Automakers are finding new ways to improve mileage from engines without sacrificing power. One popular solution is fitting smaller engines with turbochargers. However, Mazda doesn’t believe this is the best solution. That’s why Mazda is focusing on “rightsizing” the engine instead.
Ford is one of many automakers that have recently turned to turbos. The Blue Oval’s EcoBoost engines employ turbos to boost power from small, fuel-efficient engines. Mazda on the other hand is focused on creating engines that are the right size for the vehicle. The Japanese automaker is also looking to boost MPG through extensive weight reduction measures.
“When you take a vehicle like the CX-9, it has space for a large displacement 4-cylinder and a turbo. But a 1.0L 3-cyl. turbo doesn’t make sense to me,” said Mazda senior VP for research Robert Davis. “A turbo and downsizing is a temporary solution to not having the right engine in the car in the first place.”
Mazda’s all-new lineup of SKYACTIV powertrains will first debut on the 2012 Mazda3, which is set to debut at the New York auto show in April. This new engine is paired with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda is expecting the new Mazda3 to earned an EPA rating of 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
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