Vehicle manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve the driver experience, from handling to fuel efficiency, comfort features to technology, and everything in between. Mazda introduced SKYACTIV in 2011 and has spent the past ten years perfecting this system. You may have heard this term tossed around before, or maybe you’re hearing it for the first time. What is Mazda SKYACTIV technology?
SKYACTIV Engines
First up is the SKYACTIV-G, a direct-injection engine offering the world’s highest gasoline compression ratio of 14:1, which significantly improves overall engine efficiency. This technology provides a 15% increase in torque and fuel efficiency thanks to the high compression combustion. The increased torque improves everyday driving at low and mid-engine speeds. The high compression ratio is created by a 4-2-1 exhaust system, multihole injectors, cavity pistons, and other innovative technologies designed to increase the compression ratio.
Next up is the SKYACTIV-D engine, the diesel engine for the SKYACTIV line. Also featuring the best in the world compression ratio of 14:1, the SKYACTIV-D engine provides a 20% improvement in fuel economy while meeting or exceeding exhaust emission standards worldwide. The high-efficiency turbocharger of the SKYACTIV-D delivers excellent acceleration and a snappy, smooth response.
The jewel of the SKYACTIV line of engines is the SKYACTIV-X engine, the first commercial gasoline engine to use homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) SKYACTIV-X. HCCI happens when the fuel-air mixture spontaneously ignites when the piston compresses. The SKYACTIV-X also features Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. This first-of-its-kind combustion method uses spark plug ignition to manage compression ignition giving marked improvements in several performance parameters. The SKYACTIV-X combines the benefits of a traditional gasoline engine with those of a compression ignition diesel engine to produce expansiveness at high RPMs, cleaner exhaust emissions, along with superior initial response and fuel economy.
SKYACTIV Transmissions
Part of the SKYACTIV technologies are two different transmissions. The first being the SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission which provides smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy at low speed. Utilizing a lockup range over 80% gives the SKYACTIV-DRIVE a natural sense usually only found in manual transmissions. SKYACTIV offers a manual transmission called the SKYACTIV-MT, a compact and light system offering a perfect mix of premier fuel efficiency and crisp shifting mechanism reminiscent of a sports car.
SKYACTIV Platform and Dynamics
The platform on which the SKYACTIV technologies are built consists of a light but rigid framework. Mazda trimmed over 100 kilograms of weight from the car to help create a sense of oneness with the car and driver. The light but robust SKYACTIV-BODY combines with the lightweight SKYACTIV-CHASSIS featuring completely redesigned suspensions to create a feeling of oneness with the vehicle. The final piece to the SKYACTIV technology is SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS which provides integrated control of many individual components such as body, chassis, transmission, and engine to reach complete optimization of the vehicle’s performance.
If you’d like to learn more about the SKYACTIV technology by Mazda, visit your local Mazda dealer. Their team would love to answer any questions or get you set up for a test drive to check it out for yourself.
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