Mazda has released a single image previewing its forthcoming inline-six engine that’s set to launch in 2022.
The image was included in Mazda’s third-quarter financial presentation and shows both the block of the inline-six and the fully-assembled engine. Sitting in the center of the image is a Mazda four-cylinder with hybrid technology.
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Mazda Vision Coupe Concept
The Japanese car manufacturer has been working on its inline-six engine since at least May 2019 and it is expected to be offered in petrol, diesel and Skyactiv-X forms. Patent images of this engine hit the web in February this year. Information from this latest presentation also confirms the engine will be longitudinally mounted and coupled to an all-wheel drive system.
Interestingly, it is understood that Mazda could also offer its inline-six in plug-in hybrid and 48-volt mild-hybrid guises.
The production 2023 Mazda6 could look like this speculative illustration from Carscoops’s Josh Byrnes
While Mazda hasn’t confirmed which of its models will be the first to use this new engine, it is expected to be the new-gen Mazda6 that’s set to launch in 2022. It is possible that the inline-six could pump out upwards of 350 hp when used in the Mazda6 and some reports suggest it could also be coupled to a rear-wheel drive system and not just all-wheel drive as mentioned in this presentation.
As Mazda looks to continue its push into the premium car segment, it seems likely the inline-six will be used by a plethora of other models in the coming years, with the most likely candidates being some of the brand’s SUVs. Some also believe Mazda could use the inline-six for a new sports car but we’re not holding our breaths just yet.
H/T to Ken!
