Will Lexus Partner with Mazda on New Engines?

Posted by Kevin on July 30th, 2019

Peter Lyon at Forbes is adding fuel to the fire regarding a recent rumor that Lexus will utilize Mazda engines in future models:

And now we are hearing that Toyota and Lexus will employ Mazda’s radical new engine technology as well as Denso’s 48V electrical system into its rear-drive saloons.

Expected to appear in the next generation Mazda6 in 2022, and Toyota and Lexus models after that, the 3.0-liter straight-6 SkyActiv-X unit will feature similar technology to the Mazda3’s new “X” powerplant including a diesel-like common rail system, a mild hybrid system and a supercharger with the 48V electric package. Power is expected to clear 300 horsepower.

This is a story that originated from Japanese magazine Best Car, who suggested the next-generation RC coupe would be built on a Mazda platform and utilize a Mazda engine.

While the rumor may seem unbelievable in many regards, it’s not without precedent. Lexus parent company Toyota co-developed the GT86 with Subaru, while the new Supra was a joint project with BMW. Should this new Lexus Mazda speculation prove true, there’s a common thread throughout — they’re all sport coupes.

Lexus RC: First GenerationRumorsTech
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Comments
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Mazda doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation for awesome engine technology *coughrotary* but maybe it's because of the bad old Ford days, back when they made the subpar MZR engine lineup. I've heard good things about the SkyActiv engines and their fuel economy, but they're hardly sports car material either.

Maybe new, premium, upscale Mazda has changed for real. Either way, if I want a Mazda, I'll buy a Mazda, not a Lexus.
T
I sure would like a mazda engine over a BMW one. The new skyactiv engines are really nice and a Japanese inline 6 would complement a Japanese carmaker better than a German engine IMHO.

Having said that though, I do prefer either Yamaha or Toyota/Lexus engines for Lexus. For Toyota yeah I don't really mind if they use engines from other car makers to keep costs down etc so they can add extra stuff. But not Lexus please.
T
GNS said
Mazda doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation for awesome engine technology *coughrotary* but maybe it's because of the bad old Ford days, back when they made the subpar MZR engine lineup. I've heard good things about the SkyActiv engines and their fuel economy, but they're hardly sports car material either.

Maybe new, premium, upscale Mazda has changed for real. Either way, if I want a Mazda, I'll buy a Mazda, not a Lexus.
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Is mazda trying to move up a class also in the states as it is in Australia? It seems that it is trying to move from higher end run of the mill class (ie the usual Toyota class) into the prestige but not luxury class (eg non European Volkswagens and low end volvo).
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thtupid said
Is mazda trying to move up a class also in the states as it is in Australia? It seems that it is trying to move from higher end run of the mill class (ie the usual Toyota class) into the prestige but not luxury class (eg non European Volkswagens and low end volvo).
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That's exactly what Mazda is trying to do - double dip into the econobox and entry level luxury market. People don't want to pay the BMW tax for the X1 or look like they are snobs / one-upping their friends and neighbors, so they get a Mazda CX-5 instead - at least that's the theory behind their strategy.
E
GNS said
That's exactly what Mazda is trying to do - double dip into the econobox and entry level luxury market. People don't want to pay the BMW tax for the X1 or look like they are snobs / one-upping their friends and neighbors, so they get a Mazda CX-5 instead - at least that's the theory behind their strategy.
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I would say that Mazda is doing a good job moving into the upscale market. I love the SkyactivG 2.5L engine used in the 6. Paired with their Skyactiv Transmission, and you have a winner. It's a much better powertrain than what Toyota offered at the time and it still is. I'm actually looking forward to the new Mazda 6 if it does switch over to an RWD platform. The Lexus/Mazda collaboration sounds pretty interesting. Looking forward to more news about it.
Madi
I think this is not going to happen due to the following reasons :
1- For the platform Lexus - like the other Japanese manufacturers - is joining the modular platform ship, which aiming toward facilitating parts sharing, easier to make variants and cutting production costs. So in general we have TNGA for FWD based vehicles and GA-L for RWD based vehicles and every future RWD model from TOYOTA- LEXUS will use the GA-L platform - other wise it will be pointless to enter the modular platform world.
2- The TNGA engine range is still young, so it's too early to dump it out.

M