| 2012 Mazda3. Click to enlarge. |
The refreshed 2012 Mazda3, making its debut at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow, will offer the option of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission (earlier post) when it is launched later this fall. This initial application of Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine and transmission technologies—their first application in a production vehicle—will realize higher torque at
low- and mid-range engine speeds resulting in better drivability with less fuel consumption in everyday driving.
Mazda has stated that its goal is to improve fuel efficiency by 30% by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels). The company intends to deliver on this via the SKYACTIV technologies, which focus on improving the efficiency of internal combustion core technologies in association with vehicle weight reduction. Mazda then plans gradually to introduce electrical devices such as idle-stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
| SKYACTIV-G gasoline direct injection engine. Click to enlarge. |
The SKYACTIV-G engine is a direct-injection gasoline engine that achieves a compression ratio of 14.0:1 with no abnormal combustion (knocking). The high compression combustion results in significantly improved engine efficiency, resulting in 15% increases in fuel efficiency and torque. Increased torque at low- to mid-engine speeds improves the driving experience. A 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multihole injectors and other innovations enable the high compression ratio.
| SKYACTIV-Drive AT. Click to enlarge. |
The SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission achieves excellent torque transfer efficiency through a wider lock-up range and combines the advantages of conventional automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, and dual clutch transmissions. A widened lock-up range improves torque transfer efficiency and realizes a direct driving feel that is equivalent to a manual transmission; the transmission delivers a 4-7% improvement in fuel economy compared to the current transmissions.
In addition to the new SKYACTIV engine and transmission offerings, the 2012 Mazda3 will receive new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. New 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the 2012 exterior updates.
Mazda Motor Corporation has been developing its new technologies under the SKYACTIV concept and they include completely new gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions and vehicle architectures. Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies will be launched successively beginning with the new gasoline engine and automatic transmission in 2011.