Mazda recently introduced it’s SkyActiv technology to the North American market and it’s gaining big recognition from the automotive press. The SkyActiv G engine runs on an amazing 14.1 compression ratio and the Mazda 3’s new SkyActiv 2.0L engine runs on a 12.1 ratio which is good for 40mpg on the highway. City driving is rated at 28mpg for a combined rating of 33 mpgs, which is not too shabby.
The SkyActiv engine features a 4-2-1 header, multi hole injectors, cavity pistons, and other design features that keep the weight of the rotating assembly down. The intake has been reworked and the car has what Mazda is calling a dual sequential valve timing to aid flow at all RPMs. This leads to a 10% increase in torque compared to their gas engine at high RPMs. It will be interesting to see where this technology leads as Mazda proves you don’t need a gimmicky hybrid to get great economy.
The new SkyActive engine just recently made Ward’s ten best list. For more info on Mazda’s SkyActiv technology you can head on over to their website.
2 comments
Jon
December 20, 2011 at 10:59 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Okay for the dumb. What does a 4-2-1 header mean? I could find it explained on Mazda’s website either.
Jon
December 21, 2011 at 4:27 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
If you wanted you could explain the advantage you put there. Not getting how two cylinders expelling gas at the same time into the same piping system would increase torque.