Despite churning out some pretty decent products, Mazda has been a bit of a dark horse lately. We haven’t heard for some time from the Japanese automaker, which hints at something being cooked. And indeed, Mazda has made a big announcement for 2022. The brand has already taken steps towards becoming more upscale than before and, right now, they have a complete lineup of good-looking and upscale models, powered by a variety of efficient and potent powertrains. Now, it's preparing to a new strategy leading up to 2030.
Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 - It's About More Than Going Electric
Mazda has announced a strategy by 2030, and it is focused on sustainability. The Skyactive X engine family will continue to be refined for even greater efficiency, while new inline-six engines will join them. “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030,” as the new Mazda policy is called, also involves Mazda’s electrification technologies as part of the “SKYACTIV Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture”, used in transversely-mounted powertrains in smaller models as well as in longitudinally mounded powertrains in larger models.
The inline-six engines were initially believed to have been sourced from BMW, through Toyota’s partnership with both brands. However, the diagrams reveal that they are completely different from the BMW units. Both the gasoline and diesel inline-six engines will be mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Moreover, both drivetrains will share a lot of components, which would save Mazda some money. The diesel unit is reportedly a 3.3-liter unit co-developed with Lexus, while details for the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline unit are even scarcer at this point.
The same longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive layout will also be found in Mazda’s new plug-in-hybrid, which will feature a 2.0 or 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactive X inline-four unit. The interesting thing here is that, instead of an E-rear axle, the electric motor is positioned between the engine and gearbox, while a driveshaft is transferring torque to the rear.
In addition, Mazda is working on its own EV platform, which aims to be completed by 2025. It is largely believed that the “Skyactive EV scalable architecture” will share a lot with Toyota’s e-TNJA platform.
Considering the strategy’s deadline of 2030, and the above-mentioned debuts, we can deduct that Mazda, like many other carmakers, is gradually transitioning towards electrification. In the period 2025-2030, we expect Mazda to announce even more EV models.
Sadly, Mazda's new policy doesn't mention the much anticipated next-generation Mazda 6, which was delayed and there's even more mystery surrounding the supposed sportscar Mazda is said to be working on. Some of the last reports surrounding the "RX-9" talked about Mazda trying to improve its rotary engine design. At this point, we can only hope that the future of Mazda can accommodate a sportier model.