2023 Mazda CX-60 spy shots: premium SUV revealed March 8.

Mazda plans to unveil the new CX-60 on March 8, but the SUV prototype is still outside undergoing final testing.

The Japanese automaker has made little secret of its desire to move into the luxury market with a series of premium vehicles based on a rear-wheel-drive platform and featuring a plug-in hybrid and inline-six powertrain. Various patent drawings have been released over the years, and Mazda has also shown off some of the technology that will be incorporated into the car.

The CX-60 is believed to be the first car based on the new platform. It is a small SUV targeted at the Volvo XC60 and Genesis GV70. Instead, there should be a similar but slightly larger SUV called the CX-70.

There will also be an even larger SUV with a third row of seats called the CX-80. Mazda has confirmed that these three models will be available within the next two years. These SUVs, along with the current CX-9, will make up what Mazda calls its "large product group. Although not yet confirmed, a large sedan that will replace the Mazda6 is also expected to be included in this group.

Mazda has confirmed that the CX-60 will be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines Mazda's 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with an electric motor for a total of 300 hp An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are expected to be part of the package.

Mazda has failed to go the premium route before with its Eunos brand in the 1990s. Will it work this time? We will have to wait and see.

Mazda also has the CX-50 compact crossover due in US showrooms later this year as a 2023 model. This model is targeted at buyers with active lifestyles and shares a platform with the CX-30 and MX-30 front-wheel drive compact crossovers.

Stay tuned.