The future of Mazda performance: 2023 Mazda 6's inline six-cylinder engine revealed - and it could be set for the CX-5's successor

Mazda has revealed the inline six-cylinder engine that will power the higher-performing variants of its future models, with the next Mazda6 mid-size car rumoured to get the new unit first, while the current CX-5 mid-size SUV’s replacement is likely to follow soon after.

The image below of the inline six-cylinder engine (and new four-cylinder unit and plug-in hybrid powertrain) was published by Mazda as part of its third-quarter financial presentation, offering our first look at the incoming performance upgrade.

As reported, the inline six-cylinder engine will be available in petrol, diesel and SkyActiv-X compression-ignition forms, with it and the new four-cylinder unit and PHEV powertrain now confirmed to be introduced “after 2022”, according to Mazda.

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This timing aligns with that of the next Mazda6, which has been heavily rumoured to move to a new platform that supports rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive, with a reveal tipped by the end of 2022.

The expected shift in drivetrain allows the engine bay to move to a longitudinal layout, which makes fitting the inline six-cylinder engine a cinch.

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The inline six-cylinder engine will be available in petrol, diesel and SkyActiv-X compression-ignition forms.

With the current CX-5’s successor, possibly named CX-50, likely to be related to the next Mazda6, it stands to reason it will also move to the new RWD/AWD platform and get the inline six-cylinder engine soon after, but time will tell.

Revealed at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, the Mazda Vision Coupe concept is said to be a preview of the next Mazda6, which will seemingly continue the brand’s premium push with the RWD/AWD BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class firmly in its sights.

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