Do you dream of driving a sports car; however, don’t appreciate the price tag? Are you environmentally conscious but don’t want to drive around town in a hybrid without any soul? Mazda just might have the car you are looking for. You can have both the feel of a sports car without the price and be environmentally friendly with the new SKYACTIV Technology. Mazda has developed a way to be environmentally friendly by reducing emissions and fuel consumption without diminishing the performance of the vehicle. Select Mazda3, Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda6 models use the Mazda SKYACTIV-Technology.
Their new engine comes in the SKYACTIV-D and SKYACTIV-G models. The variation between the models is the SKYACTIV-D engine has a compression ratio of 14.0:1. Mazda was able to accomplish this by improving engine efficiency. They are able to use high compression combustion resulting in higher fuel efficiency and torque. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter twin-turbo is a diesel engine that allows maximum fuel efficiency, low sound and performs like a V8 engine. Both engines were redesigned from the ground up using the Mazda SKYACTIV Technology. One does not have to give up the thrill of a drive for the fear of not being environmentally conscious.
Mazda offers two transmissions using the SKYACTIV Technology as well. They are the SKYACTIV-DRIVE and SKYACTIV-MT. Mazda had the additional task of creating new transmissions in conjunction with their SKYACTIV engines. Because the original existing transmissions were already fuel-efficient, this challenged Mazda to make them even better. The SKYACTIV-DRIVE uses a dual crutch transmission with the advantages of an automatic transmission. This transmission will allow you to drive with the feel of using a manual transmission. Mazda has improved the torque transfer efficiency resulting in an exhilarating drive with added fuel economy. The SKYACTIV -MT is an entirely new transmission. It is a lighter transmission that offers the feel of a sports car shifting in a car with less weight.
The platforms for these vehicles surpass government safety standards. The SKYACTIV-BODY is 8 percent lighter and 30 percent more rigid than the current body styles. The SKYACTIV-CHASSIS will allow you the feel of being in a vehicle that performs smoother with a higher performance level of any other car you have driven in this class. Through sharp engineering, Mazda was able to drop 220 pounds from the car making it lighter and improving the driving quality.
Mazda first released their SKYACTIV Technology concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009. They are now on track to meet the goal of having SKYACTIV Technology in 1 million units by the end of 2014.
If you desire a car with the performance of a sports car without the price and the environmental impact of a hybrid, look no further. Mazda has invented such a car using their SKYACTIV Technology.
You can find more information about this technology on the Mazda website
About the Author
Jerry Leeman
