Mazda claims that the next-generation Mazda2 will achieve 30 kilometres per litre (70 mpg), possibly making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered car in the world.

This will be made possible using Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technologies. These technologies include SKYACTIVE-G gasoline engines, SKYACTIVE-D diesel engines (Not in use for the Mazda2), SKYACTIVE-Drive automatic transmissions, SKYACTIVE-MT manual transmissions, SKYACTIVE-Body lightweight bodies, and the lightweight, high-performance SKYACTIVE-Chassis.

The SKYACTIVE-G achieves the world’s highest compression ratio for a gasoline engine, at 14.0:1, helping it achieve a 15 percent increase in fuel efficiency and torque according to Mazda.

As for the diesel SKYACTIVE-D, this has the world’s lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine, 14.0:1, which equals better fuel economy in a diesel. It also has a two-stage turbocharger. The result is a 20 percent increase the fuel efficiency without the use of any NOx aftertreatments. However, nothing has yet been said about what cars this engine will make its way into.

SKYACTIVE-Drive, an automatic transmission, claims a 4 to 7 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to conventional automatics, while the SKYACTIVE-MT manual is lighter and has less internal friction than a normal manual transmission. This will result in better fuel economy, although no exact figures are released.

The SKYACTIVE-Body technology claims an 8-percent reduction in weight but with a 30-percent increase in rigidity, likely meaning better handling. Mazda also claims that crash safety is very good.

Lastly, SKYACTIVE-Chassis claims to be 14 percent lighter than previous technology, while maintaining a good balance between ride quality and handling.

The new Mazda2 with these technologies is set to go on sale in Japan in the first half of 2011. The technology will be expanding across Mazda’s lineup, and other technologies, such as a hybrid system and regenerative braking, are on their way.

Press Release

Mazda Reveals Next-Generation ‘SKYACTIV’ Technologies
October 20, 2010

MAZDA REVEALS NEXT-GENERATION ‘SKYACTIV’ TECHNOLOGIES

–First product to be equipped with SKYACTIV technology will be a Mazda
Demio featuring an improved, fuel-efficient, next-generation
direct-injection engine that achieves fuel economy of 30 km/L–

Highlights of the SKYACTIV technologies:
– SKYACTIV-G: a next-generation highly-efficient direct-injection gasoline
engine with the world’s highest compression ratio of 14.0:1
– SKYACTIV-D: a next-generation clean diesel engine with the world’s
lowest compression ratio of 14.0:1
– SKYACTIV-Drive: a next-generation highly-efficient automatic transmission
– A next-generation manual transmission with a light shift feel, compact
size and significantly reduced weight
– A next-generation lightweight, highly-rigid body with outstanding crash
safety performance
– A next-generation high-performance lightweight chassis that balances
precise handling with a comfortable ride

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its
SKYACTIV next-generation technologies — including engines, transmissions,
vehicle bodies and chassis — that will begin appearing in Mazda products
from 2011. The Mazda Demio (known overseas as the Mazda2) will be the
first model to feature SKYACTIV technology and will go on sale in Japan in
the first half of 2011. It will be powered by the SKYACTIV-G, Mazda’s
next-generation direct injection gasoline engine that achieves
significantly improved fuel efficiency thanks to a high compression ratio
of 14.0:1* . The Mazda Demio SKYACTIV-G will achieve fuel economy of 30
kilometres per litre**  without any assistance from an electric motor.

SKYACTIV is a blanket term for Mazda’s innovative next-generation
technologies that are being developed under the company’s long-term vision
for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom. The SKYACTIV name is
intended to reflect Mazda’s desire to provide driving pleasure as well as
outstanding environmental and safety performance in its vehicles. To
achieve this goal, Mazda has implemented an internal Building Block
Strategy to be completed by 2015. This ambitious strategy involves the
comprehensive optimization of Mazda’s base technologies, which determine
the core performance of its vehicles, and the progressive introduction of
electric devices such as regenerative braking and a hybrid system. All the
technologies that are developed based on the Building Block Strategy will
fall under the SKYACTIV umbrella.

Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s Representative Director, Chairman of the
Board, President and CEO, said, “Mazda is renewing its entire powertrain
and platform line-up at the same time as   revolutionizing every
manufacturing process from R&D through to mass production. There have been
no compromises in addressing conflicting goals. Instead, we have
implemented a ‘breakthrough’ approach to technical innovation in all areas
that has produced incredible, unexpected results. One of our success
stories is the next-generation engine that will first appear in the Mazda
Demio which goes on sale in the first half of 2011. Achieving an
outstanding 30 kilometres per liter fuel economy, the SKYACTIV Demio will
be a fun-to-drive fuel sipper that will satisfy anyone’s desire for
driving pleasure. And there will be many more exciting new products coming
to the Mazda line-up in the years ahead.”

Overview of the SKYACTIV technologies

1. SKYACTIV-G
A next-generation highly-efficient direct-injection gasoline engine that
achieves the world’s highest gasoline engine compression ratio of 14.0:1
with no abnormal combustion (knocking)
– The world’s first gasoline engine for mass production vehicles to
achieve a high compression ratio of 14.0:1
– Significantly improved engine efficiency thanks to the high compression
combustion, resulting in 15 percent increases in fuel efficiency and torque
– Improved everyday driving thanks to increased torque at low- to
mid-engine speeds
– A 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multihole injectors and other
innovations enable the high compression ratio

2. SKYACTIV-D
A next-generation clean diesel engine that will meet global emissions
regulations without expensive NOx aftertreatments — urea selective
catalytic reduction (SCR) or a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) — thanks to the world’s
lowest diesel engine compression ratio of 14.0:1
– 20 percent better fuel efficiency thanks to the low compression
ratio of 14.0:1
– A new two-stage turbocharger realizes smooth and linear response from
low to high engine speeds, and greatly increases low- and high-end torque
(up to the 5,200 rpm rev limit)
– Complies with global emissions regulations (Euro6 in Europe, Tier2Bin5
in North America, and the Post New Long-Term Regulations in Japan),
without expensive NOx aftertreatment

3. SKYACTIV-Drive
A next-generation highly efficient automatic transmission that achieves
excellent torque transfer efficiency through a wider lock-up range and
features the best attributes of all transmission types
– Combines all the advantages of conventional automatic transmissions,
continuously variable transmissions, and dual clutch transmissions
– A dramatically widened lock-up range improves torque transfer efficiency
and realizes a direct driving feel that is equivalent to a manual
transmission
– A 4-to-7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current
transmission

4. SKYACTIV-MT
A light and compact next-generation manual transmission with crisp and
light shift feel like that of a sports car, optimized for a front-engined
front-wheel-drive layout
– Short stroke and light shift feel
– Significantly reduced size and weight due to a revised structure
– More efficient vehicle packaging thanks to its compact size
– Improved fuel economy due to reduced internal friction

5. SKYACTIV-Body
A next-generation lightweight, highly-rigid body with outstanding crash
safety performance and high rigidity for greater driving pleasure
– High rigidity and lightness (8 percent lighter, 30 percent more rigid)
– Outstanding crash safety performance and lightness
– A “straight structure” in which each part of the frame is configured to
be as straight as possible. Additionally, a “continuous framework”
approach was adopted in which each section functions in a coordinated
manner with the other connecting sections
– Reduced weight through optimized bonding methods and expanded use of
high-tensile steel

6. SKYACTIV-Chassis
A next-generation high-performance lightweight chassis that balances
precise handling with a comfortable ride feel to realize driving pleasure
– Newly developed front strut and rear multilink suspension ensures high
rigidity and lightness (The entire chassis is 14 percent lighter than the
previous version.)
– Mid-speed agility and high-speed stability — enhanced ride quality at
all speeds achieved through a revision of the functional allocation of all
the suspension and steering components

*Compression ratio and some engine technologies vary depending on fuel
type and vehicle specifications
**Measured according to Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle

Source: Mazda