Mazda Planning New Rotaries, No New V6 and Canceling the CX-7

Mazda is in an interesting position. Ford sold its interest in the company a few years ago, which has reduced the money that Mazda has to develop new cars. Robert Davis, the boss of Mazda US Operations, has recently discussed the future for the company including plans to revive the rotary engine, cancel the CX-7 SUVMazda CX-7Japan, 2006 > present3 photos
and there are no plans for a Skyactiv V6. 

Davis said that Mazda is looking into developing a more efficient rotary using its Skyactiv suite of technologies. While this engine might find its way into a car. Davis hinted that it might be more likely for it to be used as a range extender for a future electric model. The rotary's small size, light weight, power output and smoothness makes it a good fit to charge batteries in a hybrid. 

The next MX-5 MiataMazda MX-5Japan, 1989 > present4 series
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 will also get the Skyactiv treatment, but it is unclear how much. Davis said that the philosophies behind skyactiv and a light sports car match up perfectly, and because Skyactiv technologies will find their way into all of Mazda's engines in the near future, there is no reason to think that the next MX-5 Miata will not use the new engines as well. David also insinuated that the next car might be lighter than the current one, but he did not specify to what degree. 

Skyactiv is going to be a major part of Mazda going forward, but that will not apply to V6 engines. Mazda will no longer offer V6s in their cars or SUVs in the next generation. It is working on more powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines for the next Mazda 6 and CX-9. A hybrid will be available on some of the new cars. 

Finally, Mazda will not create a new generation of the CX-7 SUV in the US. The new CX-5Mazda CX-5 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present37 versions
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will take over the role left by the CX-7. The CX-5 is only slightly smaller than the CX-7 but offers better fuel economy and more cargo area. 

It looks like Mazda is really pushing for a cleaner image, while still building fun to drive cars in the future. 

Source: Car and Driver