Mazda unveils 'Skyactiv' tech, prepares for local production

Skyactiv is Mazda’s latest and most efficient technology, which is world-acclaimed, and is considered a major advancement in automotive technology. It combines four major areas consisting of the engine (gasoline and diesel), transmission (manual and automatic), body structure and chassis. 

The technology is highly eco-friendly and offers high safety levels, and will be featured in the new Mazda CX-5 crossover, which will be launched in Thailand later this year. 

After staging the Mazda Design Forum 2012 late last year, Mazda became the first auto manufacturer to unveil behind-the-scenes vehicle design and development information that has never been released anywhere before. This includes the “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design philosophy that was first unveiled in the Shinari concept vehicle. The Kodo design has been making a great impression globally through new models from Mazda, and it is expected to significantly strengthen the Mazda brand in Thailand as well. 

This year, Mazda is continuing its Skyactiv campaign in Thailand with the staging of “The Next Generation Technology Forum 2013”, with close cooperation coming from the parent company, which will be introducing world-acclaimed technologies developed by Mazda engineers. 

The new technology covers all areas of the vehicle, especially the Skyactiv-G power plant to be offered in the new model. The direct-injection gasoline engine has the highest compression ratio in the world (14.0:1), and offers super-clean combustion and high output, while boasting extra-low, hybrid-level fuel consumption without needing any electric motor assistance. 

“Skyactiv Technology is the name we’ve given to the innovative, new technology that Mazda takes great pride in. It has its roots in our long-term vision in terms of creating sustainability, something we call ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’,” said Mazda senior managing executive officer Hirotaka Kanazawa. “This new technology has been developed reflecting our true commitment and desire in offering an outstanding driving experience along with eco-friendliness and safety. 

“The most important thing that will help Mazda achieve this goal is our long-term strategy, which involves taking Mazda’s existing basic technologies to the max and dramatically raising the bar in terms of engine performance. Mazda has been developing new engines, transmissions and basic structures for every model. It also involves revamping up the production process starting from R&D to actual assembly. The Skyactiv Technology has been introduced in global markets with great success, in models such as the Mazda6 [called Atenza in the Japanese market] and the CX-5 that will be officially launched in Thailand later this year. Thanks to the new technology, the CX-5 offers a highly entertaining performance along with improved fuel efficiency, and it will also be continuously offered in new models in the coming years,” Kanazawa said. 

“With confidence in the Thai automobile industry and the strong economy, as well as the excellent feedback of the Mazda brand, we have invested almost US$2 billion (Bt59.3 billion) in building one of the world’s most advanced assembly plants in Rayong, which has a production capacity of as much as 290,000 vehicles per year,” said Mazda Sales (Thailand) managing director Choichi Yuki. “Apart from supplying the domestic market, customers in more than 140 countries are also driving Thai-made Mazda vehicles. Most recently, we have invested another ¥ 26 billion (Bt7.6 billion) to start production of Skyactiv transmissions in Thailand, with a production capacity of 400,000 units annually for both domestic and export markets. We are ready to help develop the Thai auto industry into an important global auto production and export centre. 

“The Next Generation Technology Forum 2013 represents a great opportunity for Mazda customers and all Thais to experience outstanding technology that is no longer a dream. Mazda is bringing vehicles that are fully equipped with these technologies to Thailand. The Skyactiv Technology is a highly advanced technology that will be unveiled in Thailand in the near future. It is expected to become highly successful and receive wide acceptance from our customers,” Yuki said. 

 

Mazda Skyactiv Technology 

1. SKYACTIV-G 

_ A highly efficient direct-injection gasoline engine boasting the world’s highest compression ratio of 14.0:1. 

_ World’s first mass-produced engine with the highest 14.0:1 compression ratio 

_ Dramatically improved ignition and combustion, resulting in improved fuel economy and increased torque output of 15 per cent. 

_ Entertaining performance due to increased torque output from low to medium engine speeds. 

_ A 4-2-1 exhaust system, increased displacement, multi-hole injectors and other new technologies to raise the compression ratio in the combustion chamber. 

 

2. SKYACTIV-D 

_ The latest-generation clean-burning diesel engine that passes stringent global emission standards without the need for expensive catalysts to lower pollutants. The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the Lean NOx Trap (LNT) are two new features derived from the Skyactiv-D engine, which has the lowest compression in the world of 14.0:1. 

_ Due to the low compression ratio, fuel economy is improved by 20 per cent. 

_ New dual-stage turbochargers offer smooth response and high precision from low to medium revs, as well as high torque output from low to high revs (maximum 5,200 rpm) 

_ Passes Euro 6 emission standards in Europe, Tier2Bin5 in North America and Japanese emission standards without needing costly catalysts to lower pollution. 

 

3. SKYACTIV-Drive 

_ New-generation automatic transmission that achieves excellent torque transfer efficiency. 

_ Combines advantages of three types of transmissions – Conventional AT Transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch. 

_ A dramatically widened lock-up range improves torque transfer efficiency and realises a direct driving feel that is equivalent to a manual transmission. 

_ A 4-7 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current transmission. 

 

4. SKYACTIV-MT 

_ A compact-size new-generation manual transmission with significantly reduced weight, offering a light, crisp feel like that of a sports car. It has been developed for front-engine and front-wheel-drive cars. 

_ Shorter shift lever stroke and lighter shift effort. 

_ Dramatically lowered size and weight due to new structural changes. 

_ Optimised engine placement due to compact size and weight. 

_ Improved fuel economy due to lower friction of internal mechanism. 

 

5. SKYACTIV-Body 

_ Excellent rigidity supporting Mazda’s fun-to-drive feel, with a lightweight body to achieve outstanding crash safety performance. 

_ High rigidity and lightness (8 per cent lighter, 30 per cent more rigid). 

_ Highest safety performance that meets top criteria for all markets. 

_ New basic framework, adopting concepts of “straightening” and “continuous framework”. 

_ Lighter framework, thanks to new welding technology plus use of high-tensile steel at critical areas. 

 

6. SKYACTIV-Chassis 

_ New-generation lightweight chassis that offers increased comfort and security, as well as Mazda’s fun-to-drive feel. 

_ Independent front strut and rear multi-link suspension offering superior rigidity and low weight (entire chassis is 14 per cent lighter than previous model). 

_ The front and rear suspension have been redesigned to deliver low-to mid-speed agility and high-speed stability, nimble yet high quality ride comfort. A lightweight, highly rigid cross member and electric power steering also contribute to quick handling.