Remember we told you Mazda was working on inline six-cylinder engines and a rear-wheel drive platform? Well, it seems, the new Mazda6 it could become the model that will resort to these solutions.
The news is being advanced by North American Car and Driver and realizes that the new generation of the Mazda6, whose launch is scheduled for the end of 2022, should be radically different from the current one.
In an effort to elevate its market position, the new Mazda6 will align itself with most of the segment's premium proposals, namely the reference BMW 3 Series. In other words, like the Bavarian rival, it will adopt rear-wheel drive and also put the new six cylinders in-line longitudinally.
And the engine?
As for the engine, and as we've told you, Mazda is working on an in-line six-cylinder engine equipped with Skyactiv-X technology. According to Car and Driver, this engine could also be associated with a mild-hybrid 48V system.
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As for another six-cylinder Diesel engine we talked about, the North American publication does not mention it. In principle, this will have the European market as its main destination.
And the style?
In stylistic terms, the new Mazda6 will most likely adopt a styling similar to what we saw in the Mazda Vision Coupe Concept unveiled in 2017. If confirmed, the new Mazda flagship should adopt a “coupe de four doors”, a format already adopted by models such as the Peugeot 508 or the Volkswagen Arteon.
There is still no confirmation, but Car and Driver is still moving forward with the possibility of the new Mazda6 being accompanied by a coupe under the same base. Remember the rumors surrounding an RX-9? Well… If this project seems to be put aside (with a Wankel engine), rumors that the Japanese brand will return to having a rear-wheel drive coupe, not with a Wankel, but with the new in-line six-cylinder engine, gain consistency.
This new Mazda inline six-cylinder powertrain and RWD platform could also be used by other brands — find out which ones…
Sources: Car and Driver and Carscoops.
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