Mazda6 diesel confirmed with hybrid-like 43 MPG

[mikeyb]

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If there's one thing we're clamoring for here in the U.S., it's more diesel engines in passenger cars. Mazda will soon be answering our cries, as it plans to launch its all-new SKY-D powertrain in its "next-generation mid-sized car" (read: Mazda6) sometime in 2012.

The big news about this engine is that it's expected to achieve up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, trumping the current class-leader of fuel economy in the mid-size sedan department, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. This powerplant will be mated to a brand new six-speed automatic transmission, called SKY-Drive, and will not only meet Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, but will meet North America's strict emissions standards.

In addition to the SKY-D diesel engine, Mazda has said that it plans to build a new SKY-G gasoline engine that when coupled to the SKY-Drive six-speed automatic will provide 15 percent better fuel economy than the its petrol poweplants currently in use

 

[TinmanMS6]

That would be awesome, but I wouldn't expect a next-generation 6 here by 2012.

 

[njaremka]

That would be awesome, but I wouldn't expect a next-generation 6 here by 2012.

we already have the next-gen 6. i would assume mazda to just be updating the engine line-up on all their cars to the new sky series engines.

 

[MazdaMatt]

Robert Davis (MNAO CEO) recently said that new SKY engines needs new platforms

"Unfortunately, added Davis, the product development boss, the new powertrains cannot be retrofitted to an existing product line. That means the current Mazda3 won't get a new four-banger until that car is redesigned in about three years."

link of the news

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...reen-mazda-goes-with-the-flow/article1488221/


this news + recent announcements of Yamanouchi means (IMHO):

a) New mx-5 (2011) will debut next-gen platform and SKY engines (gasoline)

b) New model on the way (cx5/3?)

c) current 6 is not a worldwide success like the past model. they need to change something in positioning the model worldwide.
the SKY D engine is scheduled for 2012-official speak- the core models for that kind of engine (the concept engine is a 2.0 litre double sequential turbo) are Cx-7 and 6.(my 2 cent)

new CX-7 and/or new 6 under the way (just my 2 cents).


or expect something new into midsize class offer from Mazda.

 

[TinmanMS6]

we already have the next-gen 6. i would assume mazda to just be updating the engine line-up on all their cars to the new sky series engines.

Uhhh...yeah. That makes it the current generation. Not the next generation.

 

[TinmanMS6]

2010 New York: Mazda announces, SKY-D high-performance diesel for U.S.

Mazda has announced plans to launch its all-new SKY Concept powertrains in the United States starting as early as 2011.

By launching our SKY technologies into the global market place, beginning in 2011, we will take a huge step toward accomplishing our stated goal of achieving a 30-percent improvement in global fuel economy by 2015, said Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, president and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation.

The first of the two engines to be introduced in the U.S. will be the Mazda SKY-G, the companys next-generation gasoline engine that will be the core powertrain in future Mazda vehicles. SKY-G is expected to boost fuel efficiency by approximately 15 percent while increasing engine power.

The SKY-G engine will be followed by the SKY-D engine, a high-performance diesel engine that will allow its next-generation Mazda6 mid-size sedan to achieve 43 mpg on the highway which is better than todays mid-sized hybrids and a 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over Mazdas current 2.2-liter diesel, Yamanouchi said.

By optimizing our existing technologies engines, transmissions, weight reduction and aerodynamics we aim to benefit all our customers and minimize the cost of ownership, said Yamanouchi. The phased introduction of these new technologies will form the building blocks of Mazdas future.

 

[MazdaMatt]

from autonews.com

Mazda will bring diesels, maybe hybrids, to U.S.


NEW YORK -- Mazda will bring its Sky-D direct-injection diesel engines to the United States in 2012.

And a new hybrid-technology alliance with Toyota could result in Mazda hybrids being sold here, too.

The first Mazda diesel coming to the United States will be a mid-sized vehicle, said Takashi Yamanouchi, CEO of Mazda Motor Corp. But he declined to say if it would be the redesigned Mazda6 or a crossover such as the CX-9.

"We realize diesels are not popular in the U.S., but there are specific diesel cars that are," Yamanouchi said in an interview. "There are opportunities to explore."

Mazda says its proprietary catalyst system does not require urea systems to meet emissions standards.

The diesels will follow the U.S. introduction of Mazda's direct-injection Sky-G gasoline engines in 2011. The Sky-G is expected to boost fuel economy by 15 percent, while increasing horsepower. It will be the core powertrain in future Mazda vehicles.

Yamanouchi declined to say what vehicle would be the first to receive the Sky-G. Product cadences suggest the MX-5 roadster, which is due for a redesign in 2011. The Tribute compact crossover is expected to decouple from the Ford Escape in that timeframe as well.

Toyota and Mazda announced a deal last week in which Toyota will supply hybrid technology under license to Mazda. Yamanouchi said the first objective is to provide the technology in vehicles for the hybrid-hungry Japanese market.

In the longer term, Yamanouchi said, Mazda hybrids could reach the United States. He declined to give a timetable.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100405/OEM06/304059953#ixzz0kL59uYVm



my notes:

a) Mazda G +Sky Drive scheduled in 2011. mazda Sky drive is a FF layout transmission (see pic)....not likely to go under a Mx-5 bonnet.
this means a new model added to line-up IMHO (cx3/5?)

b) new midsize veichle scheduled in 2012 w/ Sky D engine in US. a new 6 is on the way IMHO...or new cx-7 /9.

 

[skylar2ups]

Thats a pretty engine!