I think its something like that, but probably related to capital costs and tooling for another model line with a bunch of unique parts. Here they get to re-use the manufacturing tooling from the CX-90.The back story on this is going to be fascinating if it ever comes out. I'm going with the product development department blew all the money on hookers and figured nobody would notice if they rebadged a CX-90 and ripped out the back seat.
Among other things that piss me off is Mazda trying to pawn it off as a midsize! That dog don't hunt.
And is the CX-80 going to be the same size as the CX-60 or is just NA that gets the shaft
Perhaps something similar could be achieved if they made it like the CX-60, but that tooling is not in North America