Next-generation Mazda CX-9 set for six-cylinder return

Mazda has confirmed its new inline six-cylinder engine will power in both sports cars and large family cars in future, as the Japanese car-maker continues a quest to ‘right-size’ the engines in its vehicles.

While the majority of global car-makers have embarked on a warpath into smaller-capacity, forced-induction engines as a means of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, Mazda is steadfastly running its own race on engine technology.

The Japanese marque intends to continue developing solutions to prolong internal combustion – the new SKYACTIV-X powertrain a case in point – and will roll out EV models only in markets where electricity is sustainably sourced.

Recently, Mazda confirmed the development of a new inline six-cylinder petrol engine that will be mated to a new large chassis architecture and compatible with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The engine will be longitudinally mounted to ensure efficient packaging (and potentially rear-wheel drive), and will utilise spark-controlled ignition technology recently debuted on the new Mazda3 SKYACTIV-X four-cylinder.

Crucially, Mazda is planning both petrol and diesel versions of its inline six-cylinder engines.

Speaking with carsales at the launch of SKYACTIV-X in Germany, Hiroyuki Matsumoto, the executive officer in charge of vehicle development and product planning, confirmed both engine types will be used in multiple applications.

“The company’s philosophy of development is to consolidate technologies first and deploy those technologies to different models. That’s our approach, we’ll look to deploy those technologies to other models in the future,” he said.

“The inline six-cylinder is identified not only for sports car, but for bigger cars, larger cars,” he continued.

Matsumoto wouldn’t be drawn on the efficiency of the new inline six-cylinder, but said Mazda would adopt a ‘human-centric’ approach to future internal combustion engines (ICE). That is, placing emphasis on driver enjoyment and engine suitability, rather than outright efficiency or emissions.

The human-centric philosophy will be accompanied by the ongoing improvements in ICE efficiency and refinement, according to experts. The thermal management characteristics of Mazda’s engines are currently being targeted for the next round of efficiency and emissions improvements.

Matsumoto declined comment on the future status of the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that currently powers the Mazda CX-9.

“I cannot comment on that at the moment, I cannot say,” he said.

“My emphasis is that we’ve been concentrating on the base technology and the internal combustion itself, so we are able to fit the turbocharger if there is any need from our customers. I cannot say at the moment.”