Mazda will show two engines at the Tokyo Auto Show, and both should end up being a very big deal in the U.S. market. You'll see them in Mazdas, and very likely, in Fords, too.
First off, there's a new direct-injected version of Mazda's global 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder called the Sky-G. At least, that's what Mazda will call it during the Tokyo show. In addition, says Mazda, the engine block is revised to reduce mechanical friction and achieve the most optimal air-fuel mixture. Together, these improvements yield a claimed 15-percent improvement in fuel economy. This would enable a Mazda 3 to return mileage on par with a Mazda 2, according to the company.
The second engine is a new 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. Yep, it's called Sky-D. It, too, has a new block that's less susceptible to friction. It also has piezo injectors and a two-stage turbocharger not found on Mazda's current European-market diesel. Total fuel economy improvement here is said to be 20 percent. This means you could drive around in a diesel Mazda 6 and get Mazda-2-like fuel economy, says Mazda. If this turns out to be true in real-world driving, the company will have to find a way to get this engine cleaned up for the U.S., as it could be a real help in meeting the 2015 CAFE standards.
The photo here shows you the Sky-G engine. You can take a look at the Sky-D after the jump.
inlinesix says:
09:17 PM, 09/28/09
Bring on the diesels
7driver says:
09:44 PM, 09/28/09
"This means you could drive around in a diesel Mazda 6 and get Mazda-2-like fuel economy"
Are we talking about the svelte European Mazda6? Or the fatso American Mazda6?
eriches says:
11:30 PM, 09/28/09
@7driver: Yes, I should have clarified. This would be the Mazda 6/Atenza world car, not the N.A.-only fatty 6. However, after walking by a few Atenzas in Japan, I have to say that even the world car is not as svelte as it once was. -E. Riches
veryhrm says:
01:59 AM, 09/29/09
Time for a rant: Bah! I refuse to get excited about any diesel news anymore. The manufacturers (other than VW) just don't seem serious about bringing smallish TDIs in the US. Have there been any firm announcements of anything actually being released in the US? No. Check out the diesel section of the "future vehicles" there's nothing there. It'll probably be another 5 years before we see these things in the US if we ever see them at all. Maybe if gas prices go up over $4 again something will happen but in terms of actually buying a car anytime in the foreseeable future the options are the Jetta or a $50k Mercedes or BMW (and even the 335d seems to be on the chopping block). Rant off.
I'm still holding out some hope that Subaru will do something but they seem to be on the 5 year plan too.
94_gsr_cpe says:
04:19 AM, 09/29/09
2.0L DI, hmm I wonder how much power that would get it. Seems like it would be getting close to stepping on the 2.5's toes. Either way Mazda 3i's would probably see a big sale boost. I hope it all see production on our half of the globe.
zoomzoomn says:
04:30 AM, 09/29/09
I agree with veryhrm. We keep hearing of all of these wonderful diesels and yet, short of VW's TDI we have pretty much zilch available for your average consumer. It's just like the hybrids in that if they don't get this technology into the hands of those that can afford it then there really is no benefit in having it at all.
isaacl says:
05:24 AM, 09/29/09
i applaud mazda for both these efforts. this is great. especially the diesel option....
But, like the posters above me, i keep hearing diesel is coming on this and that carmakers line-up... but i see nothing but VW's running around with them.
rick8365 says:
06:23 AM, 09/29/09
"Bring on the diesels"
DITTO!!
brn says:
08:51 AM, 09/29/09
I'm not convinced diesel is the answer. When you process oil, you get less diesel than you do gasoline. If diesel becomes popular in personal transportation, we're going to use more oil (not less) and the price of diesel is going to go through the roof. Because our transport system (trucks, trains, etc) is based on diesel, prices for goods and services are going to go through the roof.
If things like biodiesel become practical, then this may not happen. That's a big if.
estreka says:
09:38 AM, 09/29/09
I wonder what kind of mileage we're talking about. 15% improvement over what?
aquaticko says:
10:03 AM, 09/29/09
Brn, the amount of any kind of oil-based material you get out of oil depends on the method of hydrocracking used. The kind used at most U.S. refineries is a kind that gives you more gas and less diesel, you are correct. I'm not too sure about it, but I'd bet that if diesel became more popular here, refineries could make some modifications and yield the appropriate amount of the various types of oil.
Not to mention that we export some of our diesel to Europe in exchange for their petrol, another thing that would likely change if diesel became siginificantly more popular than it is now.
I agree- bring on the diesels!!
brn says:
11:51 AM, 09/29/09
"depends on the method of hydrocracking used"
Aren't there limits to that? Can the diesel ever exceed gasoline from oil? I've also heard that our refineries aren't easily modifiable.
"export some of our diesel to Europe in exchange for their petrol"
Interesting. I was unaware of that. I wonder if it's due to the recent surge in diesel purchases in Europe. If we've surge here and stop exporting, they're going to see quite a change in prices over there.
hondacura4 says:
02:24 PM, 09/29/09
Unfortunately, Honda didn't have the balls to offer their competent i-DTEC diesel here in the states. The TSX, CR-V, Element and Accord would have been ideal candidates for the diesel drivetrain.
I know the diesel volume is low with cars here in the U.S. but you have to start somewhere, while shattering stereotypes and getting people more informed about modern diesels.
aquaticko says:
03:46 PM, 09/29/09
As far as I know, and I must say my knowledge isn't that extensive, the method of hydrocracking used in Europe already yields more diesel than petrol. And like I said, I don't know how easily modifiable our refineries are, but I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't manage the switch if there was money to be made in doing so.
And yes, indeed, it would effect Europe's diesel prices, but frankly, that's not our problem. If Europe can't support itself even at a bare minimum, then there are issues deeper than U.S.-EU trade involve, here.
thejohnp says:
09:43 AM, 10/ 1/09
As the infrastructure doesn't seem readily available for most other alternative fuel options, gotta applaud Mazda for tweaking generous improvements in internal combustion. Hopefully this will pay off for them.