The most powerful Mazda engine ever … and it’s in an SUV

J.A.
By J.A. Ackley
Jan 24, 2023 | Mazda, Inline six, Mazda CX-90, RX Vision

Photo: Courtesy Mazda

It’s got the most powerful mass-produced Mazda engine ever. It’s got rear-wheel-drive (“well, rear-biased all-wheel-drive”). And … it’s another SUV.

Why couldn’t it be a car, like the Mazda RX-Vision concept that was revealed in 2015?

Mazda recently announced the power plant for its new CX-90 SUV. The engine is a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six that puts out 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s the first-ever inline-six engine that Mazda has produced.

The company also plans to offer a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for the new CX-90.

However, maybe there’s hope for Mazda car enthusiasts who clamor for a RX-Vision or a new Mazda6.

The announcement goes on to say, “This inline six turbo is developed specifically for the large platform, Mazda’s all-new rear-biased all-wheel drive layout that supports a performance-focused experience.”

Why stop at one vehicle? Mazda tends to use their engines across multiple models.

We can dream, right?

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Comments
alfadriver
alfadriver MegaDork
1/24/23 5:16 p.m.

So it sounds that Mazda will be one of the first to make the jump back to an I6.  I was kind of working on one as my last project a year ago- but then I stopped working.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/24/23 6:02 p.m.

Not a lot of automakers are introducing ground-up new combustion engines right now. Mazda does not follow the crowd.

They need a halo car other than a sub-$30k roadster. They need that RX-Vision. So cool.

J.A. Ackley
J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
1/24/23 7:37 p.m.

I've been hearing rumors of this inline-six engine for awhile. I've also been hearing rumors of a RWD, inline-six sport coupe. Well, one of two rumors came true.

alfadriver
alfadriver MegaDork
1/24/23 7:52 p.m.

Did you guys get any details of the I6?  Theoretically, a single turbo version is a big help for emissions.  

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/24/23 7:52 p.m.

Mazda explicitly said they were building a straight six back in 2019, I think. The RWD coupe part clearly comes from the RX-Vision.

VolvoHeretic
VolvoHeretic GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
1/24/23 8:03 p.m.

I wonder if it will fit in a Miata? I stuffed a Volvo 6 cylinder into a 4 banger Volvo 1800 45 years ago... hint, hint.smiley

Opti
Opti SuperDork
1/24/23 8:30 p.m.

If this was out I would have bought it instead of the Jeep for the wife. Tried to get her in a cx50 but she wasn't a fan

Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter)
Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
1/24/23 8:32 p.m.
alfadriver said:

So it sounds that Mazda will be one of the first to make the jump back to an I6.  I was kind of working on one as my last project a year ago- but then I stopped working.

Stellantis just came out with one, too. Interesting how cyclical these things can be.

CyberEric
CyberEric Dork
1/24/23 9:55 p.m.

If Mazda puts this in a sedan or a coupe with a great chassis and the steering from the CX-50 (that Throttle House compared to Lotus steering), I will be very excited!

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
1/24/23 10:03 p.m.

I'm curious what the price of the new CX-90 will be. The better half liked the CX-5 loaner we had a few years ago. 

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