2004 Mazda Rx-8 Base Coupe 4-door 1.3l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mazda engineers say current Skyactiv-X might not suit U.S. market

We've been watching Mazda roll out the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine in Japan and Europe, waiting our turn. When European authorities released fuel economy information for the high-tech motor last June, we wrote, "Mazda has yet to make an official decision on timing for the U.S market's launch of the engine." Automotive News spoke to Mazda engineers in charge of the powertrain, and based on the answers AN got, the question might not be when we get the Skyactiv-X, but if. Seems that the automaker now isn't certain whether the cost/benefit analysis for the U.S. market favors the engine, and there's concern the 2.0-liter might not be powerful enough for us with its current output of 178 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. At the moment, our Mazda3 is served only with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft., not too far ahead of the Skyactiv-X. The Skyactiv-X would return better fuel economy, but requires a noteworthy price premium over the Skyactiv-G. The Truth About Cars says the Skyactiv-X has become the top-seller in the Japanese-market Mazda3, even though it costs 27% more than the base, 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G for a 9% improvement in fuel economy. Mazda's not sure U.S. customers would care much for that kind of math. Engineer Yoshiaki Yamane told AN, "Maybe U.S. customers require more power, because fuel economy is not the top requirement." There isn't much Mazda can do about the tech-heavy engine's cost, since pricey equipment like the high-pressure fuel injection and combustion systems, supercharger, three-way catalyst, and 24-volt mild-hybrid system provide the mileage gains that are the engine's reason for being. Instead, engineers are researching the system's effects with larger displacements. If it works as desired, a larger and more powerful Skyactiv-X could come to the U.S. on the large-vehicle architecture Mazda's developing for new sedans to arrive in a couple of years. That's the hope, at least. Remember, Mazda's Skyactiv-D was meant to go into the 2014 Mazda6, but didn't because Mazda said it needed more time to find "the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance." After five years of "Soon," the engine showed up on the 2019 CX-5 that starts at $42,045. Based on that template, it could be awhile before we know how the U.S.-market Skyactiv-X story ends. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets 25 percent fuel economy boost

Just days after revealing full pricing and specs for each trim level of the 2016 MX-5 Miata, Mazda is spilling the beans on the roadster's fuel economy. As it turns out, the numbers show an impressive boost over the previous generation. All 2016 Miatas in the US are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. With a six-speed manual, the EPA estimates fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. Buyers choosing the six-speed automatic, which is a $1,075 option (that you should absolutely not choose), are expected to get 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. Compared to the previous-gen model with a six-speed manual, these latest numbers represent a 25-percent improvement in mileage. The boost in economy for the Miata likely comes from a variety of sources. Underneath the hood is one of Mazda's latest Skyactiv engines, and the loss of around 150 pounds from the last gen helps too. Production of the latest version of the famous roadster is already underway, and they should start arriving at dealers in the late summer. 2016 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVES DRAMATIC 25 PERCENT VERSUS OUTGOING MODEL 24/04/15 - Mazda's Flagship Roadster Highlights Improvements Displayed by SKYACTIV Technology - IRVINE, Calif., April 24, 2015 -- Lighter, quicker and more nimble than its predecessor, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata demonstrates the power innovation can have when re-engineering a roadster from the ground up. In addition to all of the aforementioned improvements the 2016 MX-5 has, fuel economy can now be added to the list, with MX-5 achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined when equipped with the six-speed automatic). This performance represents a 25-percent increase in fuel economy versus the 2015 MX-5's EPA-estimated fuel economy when paired with the outgoing model's available six-speed manual transmission, highlighting the benefits of SKYACTIV Technology. "SKYACTIV Technology is more than a catchphrase for Mazda; it's a total effort to increase efficiency, improve performance, safety and technology and instill each Mazda vehicle with a directness and responsiveness that's unmatched in the segments in which our vehicles compete," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.

Jerry Seinfeld and Margaret Cho get coffee in a Mazda Cosmo Sport

The new season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee has already reached its second episode, imaginatively titled, You Can Go Cho Again. If it's classic Mazdas you like, you're in for a treat. In this episode, Jerry Seinfeld plays up the You Only Live Twice vibe you get from the 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport, as it's suitably similar to the Toyota 2000GT seen it that film – in color, at least. Unlike the Yamaha twin cam six Toyota, the little Mazda is propelled by a characteristic rotary engine, which in Jerry's opinion is similarly eccentric as the episode guest Margaret Cho. The right-hand-drive Cosmo Sport is an unicorn in the States, and it's in absolutely perfect condition right down to the houndstooth upholstery. Check out the video below, or head on over to Crackle for this video along with all the previous episodes from seasons past. News Source: Crackle Celebrities Mazda Classics Videos jerry seinfeld comedians in cars getting coffee