RRemember that intriguing rumor that Mazda is planning an all-new Mazda 6 that will be rear-wheel drive and powered by a fresh straight-six turbo petrol?
There has been constant speculation that Mazda’s new rear-drive large architecture, which will underpin a host of new SUVs like the CX-60, CX-70 and CX-90, a new 6 and possibly a Halo Sports. will also make a coupe, long rumored to be badged the RX-9.
But now Mazda has said that won’t happen. Both projects seem dead in the water, or pretty much put on the back burner, and not just because they’ll be slow sellers as buyer tastes change.
Mazda has revealed that its new big architecture is designed exclusively for SUVs.
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Addressing. The wheels At the Australian reveal of the CX-60, Mazda design chief Akira Tamatani confirmed that the new 6 and halo sports car are currently low priorities.
“If we can have success with these big platform products. [CX-60 et al] Then after that we might be able to get a passenger model,” he said. Some steps will need to be taken in order to take action later. Of course we have the passion to do so. [a new 6 and sportscar]But to get there we need to take some steps.
When asked to explain his comment that a new Mazda 6 would require a new platform, Tamtani said:
“Vehicle height [of a Mazda 6] SUVs will be less, so I don’t think we can use the exact same platform for those vehicles. This large architecture is primarily designed for SUVs.
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Mazda Vision Coupe Concept
Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer, Yasuhiro Aoyama, also downplayed the prospects of a new-generation rear-drive 6.
“We will be focusing our attention on running basic models of large architectures, so we need to carefully investigate the opportunity of how we can develop this type of model. [a sedan] for different countries so that we can meet the expectations of customers.
“But we are still investigating a lot of opportunities as to what the best product portfolio should be for us as we gradually transition from ICE to electric.”
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The Mazda 6 nameplate first joined the lineup in 2002 when it replaced the 626, but Aoyama confirmed that there is no guarantee that Mazda’s long-running midsizer will survive beyond its current generation. will remain When we asked if Aoyama’s One and 6 was a sure thing, his answer was unequivocal.
“No, we are still investigating many opportunities to build a suitable portfolio keeping in mind the evolution of our technologies in the future,” he said.
Mazda dropped the 6 from its lineup in the US last year and Australian sales have declined as the market shifts towards SUVs, so news that a new 6 is on shaky ground comes as no surprise. Happily though, the brand is more positive about the future of the iconic MX-5, which Aoyama has confirmed is currently being prepared for a circa 2026 reveal.