Our first look at Mazda’s new six-cylinder engine

Mazda has finally revealed its range of next generation six-cylinder engines. Pictured in the company’s latest financial report are three versions of the straight-six: regular gasoline, diesel, and Skyactiv-X compression-ignition gasoline.

The report confirms that the engines have been designed for longitudinal installation and will be suited for rear-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The motors will also be hybrid-ready.

Adding extra cylinders will  boost the power, performance and refinement of Mazda models as the company attempts to complete its transformation into a more upscale brand. The engine would be a natural fit in the next Mazda6, which if it looks anything like the Vision Coupe concept car, would be sure to be a winner. It would also be suited for the company’s expanding SUV range, and ideal for use in a top-trim a CX-9.

Exactly which derivatives will come to the U.S.A. has not been confirmed, but with Mazda’s diesel taking its sweet time to eventually arrive in the CX-5 (and not making a huge impact when it did), and the innovative Skyactiv-X engines unavailable, it’s likely that the conventional gas-powered motor will be the only one offered to American drivers.