Mazda just released the performance specifications for its 2014 race car powered by a modified version of the production 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D diesel engine.
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Once known for its rotary engines, Mazda will become the first Japanese automaker to market a diesel model in the United States with its new Mazda6.
The wait is finally over today as Mazda finally confirmed that that it will offer the SkyActiv-D diesel powerplant in the North American market optionally in the 2014 Mazda6.
Mazda is no stranger to motorsports, and following the recent unveiling of the Diesel Mazda6, the company announced that it will be taking its midsized diesel sedan to the racetrack during the 2013 Grand-Am series.
The all-new Mazda6 midsize sedan debuted in Moscow this week looking much like the Takeri concept seen at several auto shows and now the company’s first commercial is showing the car in motion.
The newest and one of the most anticipated fresh entrants to the midsize sedan segment will get its world debut tomorrow at the Moscow Auto Show, though the most important information will remain a secret.
Clean diesels and hybrids are two options for consumers who want to ease the pain at the pump, and both are continuing to see impressive growth in the U.S. marketplace with diesel sales increasing 27.5 percent in the first half of 2012, while hybrid sales have jumped 63.5 percent.
Japanese automakers Honda, Toyota and Nissan have all taken the conservative approach to restyling their mid-size sedans. Mazda, however, gave a clear indication when it revealed the Takeri concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, that it would take a chance and, as usual, march to the beat of a different drum.
Mazda will be the first Japanese automaker to sell a diesel-powered passenger car in America starting next year and the Zoom-Zoom brand will use motorsports to promote the advantages of diesel to an often skeptical consumer base.
Ten Turbocharged Cars We Can't Wait to Get Our Hands On
Turbocharged vehicles are quickly becoming the answer to having a fuel-efficient vehicle, with exciting performance. They seem to all be geared towards the sensible enthusiast, offering sporty dynamics, while still getting solid fuel efficiency.
Here’s some of the upcoming turbo-charged vehicles you can expect in the next few years. We’ve got some spy-pictures, and concept designs, even though some details of these cars are still unknown.
Earlier in the month, Mazda announced its diesel racing program for the Grand Am series, but the Skyactiv-D will also be present at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A diesel-powered Mazda CX-9 featuring the brand’s 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D engine could be on the horizon soon.
Price, looks and size… these are the few factors that used to decide what vehicle you’d park in your driveway. Looking for a cheap and small car? A Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic will do. Need something bigger, perhaps a mid-size Hyundai Sonata or an SUV. Things used to be pretty easy.
With increasingly high gas prices and an overall movement towards green, fuel efficient vehicles, fuel economy has become more important. In fact, for many price, looks and size are now completely trumped by fuel economy.
“Buyers just look at the MPG on the sticker,” says IHS Automotive Analyst Devin Lindsay commenting that car buyers are now completely mesmerized by the EPA sticker label.
Take a look at the Toyota Prius, for example. It’s not terribly big, is fairly expensive, and looks… well… weird. But that didn’t stop three million of them from being sold, all thanks to a hybrid gas-electric engine that provides excellent fuel economy.
The Prius isn’t the only option for someone looking for a fuel efficient car, however; especially those in search of a more engaging driving experience. If you want to cut down on trips to the pump, and still drive a fun, powerful, good looking car, your best bet might just be in a diesel powered vehicle. That does mean you’ll almost certainly have to drive German, although a flood of new diesel-powered vehicles are about to hit our shore.
The Mazda Takeri concept that originally debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last year took its American bow today at the New York Auto Show.
Mazda doesn’t plan to bring the Takeri to market, at least not in name — but the company’s North America president and CEO but Jim O’Sullivan was quick to point out that concepts are generally close to later production models with the brand.
GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept
For what seems like forever, North America has been left behind when it comes to diesel cars. Sure there are a few options, but nowhere near as many as our friends in Europe. In fact, according to the Automotive Industry Data Newsletter, 52% of all new car sales last year in Western Europe were diesel powered.
Diesel engines offer unique advantages, with plenty of torque making tiny power plants more useable in small cars, while making modest size engines a functional alternative to much larger gasoline ones in SUVs. Towing, after all, is not something hybrids are known for. Additionally, diesel engines can provide fuel economy closer to that of a hybrid, without any of the worries surrounding new technology; plus, there’s no battery pack compromising passenger or storage space.
With those advantages, not to mention a push by automakers to meet increasingly strict corporate average fuel economy standards, a slew of diesel models are set to arrive on our shores in the near future. If you’re considering the switch to diesel power, here are a few options you’ll soon be able to consider.
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Debuting at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the 2012 Mazda3 is more than just a facelifted model, showcasing the automaker’s new SkyActiv engine and transmission.
Full details have yet to be announced, but Mazda has confirmed the engine is a direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that will deliver a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy. A new SkyActiv transmission (it’s still unclear if it’s a 6-speed or perhaps even a dual-clutch unit) will offer fuel economy gains ranging from four to seven percent.
Set to hit dealers this Fall, Mazda will then bring to market a SkyActiv-D diesel engine for North America in 2012.
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