Mazda previews next-gen inline six-cylinder

Mazda has previewed its new family of inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in a presentation of its third-quarter financial results.

Set for an introduction in about two years from now, the all-new inline six-cylinder powerplant will be available as a petrol, diesel and efficient SKYACTIV-X compression-ignition petrol.

Little else was revealed in the presentation, other than that the new powertrain has been engineered for a longitudinal installation and will be combined with both two- and all-wheel drive.

The first model to adopt the inline six-cylinder is believed to be the all-new fourth-generation Mazda6 due in 2022.

Since Mazda has confirmed the new six-pot will be installed longitudinally, rather than transversely, it's almost certain that the next Mazda6 will switch to rear-wheel drive, making it a natural rival for the likes of both the Kia Stinger and more premium sedans like the BMW 3 Series.

Better still, as well as the switch from front-wheel drive the next Mazda6 has been hotly tipped to be heavily inspired by the stunning 2017 Vision Coupe concept.

In the same presentation, Mazda also showcased its forthcoming plug-in hybrid powertrain and a new four-cylinder engine that features the car-maker's latest 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

There's no word on which model will be the first to feature the plug-in hybrid engine, but it's understood that Mazda will begin rolling out 48-volt mild-hybrid engines as soon as next year.