New SKYACTIV Technologies Improve Upon Every Aspect of the Driving Experience -

NEW YORK (April 21, 2011) – Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technologies were developed entirely in-house as part of the company’s “Building Block” strategy, which prioritizes the improvement of basic automotive technologies.  SKYACTIV 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 figures).

The refreshed 2012 Mazda3 brings the technology to life through a SKYACTIV powertrain (SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission) mounted onto a current vehicle platform in order to make Mazda’s latest technologies available to customers as quickly as possible.  This is a step toward the full implementation of SKYACTIV technologies into Mazda’s next-generation products.  The Mazda MINAGI Concept is a prelude to the launch of a newly announced vehicle: the Mazda CX-5.  Scheduled to go on sale in early 2012, this compact SUV will be equipped with the full suite of new SKYACTIV technologies and features the new KODO design language.  Both the CX-5 and 2012 Mazda3 demonstrate the ongoing transformation of the Mazda brand in North America.

Improved Efficiency

Mazda’s breakthrough engineering and manufacturing approach to its next generation of vehicles has enabled the brand to solve various conflicting issues simultaneously.  For example, how to increase the compression ratio of a gasoline engine without the risk of a drop in torque due to knocking.  This has led to a number of breakthrough technologies, with the goal to achieve the ideal internal combustion engine.  Combined with a successful lightweight strategy of encompassing next-generation engines, transmissions, vehicle body and chassis technologies which dramatically improve fuel economy and CO₂ emissions, the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies will begin to be deployed on vehicles in the Mazda line-up starting from 2012.

SKYACTIV-G Gasoline Engine – All-new direct-injection gasoline engine

1. Achieves the world’s highest gasoline engine compression ratio for mass production vehicles of up to 14.0:1, which is more than a Formula One race car engine, and without abnormal combustion (knocking)
2. Significantly improved engine efficiency resulting in up to a 15-percent increase in torque and 15 percent less fuel consumption compared to the current MZR 2.0-liter gasoline engine
3. Improved everyday driving thanks to increased torque at low- to mid-engine speeds
4. A 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multi-hole injectors and other innovations enable the high compression ratio

• 1. Weight reduction – the overall engine weight is reduced by 10 percent
  2. Overall engine friction is reduced by 30 percent
  3. Dual S-VT intake with electric sequential valve timing (S-VT) to minimize pumping losses

SKYACTIV-D Diesel Engine – All-new clean diesel engine

1. Meets global emissions regulations (Euro 6 in Europe, Tier2Bin5 in North America and the Post New Long-Term Regulations in Japan) without expensive NO_X after-treatments thanks to the world’s lowest diesel engine compression ratio of 14.0:1
2. Fuel consumption improved by 20 percent compared to the current 2.2-liter diesel
3. A new two-stage turbocharger means smooth and linear response from low to high engine speeds, which boosts low- and high-end torque (up to the 5,200 rpm rev limit)
4. A highly efficient Mazda active ceramic diesel particulate filter (DPF)
5. Weight reduction of 10 percent
6. Reduced friction of 20 percent
7. Variable valve lift for the exhaust valves enable stable combustion after cold start (avoids misfiring)

SKYACTIV-Drive – All-new six-speed automatic transmission

1. Quicker, lighter and more fun to drive
2. Achieves excellent torque transfer efficiency through a wider lock-up range and features the best attributes of all automatic transmission types (conventional automatic transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission), resulting in a connected driving feel similar to a manual transmission
3. Up to a seven percent improvement in fuel economy versus the current five-speed automatic
4. Available for SKYACTIV-D and SKYACTIV-G engines

SKYACTIV-MT – All-new light and compact manual transmission

1. Optimized for a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, its crisp, short and light shift stroke ensures a shifting feel similar to that of a Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. Significantly reduced size and weight due to a revised structure
3. More efficient vehicle packaging thanks to its compact size
4. Improved fuel economy due to reduced internal friction

SKYACTIV-Body – All-new lightweight, high-rigidity body

1. Outstanding crash safety performance and lightness (meets the top criteria for crash safety assessments in all markets and is eight percent lighter)
2. Weight reduced by optimizing bonding methods and expanding the use of high-tensile steel
3. Each part of the frame is configured to be as straight and linear as possible (“straight structure”), creating 30 percent more rigidity

SKYACTIV-Chassis – All-new high-performance, lightweight chassis

1. Balances precise handling with a comfortable riding feel
2. Newly-developed front strut and rear multi-link suspension ensure high rigidity and lightness
3. The entire chassis will be 14 percent lighter than the previous version
4. Mid-speed agility and high-speed stability
5. Enhanced ride quality at all speeds achieved through a revision of the functional allocation of all the suspension and steering components
6. Realizes “Jinba ittai,” which means “rider and horse as one,” in creating a feeling of oneness between the car and driver

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.