REPORT: Mazda to release new fuel efficient engine in 2011
Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda's previously announced promise to boost the fuel efficiency of its fleet of cars and trucks by 30 percent will officially kick off in the year 2011 as the Japanese automaker releases a new series of efficient powertrains, starting with its best-selling 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. That revised powerplant will be hooked up to a new six-speed automatic transmission for even greater fuel savings, gaining 10 miles per gallon in both city (from 22 to 32 mpg) and highway (from 32 to 42 mpg).
Automotive News (sub. req'd) suggests that either the next-gen MX-5 or Mazda5 would be likely initial candidates for the new powerplant combination. Also on the way is a revised version of the long-running Wankel rotary engine, which is rumored to feature a displacement increase along with direct injection. Six-cylinder engines will continue to be sourced from Ford.
Seita Kanai, head of Mazda's eco-friendly movement, says that the 30-percent efficiency boost doesn't include advancements the automaker is making into stop/start, regenerative braking or hybrid technology. Finally, Mazda says it is studying the U.S. market to determine if there's a reason to bring diesel engines Stateside. Might we suggest a meeting of the minds with Volkswagen?
Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Steve 9:32AM (8/21/2009)
Wow...imagine 10 mpg gain. How long have automakers been able to do this dramatic change but never did? Seems only pressure and what consumers want might be an effect. Maybe auto makers should of done this a while ago? hmmm?
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nrb 10:31AM (8/21/2009)
If they make this magical 10mpg improvement, there's a lot more going on than just a newer engine and tranny.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:36AM (8/21/2009)
Agreed, the 10mpg city isn't possible without changing more than the drivetrain. It'll probably add start-stop for example.
All in all I can't see how Mazda is going to add 10mpg city and highway without reducing the fun factor of their cars. It's going to require taller gear ratios and start-stop and both of those have tangible downsides in the zoom-zoom department.
ale 10:11PM (8/24/2009)
or in repsonse to ls... if they can, why havent they done this sooner.. hmmm... conspiracy theorists seem to have been given a field day...
SumideXE 12:01PM (8/21/2009)
It's amazing what a change in CAFE requirements will do. Suddenly we have ford ecoboost and potential diesels, stop 'n go and direct injection all over the place..... hmmmmmmm......
That being said the 32mpg city rating is probably with the engine not installed in the car.. hehe.
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Ian 1:54PM (8/21/2009)
Come on Autoblog wjhat's the technical story behind this?
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kballs 9:18PM (8/21/2009)
Could this also include new chassis with dramatic added lightness + lower displacement/power? There has to be something major other than simply engine/transmission to get a 30% jump.
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Dave D 10:41PM (8/22/2009)
I'd love some facts about how they are going to do all of this. Also, I'm particularly interested in how the Wankel will perform like after they add fuel injection. Hopefully they'll come out with some details soon.
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