Outside of SUVs, rear-wheel drivetrains are something of a novelty as carmakers pursue lower costs and higher efficiency. Mazda is one of those, but the next iteration of the Mazda6 could be making a return to the longitudinal driveshaft.
The upcoming Mazda6 could pose a serious challenge to European stalwarts [Image: Carbuzz]
That’s just one of the things being anticipated on the upcoming fourth generation of the midsize sedan. U.S. auto website Carbuzz dropped a render of what the new Mazda6 could look like, rumored to challenge what its European rivals have to offer. The specific target in this instance is BMW, with Mazda placing the Teutonic icon squarely in its crosshairs.
As previously reported on this space, design cues will primarily be inspired by the Mazda Vision Coupe Concept, itself based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. The new chassis brings increased dimensions over the current model, resulting in a more visually imposing silhouette.
The aesthetic will be influenced by the lines on the Vision Coupe Concept
What’s more, power will be generated by a Skyactiv-X inline-6 engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, channeling as much as 350 hp to the rear wheels. Rumors are flying that the powertrain is being developed with – and bankrolled by – one of Mazda’s biggest domestic rivals: Toyota.
If you fancy a coupe concept car and don't want to spend a fortune on one, a used BMW Z9 is a good option.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, with the two automakers about to open a joint production facility in Alabama by December this year to build crossovers for both brands. As a way of maximizing its investment, Toyota is also eyeing the six-pot for its own use, namely on the upcoming generations of the IS and RC from its luxury division Lexus.
The manual gearbox option could take a backseat for now
Despite the performance potential brought about by having rear drive wheels, the new Mazda6 will likely have an automatic gearbox, primarily to prop up sales figures. A stick shift could still make an appearance on performance variants, but given the Mazda6’s market positioning, this will probably have to be a pipe dream for now. The next-generation Mazda6 is rumored to launch sometime in 2022.
Catch news on the next wave of current car models at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mazda 6 2024
The Mazda6 Philippines is the Japanese marque's entry into the midsize sedan market. It is available in two variants, which are both priced at Php 2,250,000. Under the hood, the sedan has two engine options, namely the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G (gasoline) turbo and 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D (diesel) engines. With the gas power unit, the vehicle makes 228 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the diesel mill generates 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. As standard, the engines can only be paired with a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive (automatic) transmission.
Dimensions-wise, the Mazda6 has a length of 4,870 mm, a width of 1,840 mm, and a height of 1,450 mm. Moreover, it comes with a wheelbase of 2,830 mm. In the Philippines, this Japanese midsize sedan goes up against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
₱ 2,250,000
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