Mazda Unveils SKYACTIV Technology To Journalists In Vancouver BC

Mazda Introduces SKYACTIV Technology
The Sky’s the Limit
by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Vancouver, Canada August, 2011; This beautiful Pacific Northwest city, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, boasts the smallest carbon footprint of any major city in North America and the bold ambition of being the greenest city in the world by 2020. Cars, bicyclists and pedestrians mesh seamlessly. The crisp ocean air enhances this seemingly perfect place for Mazda to introduce their green initiatives.

The phrase “the Sky’s the limit” stands for Mazda’s SKYACTIV Technology that combines breakthrough innovation and state-of-the-art technology, including gasoline and diesel engines with world-best compression ratios, all-new manual and automatic transmissions, as well as all-new body and chassis systems which are lighter and more responsive. The introduction of these technologies will result in major reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for all Mazda models. In line with Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term technology development plan, these technologies will improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by 30 percent by 2015, compared to 2008 levels.

According to TrueCar Inc., an automotive solutions provider and publisher of new car transaction data, by 2020, hybrid vehicles will have an 8 percent market share in North America with purely electric cars garnering 4 percent of the market. Importantly, 10 years from now, vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline and diesel engines will still make up for 80 to 88 percent of the market.

Kiyoshi Fujiwara is Mazda’s Executive Officer for Product Planning, Program Management and Design and it was five years ago that he started this program directing his team to defy convention. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY will be launched in North America in an all-new generation of models with new engines, transmissions, bodies and chassis. The 2012 Mazda3 will feature the Skyactiv technology as will the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV making its web debut now and to be featured at the Frankfurt auto show in September. Mazda also said it will introduce Diesel engines in the U.S. market.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine is the result of the quest for the ideal combustion engine. A range of entirely new technologies has gone into the highly-efficient direct injection SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. Exceptionally strong yet remarkably efficient, it takes compression to an all-new level, solving all the issues that until now have prevented this approach from being feasible.

Highlights are:
• Exceptionally high 13:1 compression ratio in North America…while still only requiring regular grade 87 octane gasoline… (14:1 in other markets due to a hgher fuel octane)
• Extraordinary compression ratio made possible thanks to a 4-2-1 exhaust system, redesigned piston cavity, new multi-port injectors as well as other innovations to avoid abnormal combustion (“knocking”)
• Continuously variable sequential valve timing (dual S-VT) on the intake and exhaust minimizes pumping losses
• Internal engine friction reduced by 30 percent
• Overall weight reduced by 10 percent
• Approximately 15 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the current Mazda 2.0-liter MZR gasoline engine
• Approximately 15 percent more torque at lower and mid-range rpm

SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel engine features more torque and cleaner combustion. It is clean, high-revving, responsive and more fun than ever. The engine’s low compression ratio plays a central role here, too, as internal processes were again completely re-examined. The result: efficient power engineered to achieve the highest environmental standards without the need for special and expensive after-treatment systems.

Highlights are:
* Approximately 20 percent less fuel consumption (compared to the current 2.2-liter MZR-CD diesel) thanks to an extraordinarily low 14:1 compression ratio and subsequently greater expansion phase after combustion
* Variable valve lift for exhaust valves enables internal exhaust recirculation, immediately stabilizing combustion after a cold start
* New two-stage turbocharging delivers strong and steady responsiveness across the engine range (max. 5,200 rpm)
* Highly efficient active ceramic diesel particle filter (DPF)
* Fulfills Tier II BIN 5 standards without expensive NOx after-treatment
* Weight reduced by 10 percent
* Internal engine friction reduced by 20 percent

SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission is more smooth, responsive and fun yet fuel-saving.

Highlights are:
* Unique technology combines the advantages of continuously variable (CVT), dual clutch and conventional automatic transmissions
* Full range direct drive (torque converter with a full range lock-up clutch) delivers a direct manual gearbox-like feel
* Improved fuel economy by up to 7 percent
* Fast and smooth shift response thanks to new mechatronics module
* Powerful, steady acceleration from a standstill
* Available for both SKYACTIV-G and SKYACTIV-D engines

SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission is lighter, smaller, and more efficient. Built to improve fuel economy, but without compromising on enjoyment with the benchmark the swift and precise shifting feel of Mazda’s legendary MX-5 Miata roadster.

Highlights are:
* Optimized for front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicles with easy and tight shifting
* Re-engineered with a considerably smaller and lighter design
* Compactness enables efficient packaging
* Better fuel economy thanks to reduced internal friction

SKYACTIV-Body is lighter, stronger and safer. It integrates lightweight engineering, increased material strength and more efficient structures.

Highlights are:
• Weight reduced by 8 percent using a newly-developed body structure, new production processes (bonding methods) and a larger proportion of high-tensile steels
• Enhanced driving dynamics owing to 30 percent more rigidity with the “straight structure” and “continuous framework” (ring structure) concepts for frame components
• Enhanced passive safety performance by re-engineering crash zones using multi-load paths

SKYACTIV-Chassis combines nimble handling with ride comfort and stability when pushing the vehicle to its limits. The SKYACTIV-Chassis also achieves superior rigidity from a lightweight design.

Highlights are:
• A “Jinba Ittai”-like feeling of oneness between car and driver inspired by the MX-5’s exceptional handling and ride comfort
• Improved driving quality at all speeds (low- and mid-range agility as well as high-speed stability) following a complete re-engineering of rear suspension mountings, trailing arm position, steering components and set-ups (among other things)
• Superior rigidity along with a 14 percent reduction in chassis weight thanks to newly developed suspension with front struts and a multi-link rear axle

Mazda’s SKYACTIV suite of technology is a building block that allows for other technologies to be applied as needed, such as stop-start, regenerative braking and electric drive.

Zoom-zoom for the future: sustainable and still fun.

© Larry Nutson