Mazda Is Working On New Straight-Six Skyactiv-X Engines

Mazda is developing a new family of straight-six Skyactiv-X engines for its future premium models, in both petrol and diesel variants.

The Japanese car maker announced the new six-cylinder powertrains during an investor conference. The new engines will be used in Mazda’s upcoming large architecture that will spawn models with both rear- and all-wheel drive.

Mazda’s move to develop its own six-cylinders certainly comes as a surprise and is indicative of the company’s plans to enter the more premium segments of the market. The new large architecture will have the new engines positioned longitudinally and also be compatible with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies.

Also Read: Mazda Has No Immediate Plans To Bring Its Skyactiv-X Engine To America

Straight-six engines are making a comeback lately, and Mazda is joining Mercedes and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as BMW which is a long-time champion of the layout. This, however, marks the first time Mazda has offered a straight-six engine in its models.

The company didn’t provide a timeline for the powertrains just yet, nor did it discuss what kind of models will use it. It did promise, though, that it will release more information in the near future.

The new engines will employ the brand’s Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology, set to debut at the Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X this year, which should give them enough horsepower and competitive efficiency to cover all bases.

This is very good news indeed as it gives fans their hopes back to see one of its striking concepts of late, like the 2018 Vision Coupe, reaching production.