Get a Better Understanding of Mazda's SKYACTIV-X Technology
January 31 2018,
When Mazda introduced its SKYACTIV technology nearly 10 years ago, the manufacturer proved to the entire automotive industry that it was still possible to get more out of a traditional combustion engine. Now, Mazda proves once again that the gasoline engine still has its place in an industry where everyone seems to be turning to electric motors to save gas.
With SKYACTIV-G, we got a set of improvements that lowered fuel consumption while preserving and even improving performance. To do this, Mazda engineers increased the compression ratio to a very high level, reduced internal friction, improved airflow, reduced gearbox and chassis weight, and overall just made everything run smoother in order to get the most out of the engine.
The result is that it was possible to get more power from every drop of fuel, and thus reduce fuel consumption. With the new Mazda SKYACTIV-X system, we have the same basic principle, but improved in every way.
More Torque and Better Fuel Economy with SKYACTIV-X
With SKYACTIV-X, we see a principle similar to a diesel engine. It all starts with the very, very high compression ratio of the SKYACTIV-X engine. Set at 16: 1, this compression ratio is high enough to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder by simply compressing the piston, as a diesel engine would do.
It is not necessary to use a spark plug to operate a SKYACTIV-X engine. That said, Mazda still decided to use a spark plug to avoid engine knock, but only initially. Afterwards, compression is used to ignite the air and fuel present in the cylinder and thus obtain better performance without sacrificing fuel economy.
Fuel economy is actually greatly improved compared to SKYACTIV-G engines, and even more improved compared to gasoline engines we see elsewhere. Peak torque also goes up a notch.
With SKYACTIV-X, the driver will have a lot of power under their right foot without the fuel consumption that comes with it. For more information, contact us today at Truro Mazda!
