Since 2002, the Mazda 6 came with a front-wheel-drive layout throughout four generations of existence, in our market at least. All-wheel-drive was an option on overseas versions of the midsize sedan until 2012.
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Now, a new report from Car and Driver points at rear-wheel-drive making an appearance on the next-generation Mazda 6.
The claim is based on a supposed new platform doing away with the usual transverse layout in favor of a longitudinal engine mounting, with a driveshaft spinning the rear wheels.
What’s interesting about the new platform, however, is that Mazda intends to pair it with an inline-6 powerplant (in the guise of a SkyActiv X using compression ignition), hinted at during the reveal of the Vision Coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
For the next-gen Mazda 6, a rumored 48-volt hybrid system enables it to generate up to 350 hp.
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The current Mazda 6 only comes in front-wheel-drive
A new platform with an inline-6 engine was already hinted at with the Vision Coupe Concept
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Automakers have been outfitting their passenger cars with front-wheel-drive to reduce costs, increase interior space, and provide better traction.
In going for the opposite end of the scale with rear-wheel-drive, Mazda seems to be eyeing a more performance-oriented Mazda 6, banking on better acceleration and balanced weight distribution, as well as eliminating torque steer.
A rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6 may sound surprising, but it’s important to note that the current version is based on the Shinari concept car introduced a decade ago, which was already engineered to provide rear-wheel-drive functionality.
Mazda's Shinari Concept in 2010 also marked the debut of its Kodo design language
As the new model is reportedly scheduled for a 2022 release, nothing is set in stone at this point and anything can still happen. Think about it, though: is a rear-wheel-drive Mazda6 something that tickles your fancy?
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