Mazda is outlining ambitious plans for its future, which include a new architecture and new inline-six engines meant to take the brand upmarket.

All signs point to the automaker's new Large Architecture being rear-wheel drive, as it uses a longitudinal engine layout.

We suspect that the next-generation Mazda 6 sedan will be the first vehicle to use this new architecture and new engines, with other models to follow.

Mazda has confirmed plans for inline-six engines and a new "Large Architecture," with all signs pointing to this platform being rear-wheel drive. In an investor presentation found by Jalopnik, the Japanese automaker outlined all sorts of initiatives for its future that it plans to implement between 2020 and 2025, the most interesting of which are investments for its next generation of products. From what we know so far, it appears Mazda is getting way more serious about its ambition to become a luxury brand.

The key slide in the presentation mentions several important developments in regard to the new architecture. The longitudinal engine layout strongly suggests that the platform will be rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive available as an option). While it's possible to package a longitudinally mounted engine in a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it doesn't make a lot of sense. It also confirms that two inline-six engines are in the works, one Skyactiv-D diesel and one with Mazda's Skyactiv-X Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology. Electrification is also part of the plan, as 48-volt mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems are mentioned.

Mazda

These developments are all part of what Mazda calls its "new-generation lineup" that will be rolled out between 2020 and 2025. Mazda says this new lineup aims to reach into a higher pricing realm. Given the company's current product portfolio, we suspect that the next-generation Mazda 6 sedan may be the first of these new products to arrive. With rear-wheel drive and an inline-six engine, it could supersede the mainstream family-sedan segment in which it currently sits and reach into the entry-luxury segment, doing battle with the likes of the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class in price and performance.

Mazda also says it will continue to evolve its Kodo design language, as displayed on concept cars such as the Mazda Vision Coupe (pictured above) that—we hope—give an idea of what the next-gen 6 could look like. And if we really lean into our wishful thinking, we think that this new initiative can only be good news for the possibility that Mazda will introduce a new sports car larger than the Miata, as previewed by the RX Vision concept (pictured below). Even if it has an inline-six instead of a rotary engine, that's a plan we can get behind.

Mazda confirmed to C/D that the company has set its sights on a "path to premium" but said it won’t disclose information on specific models, release dates, or performance numbers until "an appropriate time." We will keep you posted.

Mazda

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