Mazda reveals SkyActiv name for its next-gen engines

skyactiv engines

Mazda has officially unveiled the name for its new generation of improved efficiency technologies – SkyActiv. The new moniker encompasses the previously-named SKY series of engines and transmissions, as well as bodyshells and platforms that will be launched in 2011 with the promise of making major reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The programme will initially concentrate on lightweight construction as a core value of the brand, along with the optimisation of conventional powertrain technologies. As it goes along, efficiency improving technologies, such as regenerative brake systems and hybrid power systems, will be successively introduced. The goal of the company is to lower the fuel consumption of its global fleet by 30% by 2015.

skyactiv transmissions

In terms of powertrains, the SkyActiv-G petrol engine is expected to make its debut in the Mazda2 in Japan early next year, and the promise is that it will achieve fuel consumption levels comparable to that of hybrid powertrains.

The high-efficiency direct-injection petrol engine, with a 14.0:1 compression ratio (the highest in the world for a production engine, the company says), will bring a 15% improvement in both engine torque and fuel economy, so the company says. The same compression ratio is to be found in the SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, with a 20% improvement in fuel consumption and Euro 6 emission standards coming from the two-phase turbocharger-equipped pot.

skyactiv bodyshell

Other SkyActiv gear includes a new SkyActiv-MT manual box and a SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission, which is the former SKY-Drive. The latter features a significantly widened lock-up range, which increases the efficiency of the torque converter, improves torque transfer efficiency and offers a direct driving feel comparable to a manual transmission. Best of all, it also delivers an improvement in fuel economy of up to 7% compared to a current, conventional torque-converter automatic transmission.

Elsewhere, the programme also includes a body structure called SkyActiv-Body and a vehicle platform named SkyActiv-Chassis. The newly-developed, high-strength bodyshell is 8% lighter and 30% stiffer with the use of high-tensile steels and optimised bonding materials. As for the SkyActiv-Chassis, it comes with a newly-developed suspension that’s 14% lighter than the current suspension system used by Mazda.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • ethan on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    way to go mazda….!

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  • Mayonaise on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Looking forward to these host of new techs… But I wonder why they named it “SkyActiv”…?

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  • Leseid Obrut on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    sounds impressive…let’s hope mazda delivers on its promise… =)

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  • mr. wiseGuy on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    Skyactiv Skyactiv Skyactiv Skyactiv..hahahahh
    d sky suddenly now active huh

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  • Johnny on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Wonder when proton could show up with something like these..

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  • if the fuel consumption is more of less the same with a hybrid, they’re definitely zoom zooming all these big hybrid players.

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  • mujahid on Oct 20, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    so much thing to catch up proton, not only engine, but body too…

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    • Fridz on Oct 20, 2010 at 7:06 pm

      Proton already use high tensile steel sheet HTSS..you don’t know kah?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • MAZDA's GUY on Oct 20, 2010 at 5:29 pm

    1St This is cool. you can save a lot without paying for hybrid price !

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  • plan to get Mazda2 next year……..

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  • Facebook_User on Oct 20, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    WOW!!

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    • fandango on Oct 20, 2010 at 8:27 pm

      diesel technology in the form of direct injection is now catching on to petrol engines. Direct injection provides a number of advantages: it prevents fuel being vapourised in the intake plenum, allows for much higher compression ratio because as the fuel is injected at high pressure, the mist cools the combustion chamber. This enables a leaner mixture, higher ignition timing and higher compression ratios. All of which enables more power AND better economy. Brilliant!

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  • Though just got my M6 2.5, if they can target to achieve that kind of efficiency in 2015, i already know what car I am going to buy next….

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  • Fifteen on Oct 20, 2010 at 6:14 pm

    A lite engine benefits performance, fuel economy and the handling. But if the rest of the car grows bigger and thus heavier, then the effort is in vain.

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  • libralcl on Oct 20, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    I always put Mazda to be my 1st Japanese car line up to choose and this cheers me up! =)

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  • Mazda in on sale……….with this latest technology unveil I’m sure chinese auto manufacturer will buy the Mazda stake that Ford is selling……….
    Proton….interested No….

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  • yc.low on Oct 20, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    Any news about the face lift for the Mazda 2 since it will be fitted with the SkyActiv-G engine. It will be nice if you can give more detail about this engine spec.

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  • shawal on Oct 20, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    whut a wicked name!!!

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  • FrozenHeart on Oct 20, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    14.0:1 c-ratio ? err… will this cause engine knocking? Need a higher RON fuel to run?
    well let see how mazda solve this

    ZoomZoom

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    • keyboard.rosak on Oct 22, 2010 at 8:37 am

      dude, it’s a direct injection engine maa.
      the advantage of DI engine, you can increase the CR because the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, unlike port injection, you don’t have a risk of the fuel flowing back to intake manifold causing backfire.

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  • Carl Wong on Oct 20, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    First ever Mazda hybrid coming soon? Time to move forward man well done Mazda :].

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  • skatax on Oct 20, 2010 at 9:23 pm

    whatever mazda. i just want shinari to go into production. i beg you please.

    shinari! shinari! shinari!

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  • Amiran on Oct 21, 2010 at 6:34 am

    Petrol engine at 14:1 CR? Wah… I guess the only fuel it can uses is V-Power 97. So mazda owner got to be friend with ferrari owner to solve this fuel problem.

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    • pomen_gtr on Oct 21, 2010 at 10:01 am

      no need la…

      did u know why most conventional engine cannot use CR more than 11:1???because they inject the fuel early and mixed with air….so when air was compressed with fuel..too much compression would burn it before the correct timing of spark plug….thats what we call engine knocking/pinging..

      while direct injected petrol was only get into the combustion chamber miliseconds before the spark plug timing to ignite (when the piston was almost at the top dead center)…so eliminate the knocking/pinging problems…explain why this engine could have much higher compression ratio…(GDI like some sorts of diesel-like engine..its still a pterol engine btw)

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    • Actually, probably only V-Power Racing.

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  • will-kill-for-exclusivity on Oct 21, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    i wonder who will buy Mazda at a time like this

    tata had to take a loan for the jaguar-land rover deal, while mahindra got in with ssangyong(i wish mahindra should have got in with mazda)

    VW recently got tied with suzuki

    GM is still confused about opel, besides the internal issues

    FIAT “recently” bought Chrysler so both are out question.

    Toyota too “recently” bought subaru

    Renault -Nissan alliance is already confusing, both being mass market brands.

    the only contenders left are either

    -the Chinese companies,

    -the Hyundai-Kia group(i wonder they may buy mazda and move the brand upmarket to fill in for themselves)

    -the Daimler AG

    -BMW group

    and maybe some not so well known auto manufacturer might sprout out like spyker came for SAAB

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  • MBX Boy on Oct 21, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    With an engine like this, and the upcoming kodo design bodies, mazda’s gonna sell very very well in many countries!! (might still not include Malaysia tho..)

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  • Daryl on Apr 12, 2011 at 12:42 am

    If that’s true, why is Mazda’s distributor still pushing its old mzr engines into the local market having just rigged their Kulim plant for ckds?? Are we a dumping ground for old tech while other countries get the Skyactive? From what i have gathered they will be launching the facelifted Mazda 3 with the new lump & tranny by end of this year! Pls enlighten me. I’m confused!

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  • Charline on Apr 13, 2014 at 3:31 pm

    The vibrant red and blue colored dials call for attention. The crown in fake Frank Muller watches does not have engravings on them while one shall find an engraved crown in any replica wristwatch. So not only can you organize your kitchen with stainless steel canisters, but you can find steel canisters in all sizes to organize your office and other rooms.

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