Why Mazda engineers build engines as if they were works of art – and how that defines the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80
On Mazda’s proving ground, the day begins quietly. Then comes the low, even tone of a test vehicle easing into motion. Inside, an engineer tunes into the engine’s rhythm. The moment the car starts to feel like an extension of the driver – at Mazda, this sense of oneness is known as Jinba Ittai.
That connection starts long before the first drive. It begins months or even years earlier in Mazda’s engine workshops in Hiroshima, where powertrains take shape in a process where precision engineering meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Besides performance figures and emissions targets, they monitor other things too. There are ears listening for the precise mechanical timbre, and eyes catching the smallest imperfection in a machined surface. This is a process that few ever see, but every driver can feel.
Power Built with Purpose
This perfectionism is only possible because of Mazda’s commitment to autonomy. Rather than standardising or outsourcing their engines, Mazda dares to develop its own. A decision that reflects a deep belief in retaining full control over every component.
“Doing everything ourselves lets us create powertrains that are in perfect harmony with our vehicles and all their characteristics,” says Christian Schultze, deputy head of Mazda’s European R&D Centre. “They’re tuned not just for performance, but to elevate the entire driving experience.”
To get there, Mazda’s engineers look beyond conventional performance metrics. With the large platform models Mazda CX-60 and CX-80, the focus shifts from performance targets to perception — how the car responds, how it behaves in everyday use, and how naturally it fits the driver’s intent.
Engineering with Feeling
Though it power, torque, and efficiency figures provide the foundation, the real value lies in sensations: the linear surge of power, the composed engine note, the quiet confidence that grows with every kilometre travelled.
This is achieved through a series of deliberate calibrations. Throttle response is tuned for smoothness and control. Torque delivery is shaped to feel linear and intuitive, particularly at low speeds. The newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission for Mazda’s large-platform architecture is programmed for quiet, fluid shifts, minimising interruption during everyday driving.
The mild hybrid system plays a supporting role, subtly filling torque gaps rather than dominating the driving experience. Sound, too, is carefully considered. From exhaust routing to insulation layers, engineers ensure that what reaches the cabin reinforces the vehicle’s calm, confident character.
“At this stage, it’s no longer about chasing benchmarks,” says Christian Schultze. “It’s about those delicate adjustments — fine-tuning until both car and driver move together in perfect unison and every action feels natural and right.”
Mazda’s Monotsukuri in Practice
This cohesion like is the result of Monotsukuri, a Japanese philosophy that translates as “the art of making things.” At Mazda, this stands for combining engineering precision with a shared sense of responsibility. Powertrain, chassis, and design teams work together from the outset, refining each element in context.
“Refinement isn’t a finishing touch,” says Schultze. “It’s part of the foundation. Because when everything is developed together, it fits together.”
That philosophy applies across Mazda’s powertrain range. Depending on customer needs and usage profiles, the CX-60 and CX-80 are available with different electrified solutions, all developed in-house. The e-Skyactiv PHEV combines electric driving for daily use with hybrid flexibility for longer journeys. Alongside it, Mazda continues to evolve its diesel technology for customers who travel long distances or require high torque and efficiency.
The e-Skyactiv D inline six-cylinder diesel, paired with mild hybrid technology, delivers strong low-end torque, quiet operation and high efficiency without the harshness often associated with diesel engines. “As a consequence, the e-Skyactiv D feels more like a high-torque petrol engine,” explains Christian Schultze.
Crafted with Japanese Soul
Mazda’s CX-60 and CX-80 powertrains reflect a distinctly Japanese approach to engineering — rooted in balance, precision, and purpose. They are shaped by the not only by performance targets, but by how the vehicle behaves, sounds, and feel in real-world use, journey after journey.
e-Skyactiv PHEV
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 2.5-litre petrol + electric motor |
| Battery | 17.8 kWh lithium-ion |
| Range (electric) | Up to 63 km (WLTP) |
| Output | 327 HP, 500 Nm |
| Ideal for | Daily commutes in electric mode, hybrid flexibility for longer trips |
e-Skyactiv D
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 3.3-litre inline-six diesel |
| Technology | Mild hybrid, low compression ratio |
| Character | High torque from low revs, quiet, efficient |
| Ideal for | Long distances, heavy loads |
