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This Mazda RX-7 Is So Quiet It’s Causing An Uproar

  • This 1993 Mazda RX-7 packs a silent secret beneath its stunning Montego Blue paint.
  • The RX-7 now features a modern drivetrain, again powering only the rear wheels.
  • Despite the drivetrain swap, this sports car likely weighs less than its original form.

The FD-generation of the Mazda RX-7 is often hailed as one of the most stunning Japanese sports cars of the 1990s, and even today, it still turns heads. Decades after its release, it still looks the part, and well-loved examples can fetch more than MSRP at auction. But this one, listed over on Cars & Bids, offers something a little different.

Also: This Is One Twisted Creation You Have To See To Believe

Under its fetching curves and Montego Blue paint lies a Tesla drivetrain. It makes 362 horsepower (269 kW) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. That’s good enough to keep up with or even beat its original form. The best part though is that it weighs less than it did when it had a rotary engine.

That last point might sound strange. Most EVs are very heavy, and even electromods can end up with weighty battery packs and questionable balance. Not this one, though. It’s been carefully built around a 42 kWh water-cooled lithium-ion pack. Upgraded Ground Control coilovers and Eibach springs help the Mazda handle as it should, too.

Finally, No More Pretending to Love Oil Changes

Of course, with a project of this sort, range is the big tradeoff. This RX-7 features just 120 miles (just shy of 200 km) of range, if you’re careful, so don’t expect to take it on a grand tour. That said, it’ll go long enough to enjoy some serious canyon carving, a cars and coffee meetup, or an everyday work commute in silence. It’s hard to argue with the convenience factor, too. Forget oil changes. No need to worry about Apex seals either. No compression tests are in its future. Unplug and go. That’s this car’s motto.

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Even the details appear dialed in. The builder kept the pop-up headlights, added in a rotary-style shifter, and Speedhut gauges. That includes a fuel-level gauge repurposed to show battery charge. A Tesla accelerator pedal sits on a custom-printed bracket. The car even features an updated sound system from Alpine. That all said, it’s not perfect.

It needs work to get the air conditioning running, some of the seats need work, and the body and cabin sport the kind of wear you’d expect in a car from 1993. In the end, though, it’s possible that this is a faster, more reliable RX-7 than it was originally. For many gearheads, that’s a trade-off worth making. It might not drink fuel anymore, but it’ll still burn rubber.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of an electric RX-7 and think you’re up for owning something that blends ’90s nostalgia with a modern twist, check out the listing here and place your bid.

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Credit: Cars&Bids

Mazda Just Dropped A Sportier 6e Sedan

  • Mazda and Changan have released a performance trim for the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan.
  • Alcantara seats, red highlights and black exterior details mark out the EZ-6 Sport Edition models.
  • The Sports Edition is available as an BEV or range extender hybrid with up to 255 hp in EV form.

Mazda’s latest creation is here, and it looks even sharper than before. The 6e sedan already boasted sleek styling and a refined interior, but it was crying out for a sportier edge, think something along the lines of BMW’s M Sport trim. Well, Mazda listened and has finally delivered.

The Japanese automaker and Changan have come up with the EZ-6 Sports Edition for the Chinese market, EZ-6 being the Asian name for the car we in the West know as the 6e.

Related: 2026 Mazda 6e EV Debuts In Europe To Battle The Tesla Model 3

Black exterior brightwork, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers help the Sports Edition stand out from more laid-back EZ-6 models from the outside, and the performance vibe continues inside through the use of Alcantara upholstery and flashes of red on the seat stitching and seats.

Mazda has also added red backlighting for the interior surfaces and a mesh-look aplique for the console that looks very similar to the trim pattern used on sportier CX-60 grades. The same 14.6-inch infotainment screen used on other EZ-6/6es, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and a 14-speaker Sony audio system come standard, according to Car News China.

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Photos Mazda Changan

The Sports Edition was revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show last month but managed to slip under our radar. Mazda and Changan didn’t specify whether it was packing more power than the stock sedan, but we suspect this is merely a trim package. We also strongly suspect Mazda will very soon launch a similar trim option for the European market 6e – Car News China reports that the Sports Edition was jointly developed by Mazda and Changan in China and Mazda Europe.

We’ve asked Mazda Europe about the powertrain, whether the Sports Edition is coming west, and what it’ll be called if it does, and we’ll let you know when we hear more.

One thing that will definitely be different about the Chinese and Western versions is the choice of powertrains, even though production for both models takes place in the same Changan plant. China’s EZ-6 is available with either a 1.5-liter range-extender setup making 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or a 255 hp (258 PS / 190 kW) pure-battery alternative, but Europe’s 6Es are EV-only.

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Photos Mazda

Changan

Mazda’s EV Patent Could Be The Key To Saving Sports Cars

  • Mazda patent places battery cells where a transmission tunnel would normally sit.
  • The plan is to ensure that any electric sports car it builds handles like the MX-5.
  • This patent also describes the electric motor sitting near the center of the car.

Even in a world increasingly obsessed with electric SUVs and software subscriptions, some carmakers still care about how a vehicle feels to drive. Mazda has confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 roadster will stick with the lightweight philosophy that made the current car so iconic, and it will be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. But a recent patent filing suggests the company is already thinking ahead to an electric future, possibly one that still wears the MX-5 badge.

Read: Mazda’s Next Miata Hides A Big Surprise Under The Hood

This patent was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office in October of last year and surfaced publicly in April. It includes diagrams of a compact, two-door sports car that looks very similar to today’s MX-5, but with an electric powertrain designed specifically to preserve the car’s famously nimble handling.

A New Approach to EV Packaging

Most electric vehicles rely on a skateboard-style platform, placing a large battery pack flat under the floor. That’s perfectly fine for a sedan or SUV, but it’s less ideal for a sports car, especially one where you want to sit low and feel connected to the road. Mazda’s proposed workaround is to stack the battery cells vertically in a column running through what would traditionally be the transmission tunnel, according to Motor1.

In the patent, Mazda explains that this layout places the center of gravity closer to the vehicle’s midpoint, helping to reduce yaw moment of inertia. This translates to better agility and more balanced handling. The design could also include additional battery modules behind the seats, along with a smaller pack positioned in front of the passenger. Rimac’s Nevera uses a similar configuration, placing cells both in the tunnel and behind the seats, though with more extreme performance goals in mind.

 Mazda’s EV Patent Could Be The Key To Saving Sports Cars

Centering the Mass, Preserving the Feel

Just as interesting as the position of the batteries in this potential new electric sports car from Mazda is the motor. Rather than the rear motor being mounted between the rear wheels, it would also be positioned in the center tunnel, transmitting power through a differential to the rear. This would also help to concentrate most weight in the center of the car.

As always, the fact that Mazda has applied to patent this system doesn’t mean it will reach production, let alone in the near future. However, if the MX-5 does eventually morph into an EV, it’s good to know it will continue to prioritize sports handling and fun-to-drive dynamics.

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Mazda’s New Electric SUV Proves An Instant Hit In China

  • The new Mazda EZ-60 shares its platform with the Deepal S07 from Changan.
  • Mazda has so far only announced specifications for the range-extender version.
  • It uses a range-extender powertrain with a 1.5-liter engine and 255 hp electric motor.

Many legacy carmakers have struggled to keep pace with Chinese startups and their innovative new EVs. However, earlier this week, Mazda revealed an electric SUV known as the EZ-60, and it’s already garnered quite a lot of attention in the country. It is also proving to be a hit with customers, with more than 10,000 pre-orders placed within just 48 hours of its debut.

The EZ-60 is unlike any Mazda sold elsewhere. Technically, it is not even a full-blooded Mazda. Thanks to a partnership with Changan, the SUV rides on the same platform as the Deepal S07, one of the latest electric models to roll out of China. It is a clear example of Mazda adapting to a fast-changing market, even if it means leaning on local expertise to do it.

Read: Mazda’s New Electric SUV Packs Six Screens And A Range-Extender Powertrain

As reported by CarNewsChina, Mazda secured 10,060 pre-orders for the EZ-60 in the two days since its unveiling. This comes despite the fact that the SUV has so far only been showcased in range-extender form and details about the battery-electric version have yet to be announced.

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However, one shouldn’t mistake pre-orders for actual sales. For starters, shoppers are in no way obligated to follow through with purchasing the car. Additionally, pre-orders can be placed for just 10 yuan, the equivalent of just $1.40. Not all people who did will go through and buy it, but that’s the norm in the industry anyway – only the percentage varies in each case.

Mazda may be borrowing a Chinese platform, but the EZ-60 looks every bit like a Mazda should. That is important because it will not be limited to China. In other markets, including Europe and possibly Australia, it will be sold as the CX-6e. Unfortunately, if you are in the United States, you are out of luck, because there are no plans to bring it here.

The range-extender version of the EZ-60 presented at the Shanghai Auto Show has a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that acts as a generator for the 31.7 kWh battery, which drives a 255 hp electric motor at the rear axle. As mentioned, Mazda has yet to reveal specifications of the all-electric version, and it’ll be interesting to see how buyers react to that one.

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Mazda’s New Electric SUV Packs Six Screens And A Range-Extender Powertrain

  • The Mazda EZ-60 shares its platform with the Deepal S07 from Changan.
  • It will be offered in both pure EV and range-extender EV powertrains.
  • Interior packs six screens including a 26.5-inch display and 100-inch HUD.

Update Mazda has officially unveiled the new EZ-60 compact SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show. While it will be sold globally, the U.S. market will be left out. In Europe and other regions, it’s expected to carry the CX-6e name. For the first time, we’re getting a glimpse inside the SUV. Read the updated article below for the full breakdown and a new set of photos.

Mazda has been playing catch-up in the EV world, but now it’s showing a bit more of its hand. A few days ago, the company revealed the first official images of the EZ-60, a fully electric SUV aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y and other players in the segment. Now, we’re getting a more complete picture of what to expect, including confirmation that a range-extender variant is on the way.

Read: Mazda’s Model Y Fighter Is Here But America Isn’t Getting It

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While Mazda continues to produce strong internal combustion models and even set a US sales record last year, its electric efforts haven’t exactly impressed. The MX-30, the brand’s first EV, was limited by high pricing and a frustratingly short range, making it an expected but still disappointing flop in the States.

That puts a lot of weight on the shoulders of the EZ-60, which represents Mazda’s next serious push into the global EV market. Outside of China, including Europe, the compact crossover will be sold under a different name, the CX-6e, but the mission remains the same.

Sharp Looks

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The design of the new EV takes inspiration from last year’s Arata concept, and while it’s clearly identifiable as a Mazda, it looks much more menacing than any other SUV currently in the brand’s range. The signature grille shape has been retained, although the front end now sports slim LED DRLs and an LED strip running beneath the faux grille. The Mazda logo also lights up for some extra visual drama.

According to newly released specs, the EZ-60 measures 4,850 mm (190.9 inches) in length, 1,935 mm (76.1 inches) in width, and 1,620 mm (63.7 inches) in height. Its wheelbase stretches 2,902 mm (114.2 inches). For reference, the Tesla Model Y is slightly smaller in most dimensions, coming in at 4,790 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. The EZ-60 is also closely matched in size to the Zeekr 7X, one of China’s more promising new EVs expected to reach global markets soon.

We also now know the EZ-60’s curb weight falls between 1,992 and 2,048 kg (4,391 to 4,515 lbs), making it heavier than a base Chevy Silverado with the 8-foot box and nearly as heavy as an entry-level Ford F-150. For context, Mazda’s own CX-50 and CX-5 weigh in at 3,741 and 3,679 lbs, respectively.

Chinese Bones

Built on the EPA1 modular platform (also used by Changan’s Deepal S07), the EZ-60 will come in both full EV and range-extender versions. Mazda hasn’t released full specs for the battery-only model yet, but the range-extender variant has been detailed.

It uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that functions solely as a generator, supplying power to a 31.7 kWh battery. That battery, in turn, powers a 255 hp electric motor driving the rear axle. While Mazda hasn’t shared range figures for the EZ-60, the related EZ-6 sedan R-EV offers up to 99 miles (160 km) of electric-only range, and up to 808 miles (1,300 km) when the engine is used to recharge the battery.

Inside: Screens, Screens, and More Screens

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Moving to the interior, the biggest surprise is the dashboard. Despite its close ties to Mazda’s local EZ-6 sedan, which will be sold in Europe as the 6e, the EZ-60 features a massive 26.5-inch 5K display that spans the entire width of the dash. Unlike other setups that combine multiple screens under a single pane of glass, this is a single, uninterrupted panel.

If that’s not enough display real estate, there’s also a 100-inch augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield. On the downside, Mazda seems to have removed physical controls from the center console altogether, taking a cue from Tesla’s minimalist approach.

More: 2026 Mazda 6e EV Debuts In Europe To Battle The Tesla Model 3

As you might expect, the EZ-60 is loaded with tech. In total, the cabin features six screens, including streaming media rearview mirrors on both sides and a dedicated control screen for rear passengers. It’s a departure from Mazda’s typically restrained interior design, but that’s to be expected from a model primarily aimed at competing in the tech-forward Chinese market.

Mazda also confirmed a few comfort and convenience features, such as heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, and a 23-speaker sound system. Despite the tech overload, the company didn’t forget about utility. There are 20 storage compartments throughout the vehicle, along with a modest 350-liter rear trunk that expands to 2,036 liters with the seats folded down. A 126-liter front trunk adds extra practicality.

Additional reporting John Halas

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Mazda’s Model Y Fighter Is Here But America Isn’t Getting It

  • Mazda has revealed images of its EX-60 SUV in China ahead of this month’s Shanghai Show debut.
  • EV will be rebranded CX-6e for sale abroad; Euro sales not confirmed but surely inevitable by 2026.
  • EZ-60 and 6e/EZ-6e sedan ride on Changan platforms but electric tech lags behind Korean rivals’.

Mazda’s first crack at building an electric SUV, the quirky and range-challenged MX-30, was too weird for its own good, but the EZ-60 revealed this week in China plays it straight and that looks like a smart strategy.

Images released ahead of a full debut at the Shanghai Auto Show later this month show a bigger SUV with conventional doors, but just enough of a sporty Mazda vibe to tempt a few prospective Tesla Model Y buyers to switch sides.

Related: Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return

The EZ-60 is a production version of last year’s Arata concept, and will be renamed CX-6e for sale outside China, reflecting its position in the lineup as an electric alternative to the combustion CX-60. The final design stays close to the concept’s and features a much more assertive face than its Tesla rival, frameless door glass, camera-based mirrors, a coupe-like rear with a sloping roofline and dramatically angled D-pillar. 

Mazda hasn’t confirmed it’ll come to Europe but a debut there is all but inevitable given the region is one of the strongest markets for EVs and Mazda has already committed to launching its 6e sedan (known as the EZ-60 in China) in Europe later this year. We’d be amazed if it isn’t on sale in Europe in 2026.

Shared Platform, Familiar Hardware

 Mazda’s Model Y Fighter Is Here But America Isn’t Getting It

Both sedan and SUV are built around architecture from Chinese automaker Changan, whose Deepal S07 is already engaged in a battle with the Model Y, and coming to Europe before the end of 2025. We’ll have to wait until the EZ-60’s full reveal on April 23 to find out the exact specs, but we’re expecting substantial similarities to the 6e when it comes to battery and motor details.

For reference, the European-market 6e sedan has a choice of 68.6 and 80 kWh batteries and comes with a choice of two different motors. Both are single-motor setups driving the rear wheels, one serving up 241 hp (244 PS) and the other, 255 hp (258 PS). Electric range varies from 300 -345 miles (483-555 km), though the heavier and less aerodynamically efficient SUV probably won’t be quite so long-legged.

Charging and Range-Extender Tech

Deepal’s platform isn’t as advanced as Hyundai-Kia’s and can only charge at 200 kW, although that puts it on par with many European carmakers. But the architecture is versatile enough that the S07 is also offered with a 1.5-liter range-extender combustion engine in China, though Mazda won’t be borrowing that tech because it already offers the CX-60 as a PHEV.

Unfortunately for American buyers, the CX-6e won’t be crossing the Pacific. Since it’ll be built in China, it faces steep import barriers and little incentive under current US EV tax credit rules. For now, it looks like this one’s staying in markets where Mazda’s EV strategy is already gaining traction.

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Mazda CX-6e Breaks Cover, Looks Like Our Kind Of Tesla Model Y

  • Mazda’s upcoming CX-6e has been spied testing for the first time.
  • The compact electric SUV is being developed alongside the 6e sedan.
  • It’s a reskin of the Deepal S07 from Chinese automaker Changan.

Mazda’s attempt at electrification hasn’t been great so far. The MX-30 BEV was criticized for its tiny driving range, and the CX-60 PHEV we ran for six months was as refined as crude oil. But Mazda could become a serious contender for EV buyers when the CX-6e arrives in the next 18 months to take on the Tesla Model Y.

These spy shots show the compact electric SUV, which Mazda teased last week, on test for the first time, and from what we can see, it looks very close to the Arata concept Mazda debuted in 2024. It’s got the same deep bumper design with an almost Cadillac-like grille treatment and a two-deck lighting arrangement, in which ultra-slim DRLs peak menacingly from beneath the leading edge of the hood.

Related: Here’s Everything We Know About the Mazda CX-6e

The rising waistline and relatively low roofline create shallow windows, which won’t be much fun for kids trying to see out but, together with the aggressively sloped rear window, do give the CX-6e an almost coupe-like appearance, particularly with the supercar-style openings in the C-pillar.

With the heavy disguise in place, there’s no way to see if this prototype has illuminated ‘Mazda’ lettering across its tail as the concept did, but since Porsche, VW, and others are already lighting up their brand marks, we doubt Mazda will want to miss out. Whether the production SUV also gets the concept’s illuminated lettering in the door sills remains to be seen. But the show car’s camera-based door mirrors have definitely made the cut, even if the street versions are a little chunkier.

 Mazda CX-6e Breaks Cover, Looks Like Our Kind Of Tesla Model Y

Mazda can take credit for the way the CX-6e and its 6e sedan brother look, but not large portions of what’s going on under the skin. The duo has been developed around the EPA1 platform from China’s Changan, the same hardware already used by machines like the Deepal S07, a sporty SUV that went on sale in its home market in 2023.

If the CX’s dimensions match up with the S07’s, Mazda’s Model Y fighter will come in around 4,750 mm (187 inches) long and ride on a 2,900 mm (114.2-inch) wheelbase. Based on the S07’s spec, it could be offered with 68.8 kWh and 80 kWh battery options and a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing between 215-255 hp (160-190 kW / 218-255 PS). We’ll have to wait to see exactly what outputs and range Mazda’s version delivers.

 Mazda CX-6e Breaks Cover, Looks Like Our Kind Of Tesla Model Y

Mazda has never revealed any interior images of the Atara but it’s safe to assume it will borrow heavily from the 6e sedan, which has already been unveiled in production form and features a high-quality cabin with a big 14.6-inch central touchscreen.

The CX-6e will be offered in Europe by 2027 and could cause more trouble for Tesla’s Model Y, whose moment in the spotlight appears to be over. But the fact that it’s made in China means this stylish electric SUV will be off limits to US buyers, who’ll have to wait for the electric SUV Mazda is developing by itself.

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Images: SHProshots

New Mazda Electric SUV Might Finally Give The Model Y A Headache

  • Mazda just dropped a new teaser focused on its upcoming electric EZ-60 crossover.
  • The EZ-60 closely resembles the Arata concept shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show.
  • It’s expected to be offered in Europe as the CX-6e in pure electric and range-extender forms.

Concept cars are all fun and games, but the percentage that make it to market in original form is very low. That figure ticked up just a touch today, though, as it appears like Mazda is going to bring the Arata concept to production almost unchanged. The production version will be called the EZ-60, at least in China, though it will wear a different badge in other markets. Mazda is hoping this one lands better than the underwhelming MX-30.

You might recall we recently reported that the European version of this electric SUV might end up being called the CX-6e. That tracks, because Mazda just pulled a similar move with the Chinese-market EZ-6 sedan, a car co-developed with its Chinese partner Changan, that’s being rebranded as the 6e in Europe. Since it’s built in China, it won’t be sold in North America.

More: Everything We Know About The Mazda CX-6e Electric SUV

Mazda released a short teaser to hype the EZ-60. The video shows the SUV’s silhouette rendered in digital wind tunnel graphics. In short, this crossover looks identical in profile to the Arata concept from the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. That car was aimed at the Chinese market and more specifically, the Tesla Model Y. Mazda called its design theme “soulful + futuristic x modern.”

In its post about the teaser video, Mazda stated, “Control the wind to shape the invisible, drive the electricity to the future.” No doubt, any EV benefits from good aerodynamic design and minimal drag. Clearly, Mazda is emphasizing that with the EZ-60.

A closer look at the teaser shows a long, teardrop-style rear section that should help cut through the air more efficiently. It’s noticeably more stretched out than current Mazda SUVs like the CX-50, CX-70, or CX-90. Inside, the EZ-60 will likely borrow heavily from the EZ-6 sedan’s cabin layout, which could mean a clean, minimalist setup with a few upscale touches to give it some premium feel.

Shared DNA with Deepal

At this point, Mazda hasn’t released drivetrain specs, but we have a decent idea of what to expect when details do land. Like the EZ-6 / 6e sedan, the EZ-60 will ride on Changan’s EPA1 platform, the same architecture underpinning the Deepal (a.k.a. Shenlan) SL03 sedan and the S7 SUV. That likely means the EZ-60 will share more than just a few bolts with the Deepal S7. Expect similar powertrain options and tech, including both all-electric and range-extender variants.

Related: New Mazda EZ-6 Is China’s Electric Mazda6 Sedan

Assuming it follows the EZ-6 / 6e’s formula, the EZ-60 / CX-6e may come in a standard E-Skyactiv EV setup with 254 horsepower and a 68.8 kWh battery, good for an estimated 300 miles (480 km) of range. There could also be a long-range version offering 241 hp and an 80 kWh battery, stretching the range to about 342 miles (550 km). For buyers not ready to go full electric, a range-extender version is also likely, using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a smaller battery pack to provide backup power when needed.

That’s the general roadmap for now. As soon as Mazda reveals more concrete details, we’ll keep you posted.

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Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return

  • Four Mazda models will reportedly be discontinued by the end of 2025.
  • The death row includes the crossovers, sedans, wagons and even a hatch.
  • Unsurprisingly, only the SUV is expected to receive a successor in the future.

Mazda’s future lineup is shaping up to be exciting, with a new generation of the popular CX-5 and a hybrid rotary-powered sports car in the works. But don’t get too attached to some of its current models, as several are being sent off to the great scrapyard of automotive history, with production scheduled to end before 2025 wraps up.

More: Mazda Slashes $3.3B From EV Plans, Confirms Hybrid SkyActiv-Z Engine For New CX-5

The cars on the chopping block include the Mazda2 supermini, the closely related CX-3 subcompact SUV, the Mazda6 sedan, and the fully electric MX-30 crossover.

The MX-30: A Quick Disappearance

First up is the MX-30, Mazda’s first-ever production electric vehicle, as reported by Creative Trend. It’s not exactly going out with a bang. Set to end production in March 2025, the battery-electric MX-30 never quite found its footing in the market. With a steep price tag and a range that barely made it past the corner store, it struggled to attract attention. And despite being relatively new—just five years old—the car won’t even get a mid-cycle update, let alone a second generation.

However, the rotary range-extender version of the MX-30, the e-SkyActiv R-EV, will live on for the time being, so don’t worry, rotary fans, there’s still a sliver of hope for you. But Mazda’s first attempt at an electric vehicle might be best remembered as an experiment that went a little too far off the rails.

 Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return
Mazda MX-30

Mazda2: The End of an Era (Maybe)

Next up is the aging Mazda2, which is reportedly nearing its end. The current generation of this small hatchback debuted in 2014 and received facelifts in 2019 and 2023. Its most recent update came in 2024, when it got a new infotainment system for the Japanese market. However, those updates don’t seem to be enough to keep it going, as Mazda is reportedly planning to phase it out before the end of 2025.

More: Mazda Kills 2 Supermini After 11 Years In The UK

Sadly, there’s no word on a direct successor to Mazda’s most affordable model in Japan. The only clue is a trademark filing for the Mazda2e name, which might be used for a future entry-level electric vehicle.

It’s possible that Mazda will step away from the supermini segment for a few years, pushing buyers toward the upcoming small crossover (more on that later). However, European customers can still grab the Mazda2 Hybrid, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Yaris.

The CX-3: The SUV That Could Have Been

The Mazda CX-3, the subcompact SUV that’s been soldiering on mostly unchanged since 2014, will also meet its end in September 2025. Despite a facelift in 2018 and a handful of other tweaks over the years, the CX-3 has struggled to maintain relevance in an evolving market. It’s already been discontinued in North America and Europe, but it remains available in Japan and select Asian markets.

 Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return
The Mazda2 (above) and the Mazda CX-3 (below)
 Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return

Luckily for Mazda fans, a successor of the CX-3 appears to be under development. The model has appeared in official teaser sketches earlier this year, revealing a compact footprint and fresh styling with a CX-5-inspired nose and a coupe-SUV stance. We also know that the new generation of the small SUV will be manufactured in Thailand, although it is not clear when it will debut and whether it will be available in Europe or Japan.

Mazda6: The Sedan That Was Just a Little Too Late

Lastly, we have the Mazda6 sedan, a long-time staple in Mazda’s lineup that is also ready to exit stage left. The current generation, introduced in 2012, has seen a couple of facelifts over the years but never managed to gain the traction it needed to keep up with shifting market trends. The Mazda6 said its goodbyes to North America in 2021, bid farewell to the UK in 2023, and was axed from Japan in 2024. Now, it’s also been dropped from the Australian market for failing to meet certain regulations.

More: Mazda6 Axed From Australia, One Of The Few Places It Was Still Available

But don’t mourn the Mazda6 just yet. While Mazda has shelved plans for a new internal combustion engine sedan, the fully electric 6e will serve as an indirect successor of the 6 in Europe and the UK. This Changan-based model is already available in China as the Mazda EZ-6, offering both range-extender and full EV powertrains.

 Four Mazda Models Are Being Discontinued This Year, But One Could Return
Mazda6 20th Anniversary Edition

Mazda Slashes $3.3B From EV Plans, Confirms Hybrid SkyActiv-Z Engine For New CX-5

  • Mazda has reduced its planned investment for electrification by half a trillion yen ($3.3B).
  • The company aims for a “Multi-Solution” strategy, combining BEV, Hybrid, and ICE offerings.
  • The new SkyActiv-Z engine will be introduced in a hybrid setup for the next-gen CX-5.

Mazda has introduced its new “Lean Asset Strategy,” aimed at enhancing the flexibility of its electrification plans, improving production efficiency, and cutting R&D costs through strategic partnerships. The Japanese automaker has also scaled back its planned investment in EVs, while unveiling the new SkyActiv-Z engine, which is set to debut by the end of 2027 in a hybrid configuration under the hood of the next-gen CX-5.

The company has dubbed the period leading up to 2030 as the “dawn of electrification,” and to navigate this, Mazda is sticking with its “Multi-Solution” approach. This means that, depending on customer demand, the brand will continue to offer a mix of internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid, and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models

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The automaker has cut its planned investment in electrification from ¥2 trillion ($13.3 billion) to ¥1.5 trillion ($10 billion), a move that’s made possible by its ongoing partnerships with companies like China’s Changan, Toyota, Denso, and BluE Nexus.

Furthermore, by manufacturing EV and ICE models on the same production line, the investment can be reduced by 85% compared to building a new BEV-dedicated factory. These flexible production lines will utilize automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), AI tech, and Factory Over-The-Air updates, improving the efficiency of the entire supply chain.

 Mazda Slashes $3.3B From EV Plans, Confirms Hybrid SkyActiv-Z Engine For New CX-5

In-House Developed EV

In addition to the Mazda6e sedan and the forthcoming electric SUV (likely to be named the CX-6e), products stemming from its collaboration with Changan, Mazda is also working on another EV set to arrive in 2027. This new, currently unnamed model will be built on Mazda’s own platform, which has been designed to accommodate various battery types and vehicle configurations.

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Mazda has claimed that through its partnerships, it has slashed EV R&D costs by 40%, while halving the amount of time spent on development. The new model will be manufactured in Japan and will feature batteries sourced from Panasonic Energy Corporation. Expect it to roll out globally, likely across markets in Japan, Europe, and North America.

New Engine Family

Mazda is placing significant emphasis on its upcoming SkyActiv-Z powertrain. The first vehicle to feature this new engine will be the next-generation CX-5, where it will be paired with an in-house developed hybrid system. While the SUV is expected to debut later this year, the version with the electrified SkyActiv-Z will arrive by the end of 2027.

According to Mazda, the new engine is “close to the ultimate combustion” delivering high fuel efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the SkyActiv-Z is compliant with strict emission regulations such as Euro 7 (Europe), LEV4, and Tier 4 (US), securing its future in the Mazda lineup.

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This new engine family will extend beyond the four-cylinder variant, with plans to use SkyActiv-Z technology in inline-six engines for larger models. Additionally, it will play a role in reducing emissions for the brand’s upcoming rotary engine. The new powertrain lineup will allow Mazda to consolidate its engine offerings, reducing the total number of units in use by more than half.

Mazda CEO, Masahiro Moro, stated: “As the automotive industry is going through a once-in-a-century seismic shift, Mazda keeps evolving by updating our “joy of driving” for the next generation of vehicles. “All of us at Mazda are committed to striking the right balance of efficient business management and development of sustainable technology to deliver unique value regardless of business scale.”

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Mazda

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