Mazda engineers want you to love what you drive and now they want you to get more mpgs doing so. Mazda has released its SKYACTIV technology in the new 2012 MAZDA3. As Mazda says, “It’s not the first 40 mpg car; it’s just the first one worth driving.”
The 2012 MAZDA3 will be the first Mazda vehicle in America to feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with SKYACTIV-G Technology. Mazda engineers focused on the fact that 70-80 percent of energy contained in the fuel is lost before it is transferred to the tires as motive force and aimed to create further efficiency with a higher compression ratio. The result: While running on 87 octane fuel, the SKYACTIV engine features one of the highest compression ratios of any gasoline engine in the world at 13:1. The SKYACTIV-G is extremely efficient while still being powerful, returning up to 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with 155 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque.
However, Mazda SKYACTIV Technology involves more than just a highly fuel-efficient engine, it’s an entire automotive platform designed around delivering maximum driving pleasure and safety without compromising efficiency. SKYACTIV Technology will be the foundation for all new cars developed by Mazda in the coming years, and by 2015, the company plans to achieve a 30 percent improvement in average fuel economy of all Mazda vehicles sold worldwide.
A fuel-efficient engine is nothing without an equally efficient transmission that gets the power to the wheels. Mazda engineers developed SKYACTIV-DRIVE, an automatic transmission that combines the best attributes of a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a dual clutch transmission and a traditional automatic transmission that improves fuel economy as much as seven percent.
The SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission features shift plates of a dual clutch transmission with a full-range locking torque converter to deliver maximum fuel economy at all speeds, a spirited, launch feel under throttle, easy starting uphill and smooth, direct shifting characteristics. And because of the full-range locking capability, SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmissions operate at lower temperatures, helping improve reliability.
For those who prefer to shift their own gears with a clutch pedal, SKYACTIV-MT is a lightweight and compact manual transmission engineered for front-wheel drive platforms. SKYACTIV-MT improves manual transmission efficiency by reducing size, weight and internal gear friction. It all adds up to more driving pleasure and greater fuel efficiency.
Mazda has always been known for developing cars that are nimble and fun-to-drive, and in order to further this reputation, the SKYACTIV-BODY platform improves rigidity and reduces weight while maintaining outstanding crash safety performance. Through the use of stronger, lighter high-tensile steel and a straighter, more continuous framework approach, the new SKYACTIV-BODY is eight percent lighter and 30 percent more rigid than current Mazda body designs.
In order to achieve what Mazda calls “oneness between car and driver,” the new SKYACTIV-CHASSIS design captures the essence of one of the most beloved sports cars ever built – the Mazda MX-5. Through extensive suspension enhancements and the incorporation of electric power steering, the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS is up to 14 percent lighter than previous models.
SKYACTIV Technology represents an entirely new approach to automotive engineering. It is the foundation that Mazda will use for years to come, ensuring every new Mazda vehicle performs with utmost in performance, fuel efficiency, safety and reliability while still being exceptionally fun-to-drive.
To get your first look at this exciting new SKYACTIV Technology, contact us today and schedule a test drive of the 2012 MAZDA3 equipped with SKYACTIV-G.
