When Mazda showed off the sexy Shinari concept at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show last December, it signaled a strong directional change. The Shinari is sexy; It looks less like a competitor to the Altima and Camry crowd and more like a Lexus fighter.
The Shinari will lose some of that show-car edge when it goes on sale as the Mazda6 this December. But word is that it will sport an unconventional 2.2óliter diesel boasting 310 lb-ft of torque and a 40óplusómpg highway rating. The car's free-revving, 5200órpm redline is especially unusual for diesels, but Mazda's goal was to emulate the character of its gasoline-powered cars, so this twin-turbocharged diesel seems less foreign to buyers who know the brand for quick-revving gas motors. Expect Mazda to offer an upgraded interior with more of a luxury feeling, too. If Mazda can pull all this off it has a motor to rival the Germans and a unique look to rival its Japanese competitors.
Courtesy information from Popular Mechanics
Barely a year ago, you could get 40 miles per gallon on the highway in exactly one conventional gas-powered car--the two-seat, toaster-size ForTwo, from Smart. But with fuel prices approaching $4 (approx. RM15) per gallon, membership in the 40-and-over club is growing fast. Hyundai, Chevrolet and Ford have introduced efficient sedans and hatchbacks. Now an unexpected entrant is joining the club: Mazda, the carmaker that built its reputation on affordable performers like the 155mph Speed3 and the rotary-engined RX-8.
Mazda’s fuel-efficiency program, Skyactiv, involves a multiyear rollout of new engines, transmissions and other reinvented components across a range of vehicles. The goal is to boost overall fuel economy by 30 percent by 2015, one year before American fuel-economy rules require automakers to reach a fleetwide average of 35.5 mpg.
The plan starts with the new Mazda3, whose 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine will use direct fuel injection and dual variable valve timing to squeeze out 158 horsepower while achieving 40 mpg. A new six-speed automatic transmission will use two internal clutches to reduce energy-wasting gear slippage by 14 percent, while a redesigned exhaust manifold will collect and quickly disperse gases from all four cylinders, reducing heat losses.
Beyond the 3, Mazda’s plans get even more interesting. This fall in Japan, the automaker will introduce a new version of the subcompact Mazda2, with a 1.3-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Expected mileage: nearly 70 mpg.
SkyActiv-G engine package
SkyActiv-D engine package
In 2013, Mazda will bring a compact crossover to America called the CX-5; its 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel should generate 310 pound-feet of torque while most likely topping 40 mpg, better than any SUV on the market today. And unlike other diesel engines, Mazda’s lightweight, high-revving aluminum-block diesel engine requires no particulate traps or pricey exhaust after-treatments to meet emissions standards. Barring any holdups, the CX-5 would become the first modern diesel Japanese passenger vehicle sold in the U.S.
Refer to below video on SKYACTIV technologies focusing on Engine (Gasoline & Diesel), Body, Chassis and Transmission. Every part of SKYACTIV is being develop to reduce the fuel consumption of the car.
Courtesy information from POPSCI.com
Another recall from Japanese automaker.
Mazda is recalling its Mazda 6 model due to a unique problem occurred by spider. As Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes said, "Perhaps yellow sac spiders like to go zoom-zoom?" While the spider problem sounds silly, Barnes said it can be dangerous.
It is not sure whether Mazda 6 in South East Asia region (including Malaysia) to be recalled soon or not but Mazda spokesman said that since the problem wasn't restricted to a particular geographic region, Mazda thought it best to recall all its affected vehicles in areas where the yellow sac spider lives. Do we have those in Malaysia?
Mftg. date: 2008-2010
Region : U.S., Mexico & Canada (yellow sac spider region)
Reason : Web & nest from spider in fuel tank can cause blockage which leads to fuel leakage and catch fire.
Mazda is recalling its Mazda 6 model due to a unique problem occurred by spider. As Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes said, "Perhaps yellow sac spiders like to go zoom-zoom?" While the spider problem sounds silly, Barnes said it can be dangerous.
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| Yellow Sac Spider |
More recall detail:
Model : Mazda 6Mftg. date: 2008-2010
Region : U.S., Mexico & Canada (yellow sac spider region)
Reason : Web & nest from spider in fuel tank can cause blockage which leads to fuel leakage and catch fire.
