Could Mazda be planning big changes under the bonnet for their next big family car, and will it debut the much-rumoured compression-ignition tech for the next-generation of SkyActiv engines?
It’s hard to believe that the current third-generation Mazda6 has been around for four years now. In that timeframe, the car has aged well, and since the previous second-generation 6 lasted for five years its possible Mazda’s next big saloon is primed for a gradual global reveal before the wraps get pulled off in 2017.
But exactly what could Mazda be planning? Could it go the bolder route, showing the way forward for the brand and its line-up, or take the subtler, iterative approach?
Malaysian automotive portal Carlist.my cites unverified sources that suggest the next Mazda6 will be a lighter and more compact car (lower, shorter, but just as wide) and matched to a longer wheelbase to actually result in a larger cabin, which currently is a sticking point when compared to its rivals.
Talk about a new engine combustion method, however, is the most interesting of the rumours. Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) technology is essentially petrol combustion without the fuss of having to use (and eventually replace) a spark plug. Instead, the air/fuel mixture is ignited through compression much like in a diesel engine - albeit much more compression than is typical of a gasoline engine. This method comes with big efficiency gains over the traditional spark-ignition.
It’s possible that Mazda, should they choose to go this route, not elect to drastically change the rest of their engine. Engine capacity, too, should remain at 2.0-litres and 2.5-litres like the current SkyActiv-G units in the Mazda6. Power gains should see a moderate increase to around 127kW from the 2.0-litre four pot and a possible 141kW for the larger 2.5.
Mazda has indeed detailed their interest in HCCI engines, but the fourth-generation Mazda6 might not be the first recipient. Instead, we might see Mazda fit in their 2.5-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-G that we first saw on the new CX-9.
A rendering (above) has emerged on various social media pages and enthusiast forums depicting a new Mazda6 that’s not that much different from the one we know now. While we can’t verify its authenticity, we’d submit that the more cautious approach would be most suited for a Mazda of the moment.
A drastic visual departure would only succeed in alienating its other, quite recent models and the cost and engineering tax to develop and hone a new vehicle platform wouldn’t be justified. The Mazda saloon formula doesn’t seem to be broke, so they’ll probably won’t want to fix it.
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