In an investor report published last year, Mazda confirmed that it would develop six-cylinder engines that will be used in cars underpinned by a new and larger architecture. It appears that plan is well and truly on track, as the carmaker has secured patents for a new inline-six engine, as reported by Super.Asurada.
The carmaker has previously stated there would be petrol and diesel versions of its new six-cylinder engines, with the former being a SkyActiv-X unit with Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI), while the latter is part of its second-generation SkyActiv-D diesel engines.
However, that’s not the only patent that Mazda submitted, as there’s also another for an eight-speed automatic transmission, which seems to be more production-ready than the company’s previous patents.
The inline-six engine and eight-speed gearbox could be used in upcoming models as part of Mazda’s next-generation vehicle line-up, which includes the introduction of mild-hybrid systems (M Hybrid) and an evolution of the company’s Kodo design language. Currently, there are two models that are part of this revamped range, which are the Mazda 3 and CX-30.
Rumours indicate the new Mazda 6 could be the first to adopt the new engine and transmission, with the sedan also said to make the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. Others claim the powertrain will be used in an unconfirmed successor to the RX-8 – dubbed the RX-9 – which if true, will shatter the dreams of those hoping for a new rotary-powered sports car.
Mazda has yet to confirm if any of the above would become a reality, but given that the Japanese carmaker recently reached its 100th anniversary on January 30 this year, could a surprise birthday present be on the way? Only time will tell.
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Not V6 but inline 6 eh? These type of engine can only be mounted longitudinally and would need a long front. Could this indicate a more luxurious RWD car sitting above Mazda6 or an MX-7 to compete with new Supra? Hmm….
FYI the ‘R’ in RX naming is for Rotary hence using conventional engines for RX nameplate is heresy, the more natural approach is upsizing MX-5 where this series are using inline engines.
Yes Mazda 6 RWD .. this will give a good fight with the Germans..
Regular FWD is just common but RWD is really something..
Inline 6 cylinders 200cc and above?
Rear wheel drive cars?
200cc motorbike keh?
Inline 6? Good move. It’s BMW’s favourite choice for decades now when making engines but theirs starts from 2500cc and above. Even Mercedes has made a new inline 6 for their E class which is telling that this setup is the ideal setup.
Eight speed auto? Good move. It’s also BMW’s favourite choice for a decade now with ZF as their partner. No one else comes close to their silky smooth gear changes and it can creep unlike DCT setups.
inline 6 – 2.0cc , 2.5cc , 3.0cc clap* clap*
its good that someone is still making proper cars
Yeah it’s seem inline 6 than v6, look to engine patent, it demonstrates front to back each cylinder than v6 which 3 cylinder face-to face another 3. However it is gonna have long hood? since straight engine a not space saver than V engine.