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| Mazda introduces new 'Skyactiv' engines | |
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In today’s economic climate the motor industry has found itself needing to adapt and produce vehicles which are more economical and fuel efficient, as well as keeping exhaust emissions at an all time low. Car manufacturers are under pressure to produce new more efficient engines and electric or hybrid vehicles, most of which are more complex and expensive to produce which results in higher costs to the customers.
Mazda have taken a different approach, and enhanced their current engines capabilities, branding them as ‘Skyactiv’. The idea behind this is that they use new technologies based on existing engine components as opposed to creating a new system from scratch. The advantage for the customer here is that the Mazda vehicle range should be no more expensive than their predecessors.
The biggest advances have taken place for the new Skyactiv D engine group where the story centres on compression. In a diesel engine the compression ratio is high because the engine works by using the heat generated to ignite the fuel. The economical option would be to inject the fuel sooner, but this is only possible if the compression ratio is reduced. What Mazda have managed to do is lower this compression ratio to the same as a petrol engine. Because of this the diesel engine is able to produce more power and torque for a sustained period – 175bhp from a 2.2litre engine – while using approximately 20% less fuel. The lower combustion pressures mean the components can be smaller and so the engine weighs less. Because combustion temperatures are lower there are fewer nitrogen oxides so emissions are also lower.
Perhaps the most impressive new approach to the engine is the way it reaches revolutions per minute, previously unthinkable for a diesel engine. The new Mazda Skyactiv D is said to reach between 5,200rpm and 5,800rpm.
All of these advanced technologies mean the Mazda vehicle range will be cleaner, more cost effective to run, but still just as fun to drive. The first Skyactiv D engine will be available in the new Mazda CX-5 ‘crossover’ which will be available in 2012. It sounds like it will be worth the wait!
For the full story and technical details on the Mazda Skyactiv engines visit: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/road-tests/mazda-skyactiv-2296364.html
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