Mazda recently confirmed that a new, next-generation CX-5 is on the way, and it will be a gas-electric hybrid. In a recent investor relations meeting, the company also shared details about a new line of Skyactiv engines and other new projects involving a next-generation battery-electric vehicle platform as the company begins its transition to electrification and push towards carbon neutrality. The meeting happened last week when the company shared its latest quarter financial performance and hinted at some future plans in order to drum up some funding for the future.
According to some of the materials presented and handed out at the conference, the company is planning a number of phases, including a new CX-5, which is currently under development and scheduled to debut sometime between 2025 and 2027 with a new gas-electric hybrid propulsion system developed in-house. In addition to the next-gen CX-5, Mazda is also researching and developing a new battery electric vehicle platform with aspirations of launching a new EV crossover SUV based on this new platform.
Mazda’s Three-Phase Product Plan Starts With New CX-5 Hybrid
Believe it or not, the current second-generation Mazda CX-5 has been with us since 2016 as a 2017 model-year car, meaning it’s about to turn eight years old. Despite being as old as dirt in terms of automotive series production age, the CX-5 has done well to withstand the test of time, and that’s because to this day, it remains to be an incredibly compelling compact crossover.
Though despite how compelling it still is today, it’s still getting old and is definitely beginning to show its age, specifically when compared to the much newer competition. According to the documents and materials presented to attendees, the new CX-5 will utilize Mazda’s own gas-electric hybrid system, unlike the CX-50 hybrid, which uses a Toyota-based arrangement.
Not much else is known, as in classic automaker fashion, Mazda executives still kept their cards close in terms of sparing the details. But executives did say that they renewed Mazda’s relationship with Panasonic, who will remain the automaker’s main battery tech supplier for both its future gas-electric hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.
In addition to making the next-gen CX-5 a hybrid, Mazda is also working on reducing the model’s production complexity by reworking its entire supply chain and cutting frivolous production costs wherever they can. Additionally, the company is taking major steps to reduce the CX-5’s production pollution footprint.
New Skyactiv-Z Engines Will Replace Current Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X
In addition to the next-gen CX-5, Mazda’s also working on a completely new lineup of gasoline internal combustion engines. Dubbed “Skyactiv-Z,” executives and engineers said the new line of ICE engines will feature a unique combustion burning process.
The new process will not only improve efficiency and performance, but will do so while reducing emissions. Mazda plans to launch the new Skyactiv-Z engines by 2027.
New BEV/REEV Crossover SUV and BEV Platform
Part of the company’s three-phase plan also includes the development, research, and launch of a new platform dedicated specifically to Mazda’s future and comprehensive lineup of electric vehicles. Though the company remained tight-lipped about specifics, other than that it’s under development and is expected to continue development through 2030.
Mazda also plans to continue its partnership with Chinese-based electric vehicle manufacturer, Changan Automobile, to produce a new crossover SUV to join the new EZ-6 BEV and REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle).
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