Mazda’s Future Inline-Six Engines Revealed

In a recent investor presentation, Mazda shared more information about its plans to launch new powertrains.

As already reported, inline-six powertrains are expected to join the inline-four engines currently juicing up all Mazda vehicles sold in the United States.

Reports on the six-cylinder engines first surfaced in 2019, but it has only been confirmed now, thanks to a photo showing two different versions of the engine and their respective cylinder heads. In the photo, the engine on the left is believed to be the gasoline version, while the one on the right appears to be a diesel version, as suggested by the flat cylinder head design.

Additionally, Mazda also said it will introduce a 48-volt hybrid system that uses its Skyactiv-X technology capable of compression ignition as well as a plug-in hybrid system.

Asked about the engines mentioned in the report, a spokesperson for Mazda declined to provide additional details.

“We are excited for these powertrains to be part of our future and provide our fans with more options as we continue on our path to premium,” Mazda’s representative said.

Regardless, experts are looking at two nameplates that could be equipped with the new powertrains: the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan and the CX-9 three-row crossover. If this happens, it wouldn’t be surprising if the two models also move to a new architecture for their next generations.

With the arrival of the new engines, the inline-four will likely be used as the base engine equipped with a turbocharger, while the inline-six will be offered as an option. The gasoline version is expected to be sold in the US instead of the diesel types, considering that Mazda has yet to get the Skyactiv-X system approved.