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Mazda targeting 30% cut in fuel consumption by 2015

Mazda targeting 30% cut in fuel consumption by 2015

Viknesh Vijayenthiran June 23rd, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author June 23rd, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Mazda has announced that it will cut vehicle fuel consumption 30% by 2015 with a completely renewed powertrain lineup and a new generation of lighter vehicle platforms and fuel-saving technologies. Some of the initiatives include using lightweight technologies, introducing engine stop-start features and new low-consumption rotary and diesel powertrains. By 2011, Mazda’s entire family of vehicles will have moved to new vehicle architectures that will shed on average 100kg compared with current designs. The first of these new-generation platforms already underpins the new Mazda2 compact car, and allowed engineers to shave 100kg from the kerb weight of the previous model. Some of the weight-saving techniques employed include use of ultra-high tensile steels for lighter yet stronger body, downsizing suspension components and using thinner materials for door panels and the bonnet. Mazda’s future powertrain lineup will include E85 flex-fuel units and direct-injection technology. The introduction of this latter feature will boost power by 15 to 20% and improve fuel economy by approximately 20%. Beginning in 2011, Mazda plans to introduce new turbodiesel engines as well as a next-generation rotary engine. Currently referred to as the 16X, the next rotary engine will offer substantially improved performance and economy through use of direct-injection and high-speed combustion technology. Already previewed in concept form, the new engine will displace 1.6L and feature a two-rotor design and will likely debut in the replace for the current Mazda RX-8 sports car. Mazda Taiki ConceptMore details and photos of Mazda’s Taiki concept
Mazda targeting 30% cut in fuel consumption by 2015

Mazda targeting 30% cut in fuel consumption by 2015

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Mazda has announced that it will cut vehicle fuel consumption 30% by 2015 with a completely renewed powertrain lineup and a new generation of lighter vehicle platforms and fuel-saving technologies. Some of the initiatives include using lightweight technologies, introducing engine stop-start features and new low-consumption rotary and diesel powertrains.

By 2011, Mazda’s entire family of vehicles will have moved to new vehicle architectures that will shed on average 100kg compared with current designs. The first of these new-generation platforms already underpins the new Mazda2 compact car, and allowed engineers to shave 100kg from the kerb weight of the previous model.

Some of the weight-saving techniques employed include use of ultra-high tensile steels for lighter yet stronger body, downsizing suspension components and using thinner materials for door panels and the bonnet.

Mazda’s future powertrain lineup will include E85 flex-fuel units and direct-injection technology. The introduction of this latter feature will boost power by 15 to 20% and improve fuel economy by approximately 20%. Beginning in 2011, Mazda plans to introduce new turbodiesel engines as well as a next-generation rotary engine.

Currently referred to as the 16X, the next rotary engine will offer substantially improved performance and economy through use of direct-injection and high-speed combustion technology. Already previewed in concept form, the new engine will displace 1.6L and feature a two-rotor design and will likely debut in the replace for the current Mazda RX-8 sports car.

Mazda Taiki Concept
More details and photos of Mazda’s Taiki concept
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Posted in: Mazda, News


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By Michael D. #1, Posted: 6/23/2008

    All's well and good, but I hope Mazda doesn't sell out and reduce the vehicle's overall sizes, decontent offerings, and not forgo that nice 272hp V6 in the new 6 and CX-9 crossover.

    We don't need a throwback to the 70s & 80s and undo all the brilliant progress that has been since developed and put forward.

  2. By stewie #2, Posted: 6/23/2008

    Good. The rotary engine in the RX8 eats gas/oil like theres no tomorrow.

  3. By Raptor #3, Posted: 6/23/2008

    And it's not very long lasting either...

  4. By chris #4, Posted: 6/23/2008

    michael; The weight reduction comes from the use of higher strength steels, not a decrease in vehicle size (although if you ask me, it's completely ridiculous that even today, cars have to get bigger from one generation to the next).

    The next rotary is supposed to be much larger in displacement too... I believe a jump from 1L to 1.6L... also, the current Renesis is very durable and fuel efficient to rotaries of old... but yes, it's still a grossly underdeveloped engine type compared to the piston engine... so... naturally.....

  5. By Michael D. #5, Posted: 6/23/2008

    Chris: you certainly seem know your information and Ford-related plans and facts - I tip my hat to you there! Some things I read that you posted, I hope you're correct and on-target.
    I just don't want to see it all fall back and humble, with Ford, Mazda and all the rest, no matter how high fuel prices could get. I don't want to know about downsizing, detuning, decontenting, depowering in general.
    If any technologies, from exotic lighter materials to technologies such as DI, cylinder cutoff and hybrids, etc., I support all the applications. I don't want to see lesser cylinder counts either - I'm not a fan of fours in any shape of form, outside of econoboxes and higher tuned applications in small sportscars & sedans; their lumpier and buzzier, have to work harder to maintain similar demands and loads, and are not as good for a brand's image.
    I mentioned the Mazda V6 used in the higher 6 and CX-9 - will that also benefit from added applications such as DI, etc?

  6. By Name (required) #6, Posted: 6/23/2008

    i really hope this isnt the future to sports cars :( id rather have the old rx-7as i like the look better

  7. By  John T. #7, Posted: 8/16/2009

    Flex fuel is great. But why don't they look into the hydrogen technology ? It works wonder.

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