Mazda Launching Compression Ignition Gas Engine in 2019
Mazda has released their vision for the next 13 years of combining environmental friendliness while still giving enjoyment to drivers, what the brand is calling "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030." It's their vision on reducing carbon emissions, and it comes with a big gas-engine surprise: the first commercial gasoline engine with compression ignition. A gas engine that works like a diesel.
The new engine is called the Skyactiv-X, and Mazda says it will be introduced in 2019. It's a compression ignition engine, which means that it uses the heat and pressure of the compression stroke to ignite the fuel, like a diesel.
Mazda calls the new combustion method Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. It does still have a spark plug for certain operating conditions, but Mazda says the new method makes for a bigger operating zone where compression ignition works and helps make the transition from spark to compression seamless.
The Skyactiv-X engine uses a supercharger to help further compress the intake charge and improve power. Mazda says that the new engine has up to 30 percent more torque than their current Skyactiv-G engine. Fuel economy is up 20 to 30 percent over that engine, and 45 percent better than Mazda's engines from just 10 years ago. Mazda said that it should "even equal or exceed the latest SKYACTIV-D diesel engine in fuel efficiency.
This is the second version of the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision. The first was announced in 2007. That plan called for new gasoline and diesel engines. Those engines became the current Skyactiv-G and -D engines. The one that didn't arrive was the new rotary engine that was targeted for the early 2010s.
The Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 plan also calls for reducing carbon emissions for the entire lifecycle of the car. The target is to lower well-to-wheel emissions to 50 percent of 2010 levels by 2030. Good news for enthusiasts who aren't quite ready for electric power, Mazda will "continue efforts to perfect the internal combustion engine." But they will start introducing electrified vehicles starting in 2019.
