Mazda appears to be bucking the engine downsizing trend. Nestled within its full-year financial results presentation is a brief mention of plans for a large architecture with inline-six compression ignition petrol and diesel engines, earmarked Skyactiv-X and second-generation Skyactiv-D, respectively, in addition to the evolution of its Kodo design language and upgrades to its small architecture Skyactiv powertrains.
This goes some way to explaining the long-nosed, cab-rearwards stance of the Mazda Vision Coupe concept that was first unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, which could point to a more upscale direction for the next-generation Mazda 6 sedan. The page also notes that the longitudinal configuration will take i-Activ all-wheel-drive. So far, the MX-5 is the only current Mazda with a north-south engine layout.
The more complex technical development in play will push what seems to be the next Mazda 6 squarely into the European premium segment, for which Mazda’s re-adopted longitudinal driveline layout has been a staple. The inline-six engine configuration, once nearly exclusive to BMW, now also comes in renewed offerings from Jaguar Land Rover as well as Mercedes-Benz.
Mazda will also incorporate mild and plug-in hybrid electrification for these new engines. Mazda has also confirmed to Jalopnik in a statement, saying “We’re excited to bring these powertrains to our future vehicles as we continue on our path to premium,” though specific details will “be disclosed at an appropriate time,” the Japanese automaker said.
Now, given that the Vision Coupe concept is, well, a coupe, could this pave the way for a similarly sized premium two-door production car? Will it mean a resurgence of past nameplates, or the advent of new ones?
GALLERY: Mazda Vision Coupe concept
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Maturing of Kodo design, small architecture, large architecture. What a game changing investment for brand value development. I wish Proton today is like this. Can create world-class design and platform. Unfortunately, we are still seeing Proton rebadging cars and worse, Proton rebadged a China car. I wonder what Proton have learned in 30 years of automotive industry. Should have been a world brand if all Proton workers work hard.
Japan no longer a world brand. Even China car have won COTY awards in their home country. So shame.
Both Volvo and Mazda made miracle comebacks, since divorced from Ford mismanagememt. Sales 10X more then before. The victorious Liverpool and Spurs comeback legends too. Salute their courage and heart to change. People made the right choice to change, tabik MY! Hidup hidup!
Why?
U love Proton so much?
If u ‘wonder’ then u know nothing or too lazy to read, research, learn…u know, the typical keyboard worrior type.
If all China product is so bad or ‘worse’ according to you then i sugggest u throw away everything ‘China’ in your life.
Yes they fail and require bail out/life line…but how does their newer car (before Geely)is 3x stronger in term of structural strength compare to another ‘local’ car which supposedly rebadged the superior japanese car? They must have learn or develop something.Oh wait, for keyboard warrior its called vodoo.
While inline 6 is nice, what happen to their rotary engines? Become history alredi?
The world never stop rotating…move on.
And I quote: “Rotary is not dead” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda President & CEO
Rotary will never pass emissions regulations. It is designed to burn fuel together with engine oil . Forget about it and move on. Straight 6 is making a come back which is good. Anytime easier to work on and much simpler design.
Exciting times ahead. 2019 Mazda3 coming here , new rival Geely Bin Rui protonized as all new C-segment Wira too.
Revival of Eunos nameplate?
Rx 7 coupe revival?
Rx 8 4 door coupe?
exiciting times ahead of the zoom zoom company
If the next mazda 6 is RWD with inline six, it will literally bury the competition
The Mazda 6 2.5t and CX9 is a dismal in FWD and the architecture of the current platform is not suited.
Changes are needed to move forward, not in Europe but the North American market first.
good now mazda will become more like those premium brand
Longitudinal layout for a large architecture may mean the return of the 929. Remember seeing a few 929s here in the 80s and in the early 90s. What a beautiful car. And it was RWD.
“Jalopnik”
inline six….welcome back silky smooth engines