Someone tried to say that the new 6 is equipped with a Ford engine...
That's not really true. The 3.0L DOHC V6 in the 6S is *based* on the 195 hp Duratec V6 formerly seen in the Contour SVT, although the new 3.0L V6 in the 6S has variable valve timing, a tighter compression ratio, and more power (220 hp). More importantly, no Ford-branded model will offer this engine (despite rumors about a new SHO Taurus that was supposed to have it).
So while the original architecture of this wonderful new engine has its roots in a Ford product, it's very, very evolved from its predecessor. Certainly no one could claim that the 302 V8 in a 1972 Boss Mustang had much in common with that "same" 302 in the 1993 Mustang GT, could they?
You see the silliness of this now.
And to put this all to rest, Ford entirely owns 100% of Mazda Motor Company (made plain the first few pages of my 6S's manual). The Mazda 6 is manufactured at the same plant in Flat Rock, MI, where was made the Probe, MX6, and 626 for years. The Cougar is also made there now.
Someone else said that Ford has no connection with Nissan. This is also not true. In Avon, OH, the Ohio Truck Assembly Plant is the home of both the Mercury Villager and the Nissan Quest minivans. My father works there.
Cheers,
--Scott!