Innovation is at the heart of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which is focused on optimized propulsion and lightweight engineering in order to benefit all Mazda customers.

SKYACTIV Combustion Engines

Even after 120 years of non-stop development the internal combustion engine still fails to utilize 70 to 90 per cent of the energy contained in the fuel. Since this energy loss is primarily thermal in nature and can be attributed to the exhaust, cooling system, and engine and transmission surfaces, the R&D team’s central focus was on improving the engine’s thermal efficiency. Beyond that, Mazda has also been busy working to reduce internal engine friction as well as engine weight.

One of Mazda’s strengths is its willingness to defy conventional wisdom and approach challenges in new and innovative ways. An example is Mazda’s unique rotary engine, which powered the legendary 787B – the only rotary to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans (in 1991). Yet another is the MX-5 Miata, a car that revived the market for roadsters worldwide. Innovative SKYACTIV technologies will mark Mazda’s latest milestone in automotive history. Developed using characteristic Mazda processes, they demonstrate once again how Mazda is the master of its own technological destiny.

The new SKYACTIV engines, for example, were not developed independently in separate departments. Instead, a relatively small group of highly specialized engineers first developed the best possible individual engine architectures. These then served as the basis for all new engines, regardless of the number of cylinders or type of fuel.

SKYACTIV-Drive Automatic Transmission

The all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission combines the benefits of conventional automatics with those offered by continuously variable (CVT) and dual clutch transmissions. It shifts quickly and smoothly, reacts dynamically to changes in the engine load right from the get-go and raises the bar when it comes to fuel economy. The heart of SKYACTIV-Drive is a newly-developed six-speed torque converter with a full range lock-up clutch for all six gears called full range direct drive. The lock-up clutch ratio has been raised from 64 per cent from the current five-speed automatic to 88 per cent during vehicle operation.

SKYACTIV-MT Manual Transmission

Like its automatic transmission sibling, the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission was designed in two variants to meet different torque requirements. The goal was to reduce weight by between 7 to 16 per cent (depending on model) relative to the previous generation transmissions. A completely new approach was needed to generate something truly innovative since today’s manuals already feature simple architecture. Every single component was paid attention in order to gauge its functionality. With a new architecture featuring a shortened countershaft and no separate shaft for reverse gear in the larger model, SKYACTIVE-MT is a testimony to Mazda’s innovative power.

SKYACTIV-Body & SKYACTIV-Chassis

With a racing heritage such as Mazda’s, engineers are always looking to slim vehicles down. After all, lighter vehicles are not only more efficient but also more fun to drive. With better fuel economy their lightness amplifies vehicle performance, whether by acceleration, handling or braking. More weight, in contrast, breeds even more weight and resources, since a heavier body requires a heavier engine, which in turn necessitates a bigger fuel tank and so on.

Intelligent solutions led to numerous improvements that together make up the SKYACTIV-Chassis. Engineers have achieved what they set out to deliver, namely the driving fun, safety, ride comfort, agility and stability worthy of a new generation of Mazda vehicles.

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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.