Mazda to unveil Minagi concept at Geneva previewing CX-5

A couple of Mazda sketches have leaked prior the intended release date, January 19, showing an SUV concept due to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept is called Minagi and it previews the upcoming CX-5 (earlier post). Although we don't know when it goes on sale, expect the production version to be shown at the IAA in September.

Live photos of SKYACTIV components

Back in October 2010, Mazda released details about its next-gen powertrain technologies, called SKYACTIV (earlier post). Although nothing new has been published, I came across with some live photos showing the new SKYACTIV components, or at least some of them, which I found interesting.

[Source: Response]

Next-gen Mazda MX-5 to come with 1.6L engine

Just an update on my previous post regarding the MX-5's successor (ロードスター). According to information from a Japanese magazine, the new model will be equipped with a 1.6L engine featuring SKYACTIV technology (earlier post) producing around 130hp and don't be disappointed... in conjunction with a weight of 995kg, it should be still fun! The new model will be slightly smaller and lighter, a back to the basics approach!

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

SKYACTIV technology: What the future holds for Mazda

Mazda has released details about its next-gen powertrain technologies with the name SKYACTIV, including completely new engines, transmissions, bodyshells and platforms that will be launched in 2011. 

Since Mazda claims that SKYACTIV technologies will be launched next year,  the first model to benefit will be the new Demio/2 which goes on sale in the first half of 2011. Thereafter, we can expect that the next models coming with the new technologies will be the new MX-5 (earlier post) and 6 (Atenza). 

SKYACTIV-G petrol engine

• Fuel consumption levels that until now have been the reserve of hybrid powertrains 
• Compression ratio of 14.0:1, the highest compression ratio ever used in a production petrol engine anywhere in the world 
• 15 percent drop in fuel consumption and 15 percent increase in torque output

SKYACTIV-D diesel engine

• Compression ratio at 14.0:1, the lowest ever employed for a diesel engine 
• 20 percent drop in fuel consumption 
• Two-phase turbocharger delivering smooth and linear responses from low to high engine speeds and increasing low and high-end torque up to the rev limit of 5,200 rpm

SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission

• It combines the advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, a continuously-variable transmission and a double-clutch transmission
• Direct driving feel that is comparable to a manual transmission  
• Improved fuel economy of up to 7 percent compared to a current, conventional torque-converter automatic transmission

SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission

• Lightweight and compact manual transmission contributing to lowering fuel consumption 
• Compact size allowing efficient vehicle packaging

SKYACTIV-Body & SKYACTIV-Chassis

• Newly-developed, high-strength bodyshell being 8 percent lighter and 30 percent stiffer 
• Outstanding crash safety with an excellent foundation for agile handling attributes 
• Use of high-tensile steels and optimised bonding materials 
• Newly-developed suspension that is 14 percent lighter than the current suspension

In further phases, efficiency improving technologies, such as regenerative brake systems and hybrid power systems, will be successively introduced.

New Mazda MX-5 due in 2012

The next-gen MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 and in terms of design, Mazda plans to make much greater use of its Nagare design language.

Th new MX-5 is expected to be equipped with direct-injection Sky-G petrol engines and a weight target of 1000 kg has been set.

Source: Autocar