What is Mazda SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY?

Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV^® technology refers to a suite of improvements to the basic family vehicle that are designed to increase the performance of the vehicle and the pleasure of driving. Invoking what Mazda calls the “Jinba-Ittai” experience, Mazda’s goal is to create a vehicle that performs as if it were an extension of the driver, enhancing the driver and passenger connection to the vehicle, while efficiently and effectively delivering utmost power and handling with minimal impact on the environment and maximum safety.

The basis of the SKYACTIV^® technology is maximizing every ounce of efficiency and sustainability in every element of the vehicle. Mazda believes that there are still improvements to be made in the typical internal-combustion powered vehicle that can equal or exceed the performance and efficiency of hybrid or electric vehicles.

Beginning about ten years ago, Mazda has gained impressive leaps in performance and economy:

In the span of less than eight years, Mazda cut overall weight, tweaked the engines, adjusted the transmissions and performed a host of other smaller changes to reach the 30-percent-improvement goal without resorting to hybrids or electric vehicles, making it the manufacturer with the highest average fuel economy in the U.S. from 2012 to 2016.

The SKYACTIV^® technology suite includes the following elements:

• SKYACTIV^®-G (gas) or SKYACTIV^®-D (diesel) engines
• SKYACTIV^®-MT (manual) or SKYACTIV^®-Drive (automatic) transmissions
• SKYACTIV^®-Body
• SKYACTIV^®-Chassis
• SKYACTIV^® Vehicle Dynamics

These elements combine to create an efficient, economic, sustainable and enjoyable driving experience.

SKYACTIV^® Engines

The SKYACTIV^®-G gas engine combines unique technologies to offer the wide range and horsepower of a gas engine with the efficiency and torque of a diesel engine. Designed with compression ignition in mind, the SKYACTIV^®-G engine offers record-high compression for a mass-produced gas engine, variable valve timing and a distinctive spark-controlled compression ignition to increase engine economy and torque by 15% across the performance range of the engine.

The SKYACTIV^®-D diesel engines actually use a lower-than-normal compression ratio to enhance performance and reduce output of NOx emissions and soot. Featuring a new two-stage turbocharger, the SKYACTIV^®-D diesel engines offer better torque and fuel economy with cleaner emissions and no soot or need for NOx after treatment.

SKYACTIV^®-Transmissions

The SKYACTIV^®-Drive is a new generation of automatic transmission that combines the best features of standard automatic, continuously-variable and dual-clutch transmissions to achieve high efficiency and high fuel economy at both urban and highway speeds. With a broad lock-up range and good direct shift feel, the SKYACTIV^®-Drive innovations have created an automatic transmission that maximizes fuel economy, minimizes noise and vibration and enhances the driving feel of the vehicle.

SKYACTIV^®-MT is a manual transmission that has dramatically reduced weight, leading to a compact size with light shift feel and outstanding performance. By downsizing components and using new alloys, weight was reduced by 16%, resulting in a 1% increase in fuel economy. A short shift throw with a reduced module spline and enhanced synchronizer increase shift feel and reduce shifting effort, allowing for crisp and quick shifting and increased driver satisfaction.

SKYACTIV^®-Body

The new SKYACTIV^®-Body framework structure was developed focusing on continuous framework with decreased deflections and multi-load path structure. This is a solid framework design that increases rigidity and decreases noise, flex and body roll. With the new framework design and the use of 60% high tensile strength steel, Mazda was able to reduce the weight by 8% while increasing rigidity by 30% and still meeting top crash ratings in all worldwide markets.

SKYACTIV^®-Chassis

Mazda’s SKYACTIV^®-Chassis was designed to provide low-speed agility with high-speed stability. This is accomplished through high levels of rigidity with reduced weight. Similar to the SKYACTIV^®-Body, the SKYACTIV^®-Chassis was redesigned with enhanced cross members, electric power steering and the suspension was completely revised, resulting in a 14% weight reduction and new highest-ever levels of ride quality and precise handling.

SKYACTIV^®-Vehicle Dynamics

The SKYACTIV^®-Vehicle Dynamics technologies integrate control of the driveline, chassis and body to create Mazda’s “Jinba-Ittai” experience.  Mazda’s SKYACTIV^®-Vehicle Dynamics feature G-Vectoring Control, which adjusts the engine torque based upon steering input, to deliver smooth and predictable acceleration and cornering performance. This increases driver confidence and reduces driver adjustments and fatigue on long drives. Passenger comfort and ride feel are also improved, as Mazda delivers the dynamic performance for which it is known.

Since SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY Vehicles are software based, this technology adds performance and predictability with absolutely no increase in weight to the vehicle. SKYACTIV^®-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control can only be delivered with the combination of power, technology and sophistication of the SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY engines, transmissions, SKYACTIV^®-Body and SKYACTIV^®-Chassis working in unison.

Mazda’s SKYACTIV^® Technology offers groundbreaking improvements to the efficiency, performance and drivability of its automobile line, and place Mazda far ahead of its competition. To experience the “Jinba-Ittai” and SKYACTIV^® Technology for yourself, come take a test drive at Neil Huffman Mazda in Louisville.

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