The refreshed 2012 Mazda3 brings the technology to life through a SKYACTIV powertrain (SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission) mounted onto a current vehicle platform in order to make Mazda’s latest technologies available to customers as quickly as possible. This is a step toward the full implementation of SKYACTIV technologies into Mazda’s next-generation products. The Mazda MINAGI Concept is a prelude to the launch of a newly announced vehicle: the Mazda CX-5. Scheduled to go on sale in early 2012, this compact SUV will be equipped with the full suite of new SKYACTIV technologies and features the new KODO design language. Both the CX-5 and 2012 Mazda3 demonstrate the ongoing
transformation of the Mazda brand in North America.
Improved Efficiency
Mazda’s breakthrough engineering and manufacturing approach to its next generation of vehicles has enabled the brand to solve various conflicting issues simultaneously. For example, how to increase the compression ratio of a gasoline engine without the risk of a drop in torque due to knocking. This has led to number of breakthrough technologies, with the goal to achieve the ideal internal combustion engine. Combined with a successful lightweight strategy of encompassing next-generation engines, transmissions, vehicle body and chassis technologies which dramatically improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions, the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies will begin to be deployed on vehicles in the Mazda line-up starting from 2012.
SKYACTIV-G Gasoline Engine – All-new direct-injection gasoline engine
Achieves the world’s highest gasoline engine compression ratio for mass production vehicles of up to 14.0:1, which is more than a Formula One race car engine, and without abnormal combustion (knocking)
Significantly improved engine efficiency resulting in up to a 15-percent increase in torque and 15 percent less fuel consumption compared to the current MZR 2.0-liter gasoline engine
Improved everyday driving thanks to increased torque at low- to mid-engine speeds
A 4-2-1 exhaust system, cavity pistons, multi-hole injectors and other innovations enable the high compression ratio
o Weight reduction – the overall engine weight is reduced by 10 percent
o Overall engine friction is reduced by 30 percent
o Dual S-VT intake with electric sequential valve timing (S-VT) to minimize pumping losses
SKYACTIV-D Diesel Engine – All-new clean diesel engine
Meets global emissions regulations (Euro 6 in Europe, Tier2Bin5 in North America and the Post New Long-Term Regulations in Japan) without expensive NOX after-treatments thanks to the world’s lowest diesel engine compression ratio of 14.0:1
Fuel consumption improved by 20 percent compared to the current 2.2-liter diesel
A new two-stage turbocharger means smooth and linear response from low to high engine speeds, which boosts low- and high-end torque (up to the 5,200 rpm rev limit)
A highly efficient Mazda active ceramic diesel particulate filter (DPF)
Weight reduction of 10 percent
Reduced friction of 20 percent
Variable valve lift for the exhaust valves enable stable combustion after cold start (avoids misfiring)
SKYACTIV-Drive – All-new six-speed automatic transmission
Quicker, lighter and more fun to drive
Achieves excellent torque transfer efficiency through a wider lock-up range and features the best attributes of all automatic transmission types (conventional automatic transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission and Dual Clutch Transmission), resulting in a connected driving feel similar to a manual transmission
Up to a seven percent improvement in fuel economy versus the current five-speed automatic
Available for SKYACTIV-D and SKYACTIV-G engines
SKYACTIV-MT – All-new light and compact manual transmission
Optimized for a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, its crisp, short and light shift stroke ensures a shifting feel similar to that of a Mazda MX-5 Miata
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
SKYACTIV-Body – All-new lightweight, high-rigidity body
Outstanding crash safety performance and lightness (meets the top criteria for crash safety assessments in all markets and is eight percent lighter)
Weight reduced by optimizing bonding methods and expanding the use of high-tensile steel
Each part of the frame is configured to be as straight and linear as possible (“straight structure”), creating 30 percent more rigidity
SKYACTIV-Chassis – All-new high-performance, lightweight chassis
Balances precise handling with a comfortable riding feel
Newly-developed front strut and rear multi-link suspension ensure high rigidity and lightness
The entire chassis will be 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
Realizes “Jinba ittai,” which means “rider and horse as one,” in creating a feeling of oneness between the car and driver
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