On November 9, Mazda released its second-quarter results, as well as upcoming plans for the third quarter. Naturally, these sorts of documents aren’t usually very exciting, but there was one slide that did have some interesting information.
Titled “Investment for raising brand value (Technology/Products): Foundation building (next 2 years),” the slide briefly detailed the development of a longitudinally mounted “high power/low CO2” inline-six engine.
We have been aware of this upcoming engine for a little while now, though it is interesting to now see it in the flesh. As well, the presentation points out that the new straight-six will available in gasoline, diesel and Skyactiv-X versions—though market availability is not yet clearly mentioned.
On a slightly related note, Mazda also confirms a plan to further expand its use of the rotary engine as a range extender for future electric models.
At any rate, this presentation does show us that Mazda is serious about its inline-six engine, though its production debut hasn’t yet been announced.
In the meantime, we’ll let the rest of the class speculate what this new powerplant will be placed into, and you can even read the whole presentation for yourself if you like. (The good stuff is on slide 21.)
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Rumor is also that this new engine and the new Mazda6 chassis will be purchased from Mazda by Toyota for the next-gen Lexus IS. Seems likely considering Toyota's recent trend of farming out engine development and Toyota selling the Mazda2 as a Scion/Toyota.
In reply to NickD :
Six in a row is the way to go.
In reply to NickD :
That sounds interesting. Especially since that would mean Toyota would be selling two cars with inline-sixes built by another car company.
In reply to Colin Wood :
FCA development money for the Fiata is partially why the ND is so good, so Toyota money towards the Mazda6 ought to result in a pretty good car as well. Funny, because Mazda is pushing the "premium car at a regular car price" experience, which would make it undercut the Lexus.
NickD said:In reply to Colin Wood :
FCA development money for the Fiata is partially why the ND is so good, so Toyota money towards the Mazda6 ought to result in a pretty good car as well. Funny, because Mazda is pushing the "premium car at a regular car price" experience, which would make it undercut the Lexus.
I wonder if the Toyota people have enough brand faith in Lexus to believe they wouldn't be cross-shopped? I do suspect that Mazda buyers and Lexus buyers are different demographics, but banking on Lexus's brand prestige seems a bit optimistic.
ultraclyde (Forum Supporter) said:NickD said:In reply to Colin Wood :
FCA development money for the Fiata is partially why the ND is so good, so Toyota money towards the Mazda6 ought to result in a pretty good car as well. Funny, because Mazda is pushing the "premium car at a regular car price" experience, which would make it undercut the Lexus.
I wonder if the Toyota people have enough brand faith in Lexus to believe they wouldn't be cross-shopped? I do suspect that Mazda buyers and Lexus buyers are different demographics, but banking on Lexus's brand prestige seems a bit optimistic.
they're already close in price, this battle has already begun honestly.
the CX-5 and CX-9 already play in the price brackets where the RX and NX SUV's exist. and the new CX-30 is definitely a direct competitor to the UX.
Mazda sells 2/3 of the vehicles Lexus does, but Lexus has higher margins.
Even if it hurts Lexus sales, i think it feeds into the company goal of building more exciting cars.
Mazda financing is also now underwritten by Toyota financial instead of Chase bank(which was for over 5 years). So every new Mazda financed/leased through the MFR is actually financed/leased at a benefit to Toyota's bottom line.
I don't know if Mazda dealer floorplanning has changed, but if that's also now under toyota.. even more money to their bottom line..
I honestly wonder if Toyota won't buy the company out completely in the next 10 years.
spacecadet (Forum Supporter) saidMazda financing is also now underwritten by Toyota financial instead of Chase bank(which was for over 5 years). So every new Mazda financed/leased through the MFR is actually financed/leased at a benefit to Toyota's bottom line.
That... is EXTREMELY interesting, given that for a long time the only profitable part of GM was GMAC.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:spacecadet (Forum Supporter) saidMazda financing is also now underwritten by Toyota financial instead of Chase bank(which was for over 5 years). So every new Mazda financed/leased through the MFR is actually financed/leased at a benefit to Toyota's bottom line.
That... is EXTREMELY interesting, given that for a long time the only profitable part of GM was GMAC.
annouced the move over a year ago
I still keep in semi close contact with my friends at the Mazda dealer where I worked from 2014-2017 and I watch Mazda's stock price out of a general curiousity.
I try to keep my fingers on the pulse of the brand.
Dang. That is interesting. Perhaps purchase Mazda and make it the performance brand for the company?
ultraclyde (Forum Supporter) said:NickD said:In reply to Colin Wood :
FCA development money for the Fiata is partially why the ND is so good, so Toyota money towards the Mazda6 ought to result in a pretty good car as well. Funny, because Mazda is pushing the "premium car at a regular car price" experience, which would make it undercut the Lexus.
I wonder if the Toyota people have enough brand faith in Lexus to believe they wouldn't be cross-shopped? I do suspect that Mazda buyers and Lexus buyers are different demographics, but banking on Lexus's brand prestige seems a bit optimistic.
They have the prestige. For the next 1-2 generations, unless they have a real turd that kills their reputation (unlikely), they'll be fine.
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