Mazda looks to SKY
Not green or even blue, Mazda's eco line will be known as SKYMazda will reveal its new generation engine and transmission line-up at Tokyo next week. Called SKY, the range will be introduced in 2011 and includes direct-injection petrol and 'clean' diesel engines, and an automatic transmission designed for improved efficiency.
The engines and auto are part of Mazda's drive towards its "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" campaign, first announced in 2006. The company is aiming to improve the fuel economy of its global fleet by 30 per cent versus the 2008 range, by 2015.
Mazda says the SKY G petrol engine will provide 15 per cent better economy than the equivalent 2.0-litre offering. Gains have been made due to increased thermal efficiency and redesigned block for best air-fuel mixture with a new direct injection system.
The SKY D engine uses efficient piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharger for a 20 per cent gain in efficiency over the current 2.2-litre diesel option. Mazda claims a Mazda6 sized car equipped with the 2.2 SKY D diesel will yield economy equivalent to the current Mazda2 light car.
SKY Drive is Mazda's name for its latest automatic transmission, which has been redesigned with new a torque converter and clutch for minimal slip and better drive response. The quicker clutch take-up was enabled by minimising transmission fluid to achieve a direct drive "feel similar to a dual clutch transmission", according to the maker.
Mazda will also display its Premacy Hydrogen RE car which it recently began leasing to government and energy agencies in Japan. The Premacy follows the RX-8 HRE released in small numbers in 2006, using the same hydrogen-fuelled engine but this time enabling 200km driving range.
The Premacy uses what Mazda calls its Biotechmaterials movement towards implementing more plant-based component materials in the use of plastics and fabrics.
Mazda is making the clean-burning Premacy peoplemover available to journalists during the Tokyo motor show. Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive review.
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