http://www.caradvice.com.au/605537/2018 ... -unveiled/
This is a big 8seat SUV that the Yankees just love, long awaited replacement for the TriBeCa. At least this time they appear to have avoided hitting it with the ugly stick. Kinda looks like a stretched and jacked Outback, so not bad.
The most important bit though is this: "The Ascent will be powered exclusively by a new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine. Equipped with direct injection and a twin-scroll turbo, the new motor develops 194kW of power 5600rpm, and 376Nm of torque between 2000 and 4800rpm.
To put that into perspective, the 3.6-litre six-cylinder mill in the current Liberty and Outback makes 191kW of power at 6000rpm, and 350Nm of torque at 4400rpm."
It looks like this will be the death knell for the 3.6, and will likely be a big torquer with a relatively small turbo for heavier vehicles to give better fuel economy a la Mazda CX-9.
But more interesting is that this is 2.4 DIT with a twin scroll, so with a bigger turbo could be the basis of a new STi engine and also maybe a new GT liberty. But who knows if they will make a wagon again....
It's tied to a CVT though so unless they build a decent high torque unit there won't be much scope to boost performance for auto lovers. Unless they make a new hydraulic 7 speed unit.
Also of interest from Mazda is a Mazda 6 update with a GT with the turbo motor from the CX-9. Wonder if it will be AWD? Or if they will give it a few more herbs?