Mazda 6 And New RX To Be Based On Toyota Rear Wheel Drive Platform

According to Japanese media, Mazda’s partnership with Toyota will soon be yielding tangible results as the former will borrow a rear-wheel drive from the latter to underpin the next Mazda 6, as well as the production version of the RX-Vision concept.

The idea is quite intriguing – and means Mazda does have intentions to move the future generation of the Mazda6 a bit up market, but of course we’re actually more interested in the fact that such as performance-capable chassis would be used to underpin the series version of the tantalizing RX-Vision concept. In addition, the rumors speak of a new design language for the Mazda6, with a premium styling and the company’s latest developments in terms of powertrains, the new Skyactiv X engines with compression ignition taking care of performance aspects.

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MDarringer - 9/22/2017 6:45:04 PM

0 Boost

So Mazda will be a budget Lexus which means that Lexus won't have to whore of sales.

TomM - 9/22/2017 8:54:24 PM

-1 Boost

What Toyota is doing is removing the Mazda 6 from being in competition with the Camry - and likely the 6 will have to go up in price to use that platform.

Since the 6 - while a good car with a good reputation - does not sell in the numbers that the Camry sells at - they can move it aside.

I would believe that Mazda will eventually become a "step above" Toyota - after toyota buys control - and put in between Toyota and Lexus - allowing Lexus to move completely up market - possibly leaving the ES and Rx for Mazda.

However- I do not think it will work. IT will cost Mazda sales - and a reason for existence - and then when they no longer need them - Toyota can simply sell its position and let them die.

MDarringer - 9/22/2017 9:00:10 PM

0 Boost

Toyota is positioning its "divisions" well

Toyota / mainstream
Subaru / near-premium AWD
Mazda / near-premium performance
Lexus / luxury

And yes, Toyota will swallow Subaru and Mozda.