AdminAF March 27th, 2009
Mazda’s head of research and development has announced that the automaker will tread a different path than its Japanese counterparts, looking to a future in diesel cars rather than hybrid ones.
Engineers at the company are currently working on a 2.0-liter diesel engine that would be as fuel-efficient as a 660cc gasoline engine or a similarly powerful hybrid car. The added bonus is that it would be significantly cheaper to produce and that cost savings would be passed on to consumers – who currently pay a premium for hybrid models.
One major reason for the cost savings is a new single-nanotechnology catalyst Mazda is working on, which requires significantly less precious metals in its construction. Another cost-savings measure is a new diesel particulate filter that would eliminate the need for costly exhaust treatment systems.
“We believe that improving today’s conventional engines at a low cost is the most effective way to get fuel-efficient cars to proliferate,” R&D boss Seita Kanai told reporters.
Mazda intends to bring such a diesel engine to market by 2011, although it is not clear if the engine would be in a new model and if that model would be available worldwide.
In addition, Mazda plans to increase the fuel-economy of its fleet by 30 by 2015.
At the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month Mazda took the wraps off a turbo-diesel CX-7. Using a 2.2-liter powerplant, this new engine produces 171hp at 3500 rpm and 295 ft-lbs of torque at 2000 rpm. It also gets a combined fuel economy rating of 31.4 mpg.
Future Mazda plans to increase fuel-economy also include advancements in automatic transmission technology (like the company’s new Start/Stop system) and an overall reduction in vehicle weight.
Kanai said that models released in 2011 or after will weigh roughly 220 lbs less than current models, with a further similar reduction in weight happening in 2016.
More: Future Mazda Models To Get Diesel Engines and Weigh 10% Less on AutoGuide.com
