A look at the impressive new Mazda inline-six powertrain

Mazda has always been known for its unique powertrains. The Japanese automaker is known for its SkyActiv engines which for years have set the benchmark when it comes to ensuring optimal efficiency to go along with remarkable performance. The impressive balance of performance and fuel economy that we find with any Mazda engine is really what sets the brand’s vehicles apart. Now, Mazda is turning to an inline-six-cylinder engine lineup for its upcoming new CX-60, CX-70, and CX-90 models.

These new sport utility vehicles required more performance and aim to provide a truly luxurious feel behind the wheel. This is what pushed Mazda to develop a new engine which will deliver these characteristics while also enhancing efficiency. The new Mazda inline-six-cylinder engine will be smoother and offer a more engaging experience than a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 can.

A unique blend of features to create the best experience possible behind the wheel


The new Mazda inline-six-cylinder engine is reported to deliver 320 hp. This engine can also be paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which we expect to deliver 280 hp while also offering exceptional range. Even the traditional inline-six will feature a 48V mild-hybrid system that will help at start up and during certain manoeuvres to ensure the most performance with the least amount of fuel consumption.

Mazda chose to go with an inline-six-cylinder layout as opposed to a V6 because of the smoothness that this configuration delivers. It is not surprising that luxury automakers like BMW continue to also offer inline-six-cylinder powertrains in most of its vehicles. Aligning the pistons in a row reduces the amount of vibrations coming from the engine and therefore makes the power delivery a lot more linear.

The end result is quicker with improved reactivity and less harshness. This is also why an inline-six-cylinder powertrain was a better choice for Mazda then a turbocharged four-cylinder for its next lineup of sport utility vehicles. Turbocharging has a lot of advantages and we see it in the 2.5 L turbocharged SkyActiv engine found in models like the Mazda3 and the Mazda CX-5. This engine delivers class-leading torque and one of the sportiest possible experiences behind the wheel.

That said, for a larger SUV, an inline-six-cylinder powertrain delivers much of the same experience but the power delivery is a lot more refined.

The Mazda inline-six-cylinder engine compensates for turbocharging by increasing displacement. With 500cc of displacement per cylinder, the performance of the inline-six-cylinder engine is simply impressive.

The engine will also be paired with a new and optimized gearbox. The new eight-speed automatic transmission paired with a new inline-six-cylinder engine features a multi-plate clutch as opposed to a traditional torque converter. This design is smaller and lighter than a traditional gearbox which means improved efficiency and improved fuel consumption while also creating smoother starts from a stoplight, for example.

Whether it is the mild-hybrid form or the PHEV version, the new Mazda inline-six promises to deliver the performance we expect from a Mazda engine and the fuel economy as well. It will also be smooth and refined the way we expect a luxury vehicle like the upcoming Mazda CX-90, for example, to be. Give us a call today to learn more.