Mazda has primed the next 10 years for a lot of excitement. Earlier in 2022, we found out that Mazda was bringing the rotary engine back and then we learned that the company is looking to take its business to the next level with some very bold plans. Aspirations to introduce a new and powerful inline-six engine, coupled with a few EVs, new crossovers, and a focus on luxury echo the brand’s desire to move a bit upmarket. One prime example was the plan to introduce a new RWD Mazda 6 with that very same inline-six engine. It was expected to be the brand’s first big step into the future, but it seems that step is no longer going to happen as a Mazda executive just squashed all hopes of the RWD Mazda6 and a two-door coupe of the same nomenclature.
What Happened to the RWD Mazda 6?
Plans to move upmarket and introduce a sporty, RWD, Mazda6 screamed the brand’s relentless desire to produce a Japanese rival to cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. The extra power from that inline-six, better interior materials, and Mazda’s natural sporty handling could have given the Mazda 6 a real shot. But now we’ll never know. In the latest print edition of Autocar, Joachim Kunz, Mazda Europe’s engineering and development boss explained what was going on behind closed doors. And, if you were waiting for that RWD Mazda 6, it’s not good news.
His statement causes a ringing in the ears that does nothing but remind us that the typical sedan and coupe are dying a slow miserable death as the popularity of SUVs and crossovers continue to grow. We do know that Mazda is still developing that new inline-six, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as if it’ll ever happen. Instead, that very cool engine will land in at least one crossover as the brand plans to expand steeply into this territory.
Mazda’s new large FR architecture will go on to support an entire range of SUVs and Crossovers. It all starts with the new CX-60 that was revealed in the first quarter of 2022. It’ll then go on to underpin the CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90, two of which – the CX-70 and CX-90 – will come to the United States. The Former will be a two-row SUV while the CX-90 will offer three rows of seating. These models are designed specifically for the U.S. market and will be a bit larger in both length and width compared to their European counterparts. They will also feature the same 322-horsepower hybrid drivetrain from the CX-60, which means they, too, will be more powerful than the rest of the brand’s lineup. The CX-90 could benefit from the brand’s new inline-six, at least in range-topping form along with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, RWD will be out of the question.
With all of this said, it may not be time to pour out a drink for the Mazda 6 just yet. Mazda’s executive didn’t say that the Mazda 6 itself was dead, just that it wouldn’t be front-engine and rear-driven. The Mazda 6 will solider on in one form or another, but without the RWD architecture, the hope of it getting the inline-six just went down the drain. It will likely be modernized with a powertrain similar to that of the CX-60, so think about a 2.5-liter inline-four paired with a small hybrid system. Since the Mazda 6 is fairly large, it could also see the range-topping model feature a bit more power, but don’t expect it to be a performance sedan by any means. Mazda is still looking to turn up the luxury, though, and the brand won’t compromise its sporty handling, so the Mazda 6’s successor, however it is laid out, will still be an amazing car to drive.