As you probably know, the upcoming next-gen Mazda6 makes a move to a RWD platform and gets a wide selection of six-cylinder engines. But while that one is still in the plans, someone in China is already driving such a car – in fact, an even better version of it with two extra cylinders.
What you see here is a completely stock-looking 2016 Mazda6. A glance inside the cabin reveals some dark Alcantara on the steering wheel and red paddle shifters, but that’s about it.
It’s the engine bay where things instantly get very interesting. A naturally aspirated V8 borrowed from a Lexus LS 430 toils there making 294 PS (290 hp / 216 kW) and 434 Nm (320 lb-ft) of torque. A new transmission is used to drive the rear axle, and it seems perfectly suited to doing flashy burnouts.
The subframe and rear end parts are taken from a 2008 Toyota Crown, the cooling and exhaust systems are both new, and so is the fuel tank. Given the sheer scope of modifications required to complete such a swap, one has to marvel at the innocent-looking OEM exterior.