Mazda developing naturally aspirated inline-six

Japanese car maker wants to integrate its compression ignition SkyActiv tech with hybrid power

Mazda is continuing to fly the flag for natural aspiration in modern engines by extending its SkyActiv compression ignition tech into six-cylinder units. According to information posted on its media site that was subsequently removed, the Japanese firm is developing inline-six petrol and diesel engines for use in its larger models to provide atmospheric answers to the turbocharged powerplants of its European rivals.

While there’s every chance pure six-cylinder cars will be born from this, it seems the highest-ranking versions will integrate electric power, with everything from mild to plug-in hybrids on the agenda in the firm’s future plans. Hybrid or not, the use of compression ignition tech within the engine ought to ensure even the most electrified models will be free-spinning, responsive and, hopefully, more vocal than the boosted units from BMW et al.

Equally as exciting is the prospect of a six-pot like this that drives its rear wheels. In the now-removed financial report on Mazda’s site, the firm said it was working on longitudinally-mounted engines, suggesting handling, as well as performance, will benefit from the projects. All-wheel drive was also included in the document, possibly pointing to the layouts to be used in plug-in hybrid versions.

Mazda UK would not comment on the findings when contacted by PH, but the firm’s intention to create higher-performance driver’s cars of a more premium standing is no secret. Could we see a hybrid inline-six powerplant within the body of an RX-8 successor? It doesn’t seem far-fetched at all – see the Vision Coupe and earlier RX-Vision concept as evidence. A few years back, rotary power still looked plausible for forthcoming hot Mazdas, but the challenges to make it work have always seemed great. Perhaps now, Mazda’s found a happy medium with its compression ignition tech. What do you think?

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