the first production model to be inspired by it being the CX-5.

This new family sedan rides on an all-new SkyActiv platform that sheds plenty of weight from the current model, while power comes from a new SkyActiv-D diesel engine. Mazda has yet to announce specifics on the new diesel engine, but it is capable of 165-hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Mazda has said it will sell a diesel model in the US but has not confirmed if it will be the next Mazda6.

Adding to the substance and style is some added innovation on the Takeri concept with a new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery to store electricity, allowing quick charging and use of energy. Mazda claims this new system, when combined with its i-stop start-stop system can deliver a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy.

The all-new Mazda6 could arrive as early as the 2013 model year.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

See video of the Takeri concept below:

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With a planned debut for the Tokyo Auto Show, Mazda has released a selection of images of its new Takeri concept car, previewing the next-generation Mazda6 family sedan.

Using the brand’s new Kodo design language, the car stays true to the Shinari concept and shares styling similarities with the upcoming CX-5 compact crossover.

Riding on an all-new SkyActiv platform and using one of Mazda’s new Skyactiv-D diesel engines the Takeri concept is also the first Mazda to feature a regenerative braking system, using energy stored under braking to power onboard electrical components and thereby reduce the load on the engine.

Mazda promises significantly improved fuel economy, while staying true to the brand’s mandate to deliver cars that are enjoyable to drive.

Photos of the interior reveal a stunning cabin and a BMW i-Drive-style controller.

Look for complete details when the car debuts at the Tokyo Auto Show on November 30th.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Auto Show preview here and look for coverage starting November 30th.