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Report: 2011 Mazda MX-5 To Get 50+ mpg From SKY-G Engine?

 
3 7,973 views Dec 10, 2009
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Mazda SKY-G gasoline direct injection engine

HI-RES GALLERY: Mazda SKY-G gasoline direct injection engine

The SKY-G family of engines was just unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show a couple months ago, but already word of one of the first applications is on the loose, and it looks like it'll be the 2011 MX-5. The report, though not official, says the sporty little Mazda could be good for as much as 70 mpg.

That's a tall figure, and expectations for the SKY-G in the MX-5 are thought to be closer to 50 mpg, but that's still a very efficient roadster. The SKY-G engine that's tipped for the application is a 1.3 or 1.5-liter version of the  four-cylinder, direct-injection high-efficiency engine.

The SKY-G engine shown in Tokyo was not given a power rating, but it was claimed that due to the improved engine block design both efficiency and torque are improved by about 15% over Mazda's current engine. Provided similar power bands and rev ranges, that could mean about 105 pound-feet of torque and 125 horsepower, adjusted for the SKY-G's smaller displacement. These numbers are purely speculative at this point, however.

While 70 mpg might seem like a very high target for an engine with such output, the next-gen MX-5 could be as light as 2,200 pounds, based on Mazda's previous statements on the next-gen car, and that it wants to move back toward the styling and proportions of the original 1989 car. Inspiration, though not likely structure, will be drawn from the MX-5 Superlight concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

We'll have to wait for an official announcement from Mazda, but the return of a low-power, lightweight but still eminently fun-to-drive roadster with the addition of 50+mpg efficiency is something just about any enthusiast can look forward to. Let's just hope they keep it large enough inside for the six-foot-plus crowd to get behind the wheel.

[InsideLine]





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Comments (3)

  1. By  My Wheels On Walls Posted: 12/10/2009 3:33pm PST

    50 to 70 MPG and no batteries? Someone better tell the hybrid electric people, as their going to be very unhappy bunnies that dead dino juice is just as efficient!!!!
     
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  2. By  valentines day gifts Posted: 12/10/2009 7:06pm PST

    Great post.Is Mazda working on hybrid tech? I wasn't aware of it... The post mentions regenerative braking, but the press release doesn't.A hybrid wouldn't interest me (without a lot of convincing), but a US-spec turbocharged Mazda(speed)2 with the Sky D would. Or something along those lines....
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 12/11/2009 11:23am PST

    "50 to 70 MPG and no batteries? Someone better tell the hybrid electric people..."
    Yes, this is a great stary - but imagine this motor coupled to a hybrid powertrain: 100mpg for a lightweight and fun-to-drive roadster could be within reach in the next decade!
     
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