A portion of the front fender is all that Mazda has revealed so far about this future three-row crossover! The replacement for the current CX-9, the 2024 Mazda CX-90, will be unveiled in its final form next January.
Based on a new platform – which will be shared with the other large vehicles in the CX series – the new CX-90 will also take over the title of the brand’s flagship vehicle, even though for many, the MX-5 holds that title. We can expect a wider, longer SUV with more aggressive proportions than the CX-9, which, remember, has been in service since the 2017 model year.
We can also detect in the photo released by Mazda the letters “L-I-N-E-6”, which points directly to this new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine expected by fans of the Hiroshima-based brand. We can also expect to see the CX-90 marketed with a plug-in hybrid option that will use the 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a battery pack, and an electric motor.
This powertrain is rated at 327 horsepower and an even more impressive 378 lb-ft of torque. And let’s not forget that the automaker has finally traded in its six-speed automatic transmission for a more modern eight-speed unit, one that will likely be found on future models of the brand.
Early reports indicate that the 6-speed will be limited to 280 horsepower, but that’s just from the Australian market. We’ll have to wait until the January unveiling to find out more about the potential of this six-cylinder option. It’s also worth mentioning that this engine will be backed up by a 48V mild hybrid system.
The image provided by the manufacturer is also an opportunity to introduce the new Artisan Red body colour, an option that will be reserved for the Japanese division’s new premium vehicles. The CX-70, expected later, will probably be the other vehicle that will be able to wear this special colour.
See you later this winter for a proper unveiling.
