Upcoming Mazda CX-90 to get MX-5 Miata's suspension tech

KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda has dropped another teaser of the CX-90 ahead of its debut scheduled for January 31, 2023. The latest 4-minute clip follows an ‘unboxed’ theme and focuses on the performance of the upcoming Mazda SUV. It also offers us a clear view of the big SUV’s front design along with a partial look at the interior in the making.

Earlier, the automaker confirmed that the SUV will come equipped with a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six e-Skyactiv drivetrain, producing a maximum power of 345 hp and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The power will be sent to the wheels through a “rear-biased” AWD system. 

Now, Mazda talked about the underpinnings of the upcoming CX-90. It detailed the classic front-engine and rear-drive architecture and how it tweaked the gearbox packaging and torque converter to make it suitable for the longer engine. 

“Our commitment, as Mazda, to deliver this pure driving performance was reflected in the CX-90 by saying: ‘we’re going to commit to putting an inline-six into a front-rear, longitudinal lay-out'… it’s a much more natural way for vehicles to behave”, said Jay Chen, manager, powertrain performance.

The automaker also revealed that the big SUV will offer a sporty feel behind the wheel, thanks to the Kinetic Posture Control (KPC) mechanism, which it borrowed from the MX-5 Miata. 

“KPC is a little bit of technology where, as we watch the vehicle go into a corner, it just applies a little bit of braking force to the outer tires,” he explains. “So basically, you’re coming out of a corner, in a much more planted fashion.”

In terms of design, the Mazda CX-90 will inherit the brand’s new signature styling making it look somewhat similar to the CX-50 and CX-60. On the front and sides of the SUV, we can observe thick chrome-plated trim strips lending it a muscular road presence. A couple of cameras can also be spotted on the bottom of the grille, hinting at the inclusion of advanced driver assist systems.

The shadowy interior shots revealed the steering wheel of the SUV, which also appears to be borrowed from the CX-60.

For more details on the upcoming Mazda CX-90, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Mazda brings back the rotary engine with the 2023 MX-30 R-EV