Mazda’s SKYACTIV-X will be the world’s first commercial gasoline engine to use compression ignition, in which the fuel-air mixture ignites spontaneously when compressed by the piston.
A proprietary combustion method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition overcomes two issues that had impeded commercialization of compression ignition gasoline engines: maximizing the zone in which compression ignition is possible and achieving a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition.
The new proprietary combustion engine combines the advantages of gasoline and diesel engines to improve environmental performance, power and acceleration.
Mazda says compression ignition combined with a supercharger deliver unprecedented engine response and can increase torque 10% to 30% over the current SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine.
Compression ignition makes possible a leaner burn than is capable with spark-ignited engines to improve fuel efficiency 20% to 30% over the current SKYACTIV-G, and 35% to 45% over Mazda’s 2008 gasoline engine of the same displacement. Mazda says SKYACTIV-X equals or exceeds the latest SKYACTIV-D diesel engine in fuel efficiency.
With high efficiency across a wide range of rpms and engine loads, the engine allows much more latitude in the selection of gear ratios, providing both superior fuel economy and driving performance.
Moving forward Mazda hopes to help create a future in which people, the earth and society can coexist with cars, to enrich people’s lives through a car ownership experience that celebrates driving, and to become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.
