Posts Tagged ‘mazda diesel’
It’s Detroit maker’s first diesel since 1986.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Feb.07, 2013
You might not notice there's a diesel in this car but for the small 2.0 TD badge.
There are some folks – including a few inside General Motors – who believe GM almost singlehandedly killed off the American diesel. For now, however, the question is whether it can bring the technology back to life, or more precisely, can it make the diesel part of the U.S. automotive mainstream again.
It’s certainly getting ready to try. The maker’s Chevrolet division is giving media and buyers alike a look at the new Chevy Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel – the 2.0 TD for short – at this month’s Chicago Auto Show. It’s the first time the maker has produced a diesel-powered passenger car for the U.S. market since 1986.
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Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, in the wake of the twin Mideast oil shocks, diesels were all the rage, but as fuel prices leveled off, the technology often derided as “oil burners” began to lose momentum. It didn’t help that a version GM used in its Oldsmobile line was prone to catastrophic failure.
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Tags: Chevrolet Cruze diesel, auto news, car news, chevrolet news, chevy diesel, chevy news, clean diesels, cruze clean turbo diesel, diesel cars, gm diesel, gm news, jeep diesel, mazda diesel, mazda6 diesel, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Automobiles | 4 Comments »
A tankful of chicken guts?
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Jan.24, 2013
Mazda's new diesel racer will get its first trial by fire at Daytona this weekend.
Mazda hopes ride a tankful of chicken guts, beef tallow and pork lard to victory at the grueling Rolex 24 endurance race in Daytona over the coming weekend.
No, the maker isn’t sponsored by the local butcher. It’s powering its new Mazda6 race car with a custom-made fuel blend that starts out with scraps from Tyson Foods. That organic glop has been converted into a special bio-fuel that will stoke the new SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine that will power Mazda’s entry into the new Grand-Am GX Class at the 24-hour race.
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“It’s meat packing residue,” explains John Doonan, the director of Mazda’s ambitious motorsports operation. And the ultimate blend is so clean the Mazda6 race car won’t need particulate filters or any of the other devices used on other diesel-powered race cars.
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Tags: Audi diesel, audi lemans, auto news, car news, diesel race car, diesel racing, mazda daytona, mazda diesel, mazda news, mazda racing, mazda skyactiv-d, mazda6, mazda6 racecar, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, rolex 24 hours of daytona, thedetroitbureau
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“More to come,” suggests Reuss.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Dec.14, 2012
Expect to see GM add a diesel to the powertrain options for the light-duty 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.
With its first light-duty diesel set to debut in a manner of months, senior General Motors officials are giving clear indications that they’re ready to launch additional applications of the high-mileage technology, including a diesel for the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.
After years sitting on the sidelines, 2014 could be the year that diesels finally become a viable option for automakers struggling to meet tough need government fuel economy mandates. Among the various makers that plan to launch or expand their diesel offerings are Mazda, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi and, soon, General Motors.
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“There is, fundamentally, a place for diesel here,” said GM President Mark Reuss, during an interview following the preview of the completely redesigned 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The executive stressed that he is “personally” in favor of adding more of the so-called oil-burners to GM’s North American line-up.
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Tags: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, 2014 gmc sierra, Audi diesel, GM diesels, Mark Reuss, auto diesels, auto news, car news, diesels, gm news, mazda diesel, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, sierra diesel, silverado diesel, thedetroitbureau, vw passat diesel
Posted in Automobiles | 4 Comments »
Maker will add 3.2-liter I-5 for new Transit van.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Dec.11, 2012
Ford's new Transit van will be offered with the maker's new Power Stroke I-5 diesel.
Ford Motor Co. has done something of an about-face on diesel power, the maker deciding to introduce a 3.2-liter “oil-burner” for the new Transit van it will launch in the U.S. market next year.
It will mark the first time Ford has offered a diesel in a van for the American market since phasing out its Power Stroke V8 in 2010. And with the announcement Ford becomes the latest in a still-small but fast-growing list of manufacturers hoping to boost mileage – and build demand – with high-mileage diesels. Mazda last month confirmed long-expected plans to offer a diesel in its new Mazda6 sedan.
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Ford has long waivered on making a commitment to diesel, new Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields only last month saying there were no plans to offer the technology in its U.S. passenger car line-up. Instead, Ford has been focusing on its distinctive EcoBoost engines and an expanding line-up of battery-based powertrains. But it appears the maker saw an opening – and growing demand – in the commercial sector for diesel power.
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Tags: Audi diesel, auto news, car news, diesel cars, ford diesel, ford news, ford power stroke diesel, ford transit, ford transit diesel, ford van, mazda diesel, mazda6 diesel, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau, vw passat diesel
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New sedan launching with SkyActiv gas package.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Nov.29, 2012
Mazda will offer both a small gas engine and a new diesel for the 2014 Mazda6 sedan.
Mazda will launch a diesel version of its new midsize Mazda6 sedan during the second half of 2013, the maker confirmed during an LA Auto Show news conference – and while the maker won’t release official figures until closer to launch, a well-placed source said the maker is looking to match hybrid-level fuel economy numbers with the package.
Mazda is the latest manufacturer to announce plans to enter the diesel market, a niche largely populated by European makers, such as Audi which earlier announced plans to add four new diesels to its U.S. line-up next year.
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The new Mazda6 itself was earlier previewed during an introduction in, of all places, Moscow over the summer. The sedan is an example of the Japanese maker’s aggressive new Kodo design language which features a low-slung nose and aggressive wheel bulges intended to deliver a sense of power and agility.
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Tags: 2012 LA auto show, 2014 mazda6, auto news, car news, diesel engines, diesels, mazda diesel, mazda la auto show, mazda news, mazda skyactiv, mazda6, midsize sedans, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
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Maker hoping to win on Sunday, sell on Monday.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Jun.04, 2012
With its 2-stage turbo, the Mazda SkyActiv-D race engine should make about 400 hp.
Mazda is hoping that old motor sports adage, “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday,” still holds. Aware it will have plenty of convincing to do when it launches its new SkyActiv diesel next year the maker plans to turn to motor sports to get its message across.
A beefed-up version of the production SkyActiv-D, as in diesel, making somewhere around 400 horsepower will make its debut in the months ahead as part of the 2013 Grand Am GX Class. The new GX series has been designed specifically to spotlight advanced and clean engine technologies.
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“We’re hoping this will help (showcase) diesel attributes for those people who hadn’t considered them before,” explained John Doonan, Mazda North America’s Director of Motorsports.
It’s not the first time Mazda has taken to the track with non-traditional powertrain technology. It was the first Japanese automaker to win at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, in fact, using its trademark rotary engines – which still run in a number of race circuits today, even though Mazda will soon pull the Wankel rotary from production.
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Tags: Audi diesel, Jonathan Browning, audi r19, auto news, car news, diesel racing, grand am gx, mazda diesel, mazda diesel racing, mazda grand am gx, mazda news, mazda skyactiv-d, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau, volkswagen passat diesel, vw news
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Can Mazda deliver hybrid mileage without the hybrid?
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Aug.12, 2011
The new Mazda CX-5 crossover will be the maker's first vehicle developed specifically to use the new Skyactiv system, though the Skyactiv powertrain will appear first on the 2012 Mazda3 update.
“We are a very small company,” says Kyoshi Fujiwara – again. It’s a mantra repeated over and over by the Japanese engineer who has become something of the chief cook and bottle washer for Mazda’s ambitious Skyactiv project.
The far-reaching effort could be the make-it-or-break it for, yes, this very small company, which has largely severed its ties with Detroit giant Ford Motor Co. Long known for going its own way with unusual technology – think Wankel rotary engine – Mazda is doing it again with Skyactiv, a system that it claims can deliver the fuel efficiency of a hybrid without the performance and price penalties.
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Early next year, Mazda will introduce the new Skyactiv-G gasoline engine on the updated Mazda3 sedan. But the technology isn’t limited to just a new petrol powertrain, ala Ford’s EcoBoost. With Skyactiv, Mazda claims to have re-thought the entire vehicle, coming up with both gasoline and diesel engines, advanced manual and automatic transmissions and lighter-weight platforms that further enhance its drive for improved fuel economy without sacrificing the company’s familiar zoom-zoom qualities.
TheDetroitBureau.com recently got a chance to take an in-depth look at the Skyactiv system and files this report.
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Tags: Mazda3, auto news, car news, fuel efficiency, mazda cx5, mazda diesel, mazda engine, mazda hybrid, mazda news, mazda rotary, mazda skyactiv, mazda skyactiv-d, mazda skyactiv-g, mazda skyactive, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
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First new offering with maker’s SkyActiv powertrain technology.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Aug.02, 2011
The new Mazda CX-5 crossover will first appear in Europe but will follow to the U.S. market, as well.
Mazda is offering the first official sneak peek at the latest in its expanding line of soft-roaders, the new CX-5 scheduled to make its first appearance in the sheet metal at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
As with the recently launched Mazda5, the new crossover will bear the distinctive imprint of Mazda’s latest design language, dubbed Kodo. (For more on the Mazda5, Click Here.) But perhaps more significant is the fact that the CX-5 will be the first new product from the Japanese maker to use Mazda’s new SkyActiv powertrain technology.
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Since all but splitting off from its longstanding ties to Ford Motor Co., Mazda intends to steer clear of hybrid technology – for now, at least – putting its emphasis on SkyActiv, a system that it claims will dramatically improve the fuel economy of both its gasoline and new diesel-powered engines. Indeed, Mazda is on a path to become the first Japanese maker to offer an oil-burner option.
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Tags: Frankfurt Motor Show, auto news, auto shows, car news, car shows, fuel economy, mazda crossover, mazda cx-5, mazda diesel, mazda engines, mazda news, mazda powertrain, mazda skyactiv, mazda5, paul a. eisenstein, skyactive, thedetroitbureau
Posted in Automobiles | 2 Comments »
Maker bills drivetrain as hybrid alternative.
by Tim Healey on Apr.22, 2011
The 2012 Mazda3 will introduce Mazda's SkyActiv technology.
Mazda is making significant changes to its powertrain platform, starting with the 2012 Mazda 3 sedan and hatch grabbing the spotlight at the New York Auto Show. Subtle styling changes are in store, as well.
The grinning grille has a somewhat reduced happiness quotient, but the big news is that the 3 receives the first application of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology.
SKYACTIV is the official name for a whole suite of technology and powertrain packages that aim to improve fuel economy – without having to resort to hybridization or related battery-based technologies.
Mazda's Minagi concept will return as the CX-5.
In the case of the 2012 Mazda3, SKYACTIV-G is the name of the game. This 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine makes 155 horsepower and mates to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Available on both the sedan and hatchback models, the engine could produce up to 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway when paired with the automatic, according to Mazda.
The 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 167-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder carryover unchanged. So does the Mazdaspeed 3.
There are other changes, such as a stiffer body structure. But otherwise, outside the new engine and the slightly changed styling, the 3’s changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
The car goes on sale this fall, and pricing will be announced closer to that time.
Mazda’s other big news was two-fold: The company expects to bring a diesel engine using SKYACTIV technology to the American market during the next year or so, and the company also plans to build the Minagi crossover SUV, which will be renamed the CX-5. (For more, Click Here.)
Details are sparse, but we expect to see this CUV in calendar 2012 sporting SKYACTIV engines (including, perhaps, a diesel) and available 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Right now, the Minagi is a styling exercise, but with the exception of a few outlandish bits, it looks showroom-ready. We expect to see it positioned below the larger CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers in Mazda’s fleet.
Tags: 2012 mazda3, Mazda3, auto news, auto reviews, auto shows, car news, car reviews, car shows, mazda cx-5, mazda cx5, mazda diesel, mazda minagi, mazda news, mazda skyactiv, ny auto show, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, skyactiv-g, thedetroitbureau
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Japanese maker also sets price on pint-size 2011 Mazda2.
by Paul A. Eisenstein on Mar.31, 2010
Better mileage, better performance, Mazda hopes new powertrains like the Sky-D diesel will help it cut global fuel consumption 30%.
With a goal of boosting its global fuel economy 30% by mid-decade, Mazda is under pressure to deliver – and fast. And that prompted the Japanese maker to pull the wraps off its new line-up of advanced powertrains, dubbed Sky – “which means the sky’s the limit,” said CEO Takashi Yamanouchi.
These were first revealed last year at the Tokyo Motor Show in the Kiyora concept car.
A gasoline version, dubbed Sky-G, will be the first of the new engines to reach the U.S. market, the executive announced, during a news conference at the New York International Auto Show. Though Yamanouchi was reluctant to provide many details, he hinted it would reduce fuel consumption 15%, even while delivering an equivalent, 15% boost in performance.
The Sky-G will make its world debut in the U.S. market, in 2011 – most likely in a mid-size model like the Mazda6.
A year later, it’s to be followed by the launch of the Sky-D, a new, high-efficiency diesel that Yamanouchi said would reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to Mazda’s current, 2.2-liter diesel. Perhaps as significant is the plan to introduce the Sky-D to the U.S.
Mazda appears to be favoring basic work on combustion efficiency, lightweight materials, and low friction engines and transmissions, while other companies, including now minority shareholder Ford, are pursuing more expensive forced induction designs with one or more turbochargers, or expensive plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles with $10,000 -$20,000 battery packs. (See Mazda Simplifies, as Ford Complicates for a more detail analysis.)
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Tags: Mazda2, NYIAS, auto news, auto show, car show, mazda diesel, mazda mazda2, mazda news, mazda sky, mazda sky engines, mazda sky-d, new york auto show, new york international auto show, paul a. eisenstein, paul eisenstein, thedetroitbureau
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