With the recent introduction of the fuel saving Skyactive Mazda 3 and the all-Skyactiv CX-5, the Japanese automaker is riding a wave of efficiency. Their next big move towards saving drivers at the pump will take place within the company’s midsize sedan. When the next generation Mazda 6 hits the market as a 2014, it will not be offered with a six cylinder engine but instead, will get its power from an all four banger powerplant. The reason stems from customer demand for exceptional mileage, the kind of which that can be produced by high-compression, light weight and direct injected four cylinder mills.
According to Jeremy Barnes, a Mazda spokesman, in an interview with Automotive News, the current V6 Mazda 6 sedans are losing favor to the smaller engined cars. This is especially so given the company’s recent Skyactiv version of the slightly smaller Mazda 3. The exact powerplant line for the upcoming third generation 6 has yet to be official, but chances of the CX-5 donating its drivetrain are rather high. We also wouldn’t doubt seeing a turbocharged version given that Hyundai has had remarkable success with its forced air Sonata: a Mazda 6 direct competitor.
Source: AutomotiveNews.com
