Topic: Mazda developing Skyactiv Inline-6 engines

[dkaz]

In its future outlook report, Mazda announced it was working on a mild hybrid system, an electric system, then out of nowhere, inline 6 versions of their Skyactiv X and D engines. This comes after Toyota said it would’ve been too expensive for them to build their own Inline-6. Mazda could see the same costs or they could prove their agility as a small car company capable of moving on to new projects with little corporate burden.

https://jalopnik.com/mazda-challenges-bmw-and-mercedes-shames-toyota-with-d-1834636620

[rrocket]

I'll believe it when I see it.....kinda reminds of the diesel....how long did that take to get to market?

[quadzilla]

Still can't build a CX5 Diesel online. Not holding my breath for a straight six.

[EV-Light]

Great decision! Going 100% against the hybrid, phev and electric trend.


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[OliverD]

I'll believe it when I see it.....kinda reminds of the diesel....how long did that take to get to market?

That's a bit different. They've been selling that diesel in other markets for years, so the engine has existed for a while.

I think the Toyota comparison is kind of dumb though. Toyota already has a family of V6 engines and they didn't need to develop a new inline six for just 1-2 niche models. If the Mazda I6 does come to fruition it would appear in several mainstream models since Mazda doesn't have a V6 at all right now.

[OliverD]

Great decision! Going 100% against the hybrid, phev and electric trend

So you didn't bother clicking the link, huh?

[Gurgie]

Cool beans!!! Hopefully they come through 

[Jaeger]

Here's hoping they are skyACTIV, not SKYactiv

[Arthur Dent]

Curious. Most engines these days are transverse and while that has been done with inline sixes (Austin, Volvo, Suzuki) it is rare and likely horrible to package and work on. A V6 works better in these transverse fwd/awd SUVs that are so popular these days. I've also heard that I6 have issues meeting fuel economy (more bearings) and emissions (even cooling is tougher). I could see how they are cheaper to develop (ie add two more cylinders to existing four). Interesting development. Maybe they will do a small I6, hardtop Miata like car in the vein of the old Spitfire/GT6.

[Blueprint]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

[rrocket]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

Down 43 present I think

[ngorongoro]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

Down 43 present I think

Mazda global fiscal year end March 2019 Results

https://www.mazda.com/globalassets/en/assets/investors/library/presentation/files/pre190509_e.pdf

Down 4% on units sold year on year, showing profit but down from 2018.

[rrocket]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

Down 43 present I think

Mazda global fiscal year end March 2019 Results

https://www.mazda.com/globalassets/en/assets/investors/library/presentation/files/pre190509_e.pdf

Down 4% on units sold year on year, showing profit but down from 2018.

Profit down 43 percent....

https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/mazdas-profits-tumble-43-foreign-exchange-lower-sales-dealer-outlays

[quadzilla]

I'm still wondering what Mazda will put this in. I get why MB did it but not sure why Mazda is.

[UnknownJinX]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

Which they have plans for.

The rotary engine range extender EV is going to be unveiled next year. I am personally looking forward to it - as a mass production application of the rotary engine could make a rotary halo sports car more likely.

I'm still wondering what Mazda will put this in. I get why MB did it but not sure why Mazda is.

Probably the bigger SUVs, maybe the 6 if it goes RWD in the future.

Mazda has plans to go luxury, hence why this is happening.

It's actually funny that some people call Mazda "poor man's BMW" or "Japanese BMW." Didn't know they are taking it that literally.

[Ron]

Mazda is bleeding money in the latest reports. They need PHEV's and EV's ASAP to stay in Europe. The six - not so much, except maybe in the US to boost the CX-9.

Down 43 present I think

Mazda global fiscal year end March 2019 Results

https://www.mazda.com/globalassets/en/assets/investors/library/presentation/files/pre190509_e.pdf

Down 4% on units sold year on year, showing profit but down from 2018.

Thanks for that link, very interesting the size of Mazda's sales in NA. I would have thought it to be more as Mazdas are very popular here on the west coast. They definitely have ambitious plans and hope we see the fruition here.

[Neutron]

I would love such an engine, the i4 skyactiv in my mazda 3 is already peppy for my needs and provides adequate output for merging and overtaking on the highway, an in-line 6 would be real sweet. I just hope it won't deal a crippling blow to fuel economy.

I would even welcome a hybrid Mazda 6 or even Mazda 3

[OliverD]

Well this explains how Mazda can justify developing a new RWD platform and a new inline six engine: Apparently they're going to share it with Lexus. Future Lexus IS and RC models may be Mazdas underneath. https://lexusenthusiast.com/2019/06/17/next-generation-lexus-rc-coupe-to-use-mazda-platform-engine/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lexusnews+Lexus+Enthusiast

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Well, that makes a lot more sense.

So Toyota is basically contracting everything out and just supplying badges at this point.   

[Ex-airbalancer]

Well, that makes a lot more sense.

So Toyota is basically contracting everything out and just supplying badges at this point.   

No point spending engineering on a low seller
It just like engineers going to manufacturing unit suppliers and asking them to design a unit to engineers specs