Next-gen Mazda6 to change the playbook

Wednesday, 15 April 2020

Get an inside look at the global reveal of Mazda's new concept car.

Mazda is planning some big changes for its Mazda6 sedan. According to a report from Car and Driver, the ZoomZoom company is building the next 6 to use a rear-drive layout powered by a brand new inline-six engine.

The details are yet to be confirmed but it feels closer to real than fake, given Mazda has already confirmed its new RWD architecture and straight-six engine are under development.

Additionally, the Japanese publication Best Car reported something similar last year.

It might not have the mythical SkyActiv-R rotary but a straight-six is a pretty good substitute.

Mazda's new engine will have support for electrification of both the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid varieties. We're not sure of the final output but Best Car reckons around 261kW is a good bet. The engine will use SkyActiv-X compression ignition tech to reduce emissions and maintain power.

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The manufacturer will also work in tandem with Toyota to develop the platform, which indicates the two are working on the powertrain together too. A straight-six diesel is in the works as well. Sounds like Mazda is taking more than a few pages out of BMWs playbook, doesn't it?

Mention Toyota, the other Japanese maker is rumoured to use the new six-cylinder Skyactiv-X for the next-generation Lexus IS and RC. There hasn't been any mention of the engine finding a home in the Supra although we're sure that's an idea being tossed around at Toyota HQ.

As well as the Mazda6 sedan, the new hardware will underpin a new two-door coupe. It probably won't be badged RX, given the link to rotary power but it'll be a spiritual successor to the RX7 and RX8.

Mazda hasn't shied away from teasing us with gorgeous coupe concepts over the years so we're confident the new coupe will look the beans and go quite hard to match. The Mazda6 could get a coupe-styled variant too, with four doors instead of two.