In March 2019, Mazda announced its development plan for an inline six-cylinder engine in its published investor report. The company confirmed the new Skyactiv-X inline six-cylinder gasoline engine and the new inline six-cylinder Skyactiv-D diesel engine, but did not disclose the specific launch time.
According to the latest reports from foreign media, Mazda is applying for a series of new patents, including a new inline six-cylinder engine and a matching new eight-speed automatic transmission. Foreign media said that unlike other Mazda patent possibilities, the two new powertrains of Mazda's straight 6 and 8AT may soon become a reality.
Mazda 8AT patent map
This power system will be installed on its Mazda 6 and higher-level models in the future, which is likely to include becoming Mazda's next-generation sports car such as RX- 9 source of power. According to previous news, although Mazda has not given up on the rotary engine, it is just that the rotary engine is difficult to meet the current emission standards. Coupled with durability issues, Mazda's rotary engine may be used as a range extension for Mazda electric vehicles. Therefore, it is not surprising that Mazda will use a new inline six-cylinder engine in the new generation RX sports car. It is reported that the maximum horsepower of the new generation RX sports car will be around 350 to 450 horses, so the performance of Mazda's straight six engine is still very good. Worth the wait!
Imaginary picture of the new generation Mazda 6
In addition, there was clear news before that Mazda will also cooperate with Toyota to develop a new rear-wheel drive platform. In addition to Mazda’s mid-to-high-end models, it will be based on this In addition to the drive platform, Toyota Group will also have some models including Reiz, Crown and even Lexus that will share this platform to effectively reduce development costs and expand the product competitiveness of its models.
Imaginary picture of the new generation Toyota Reach
In addition to the new straight-six engine, Mazda will continue to update the soul design concept, while also adding a mild hybrid system, a pure electric vehicle platform, and a new high-end The architecture (supporting mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid power) will also be launched one after another; the new high-end architecture will also be matched with the i-Activ four-wheel drive system adapted to the longitudinal engine. Accordingly, it is expected that rear-wheel drive will be the entry standard for Mazda's corresponding models. match.
Although these are only patents at present, according to the report published by Mazda in 2019, Mazda's rear-drive platform and straight-six engine are all part of the "New Generation Product Line" plan, and corresponding new technologies or new cars are expected to It will be launched one after another between 2020 and 2025. It is understood that the first to be launched is the new-generation Mazda 6, which is expected to use an inline six-cylinder engine + rear-wheel drive. If it goes well, this means that Mazda will join the renaissance of inline six-cylinder engines and defend the dignity of inline six-cylinder engines together with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers!
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.