Mazda Dropping V6 Engine Option From Lineup
For years now the decline of the V8 engine in traditional passenger cars has been well documented. Even sports cars are moving away from the hulking powerplants. But could the V6 see a similar fate?
It certainly will at Mazda, confirms Robert Davis, the brand’s US boss, commenting in a recent interview that the company has no plans to build new V6 engine using the brand’s new Skyactiv engineering philosophy.
Introduced in the 2012 Mazda3, Mazda’s first Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine makes use of numerous fuel saving technologies from lighter components and lower friction surfaces, to direct injection, variable valve timing and an ultra-high compression ratio.
In the past, only the Mazda6 and CX-9 were available with a V6 powerplant. Mazda has been quiet on plans to build a turbocharged 4-cylinder, although it’s likely one is in the works. Another possibility is a hybrid 4-cylinder that could deliver V6 power with exceptional fuel economy. Plus, there’s the strong possibility that Mazda will offer a Mazda6 diesel, as previewed in the Takeri concept (above).
In addition, Davis did confirm Mazda is currently exploring the future of the Rotary powerplant, both for conventional use and also as a rang extender to help charge a battery pack for an electric motor.
[Source: Car & Driver]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
More by Colum Wood
Comments
Join the conversation
LIKE IT! Build it, ADVERTISE IT, and buyers will come. How about a speed6 version? All wheel drive , extra horses! A halo car to get noticed. Tired of folks saying thats a nice T...........
They dropped there 6 cylinder motors because they were absolutely terrible. Even there 2.0 4 cylinders weren't any better. They had valve issues, oil burning, and even timing CHAIN problems. It sounds like they're a lot better for the 2012 -2013 models but I wouldn't bother at this point since this started when they released there 3 and 6's back in around 2003 or so. From what i have gathered they started back from square one and dropped there v6 and fix the existing problems with there 4 cylinders. Once they master there 4 cylinders then it be wise to release a v6.