Mazda Launches SkyActivities In The U.S.
Two weeks ago, commenter Marko asked: „Does anyone know when SkyActiv will make it to the US?” TTAC is required reading at Mazda, and here is the answer: Real soon!
According to The Nikkei [sub], Mazda “will incorporate its lean, green SkyActiv technologies in a new model of the Mazda3 subcompact that will be released in the North American market in the second half of the current fiscal year, which ends March 2012.”
So, that’s either in fall this year or in spring next year. SkyActiv is what Mazda uses to wring every last drop of gasoline out of current technologies.Engine, transmission and chassis, all are improved to make the car more fuel-efficient.
A new Mazda3 is expected to bring 30 percent better fuel economy than the existing model. A CX-5 sport utility vehicle with SkyActiv is planned for 2012.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Mazda and Ford worked closely on engine and transmission for years. I known that Mazda fans are claiming that the SkyActiv designs are "100% Mazda" and I'm wondering if any insiders know how true that is?
I had the opportunity to drive all the SKYACTIV models recently. The twin-turbo diesel is amazing.
Yeah, but will US drivers ever get a whiff of it? Probably not. My household is about to re-enter the new car market after a 14 year hiatus for a Minivan (Dad's penalty box), SUV (mom's wagon for occasional towing & camping), and then Dad's commuter car which can be whatever I want for the 12 mile/18km commute so long as it is less than $18,000. There is huge range of options for my commuter car but the Mazda 3 wagon has been my practical favorite behind higher mileage Boxsters (pushing a slow car fast becomes more exciting with age:). Or I could say screw it and buy my Mom's old 323is modified with the bigger breathing top end I bolted on 7 years ago.
Here's my question and Mazda's answer from June 24, 2011. I asked specifically about when their diesel engines are coming: Hi, I was curious - when will Mazda be launching the Sky-D engine(s) in North America, and what model(s) will the Sky-D technology will be available in? I currently own three VW TDIs and am anxiously awaiting Mazda's diesel option. Thanks for your help. Hello Brett, Thank you for contacting Mazda. I'm glad to read that you are interested in Mazda's new Skyactiv technology. This will be available in the Mazda3. We do not have a specific date when the vehicle will be available but we expect it to be available in late 2011. Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. Sincerely, Miriam Stevens Customer Assistance Representative