New generation of SKYACTIV-G engines due in 2020
It seems Mazda is still trying to figure out their new diesel mill for the North American market.
We previously reported Mazda would delay introduction of their oil-burning engines until spring of this year. But, Mazda has decide to push that even further, stating in a release they’ve “decided that further development is required to deliver the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance.”
While Mazda seems confident their new diesel engine can meet new stricter emissions regulations in the US, no further details were given, only stating they would release more information closer to an undefined launch in the future.
On the brighter side, Mazda’s second generation of SKYACTIV gasoline engines are expected to start rolling out in 2020. The company states the newer engines further expand the knowledge they’ve gained with the first generation engines and increases in fuel economy of 30-percent are the goal.
The second generation engines will accomplish these improvements through HCCI – homogeneous charge compression ignition – which is a fancy way of saying gas engine with no spark plugs that runs like a diesel. Mazda also plans to crank up the already high compression ratio of the current engines of 14:1 to 18:1 for the new generation.
MAZDA TO DELAY SKYACTIV-D CLEAN DIESEL LAUNCH IN NORTH AMERICA
IRVINE, Calif. – Mazda North American Operations today announced that the launch of its SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine in North America is being further delayed from its Spring 2014 announced debut timing.
While Mazda understands its SKYACTIV-D can meet emission regulation requirements without the use of a NOx after-treatment system, it was decided that further development is required to deliver the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance.
Further information on the program, including a timeline of launch for North America, technical specifications and fuel economy will be available at a later date, closer to launch.
