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Mazda Large Architecture To Introduce Inline-Six SkyActiv-X, SkyActiv-D Engines

After a long, long time of relying on the MZI V6 co-developed with Ford, Mazda decided to pour resources into an inline-six family. The Skyactiv-X and Skyactiv-D are both confirmed to feature six cylinders, and the platform that will enable Mazda to utilize this engine is the Large Architecture.
Mazda6 sedan 33 photos
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
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The information was revealed at the Fiscal Year March 2019 Financial Results presentation, and the Japanese automaker further mentions a “longitudinal engine layout” including i-Activ AWD. In other words, entry-level models based on the Large Architecture will be rear-wheel drive, including the successor of the Mazda6 sedan.

On page 25 of the presentation, Mazda didn’t forget about electrification. Mild hybrids (48-volt) and plug-in hybrids are planned on the Large Architecture, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Small Architecture will welcome “independently-developed battery EVs.”

Small Architecture covers the compact and subcompact segments, and mild hybridization is also in the pipeline. The Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D turbo diesels are to be upgraded in the not-so-distant future, and the Skyactiv-X 2.0 will be offered in the United States.

Rumors on the Skyactiv-X suggest that Mazda is working on a large-displacement engine for North America, and this got us into thinking the straight-six Skyactiv-X is how the cookie crumbles. Depending on who you’re asking, estimates vary from 2.5 to 3.0 liters of displacement.

The most suck-squeeze-bang-blow that Mazda offers for the 2019 model year is the Skyactiv-G 2.5T in the CX-9 with third-row seating. The four-cylinder turbo develops 227 horsepower on 87-octane fuel and 250 horsepower on premium at 5,000 rpm. Peak torque is 310 pound-feet at 2,000 rpm, an adequate amount given the weight of the family-oriented crossover.

In related news, Mazda kept its promise with the CX-5 by introducing the Skyactiv-D 2.2 in the U.S. of A.. Not long now, the Mazda6 will also be available with the four-cylinder turbo diesel. The engine is good for 168 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 290 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm.
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 Download: Fiscal Year March 2019 Financial Results presentation (PDF)

About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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