Mazda’s new SkyActiv powertrains have focused on four-cylinder engines so far, but that could change with the next-generation CX-9 SUV.
According to a new report, Mazda executives are weighing two possible powertrains. Masahiro Moro, the automaker’s global head of sales and marketing, says downsizing to a turbocharged four-cylinder would be the most likely option given the industry’s current trend toward downsizing. Not only that, the company is also moving away from using its Ford-sourced V6 used in the current CX-9.
However, Mitsuo Hitomi, Mazda’s powertrain engineer, believes moving to turbocharging wouldn’t be a cost-effective option. Instead, developing a SkyActiv six-cylinder engine is also in the cards, which would also help the company move into more upmarket segments.
Another option would be a diesel powertrain, but Moro says that has been ruled out given much of the CX-9′s customers are in the U.S., where diesels are largely unpopular.
“With the CX-9 the main market is the USA. In general, these customers don’t have a strong preference towards diesel engines. So probably the main engine should be a petrol engine in my opinion.”
