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Mazda CX-5 diesel gets EPA fuel economy ratings

Mazda has been promising that it will bring the Skyactiv-D diesel engine to the United States pretty much since the last Mazda6 redesign for the 2014 model year. And even in the wake of delay after delay, the company has insisted it will happen. Well, it looks like we may not be far from the fulfillment of this promise, since the EPA and DOT's FuelEconomy.gov website now has numbers for the diesel-powered Mazda CX-5. What's surprising, besides the existence of hard numbers, is that those numbers aren't actually that big of an improvement over the gas engine. In fact, highway numbers are the same as the gasoline versions. The front-drive CX-5 diesel gets 31 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel-drive one gets 30 on the highway. The diesel does see improvements in the city. The front-drive model gets 28 mpg versus 25 for the gas equivalent. The all-wheel-drive model gets 27 mpg rather than 24 for the gasoline version. Also concerning is the fact that the CX-5 diesel isn't the only diesel in the segment. The Chevy Equinox is available with a diesel, too, and while city mpg is about the same, it can hit 38 mpg with all-wheel-drive and 39 with front-drive on the highway. With this in mind, Mazda will probably market the engine as more of a performance upgrade, and maybe something with a bit of extra towing capacity. This is because the engine is expected to make a bit over 170 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The power number is a smidge below that of the 187 from the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gas engine, but the torque number is much higher than the gas engine's 186 pound-feet. We've also reached out to Mazda for comment on this development. A representative offered no further comment beyond the company staying committed to diesels. Related Video:

Mazda to use rotary engine as a range-extender with its first electric vehicle

There's more news from Mazda at the Tokyo Motor Show, where the brand made a big splash, including new developments in its never-ending rotary engine saga. First, Mazda execs confirmed that the Japanese automaker will bring back the rotary engine as a range-extender and battery juicer for its first electric vehicle in 2019. But secondly, the company won't have a rotary-powered successor to its RX-7 and RX-8 sportscars in time for the company's centennial anniversary in 2020. Autoblog previously confirmed that Mazda is planning to have an EV in 2019 that will be available in both pure electric and range-extending versions. Now, the Australian website Motoring reports that the global EV will feature a powertrain similar to the experimental Japan-only Mazda2 (Demio) EV, which used a single-rotor engine as a generator to power the battery pack and increase its driving range. The publication says Mazda plans to release a series of plug-in hybrids based on existing models around 2020, then a pure electric car co-developed with Toyota and Denso in 2021 as part of the EV Common Architecture Spirit Company joint venture. A Mazda spokesman tells Autoblog the company couldn't confirm any details about future products. Meanwhile, enthusiasts shouldn't wait for a rotary-based production version of Mazda's RX-Vision concept from 2015. Motoring cites two executives who explain that the company simply lacks the capital necessary to invest in developing the new model in time for its 2020 centennial. Mazda debuted its rotary engine 50 years ago in the Cosmo Sport in part as a way to stand out from its larger Japanese competitors. The engine, which uses a spinning three-tipped rotor in place of pistons, is smaller and lighter than conventional piston engines, with a greater power-to-weight ratio and quieter, smoother operation. But it delivers less fuel economy and higher emissions — two weaknesses that could be improved via a stop-start system Mazda has developed, based on a pair of U.S. patents. The company has also been hard at work developing its next-generation Skyactiv-X engine, which uses highly precise combustion ignition technology to deliver significant gains in fuel economy and power.Related Video:

Will the Mazda2 be offered as a PHEV with a rotary engine range extender?

Every few months, it seems a rumor crops up about plans from Mazda to revive the rotary engine. Last November, its CEO said the only way another one could happen is if the project was profitable, and then a month later the automaker showed off the Mazda2 RE Range Extender with a 330cc Wankel engine mounted in the rear. Now, Australian auto site Motoring reports that the PHEV may actually make production in the next-gen Mazda2 sometime after it's initial launch.
Martin Benders, managing director of Mazda in Australia, spoke to Motoring about the company's future with hybrids and basically reiterated what the CEO said last year. The Japanese automaker only plans to offer electrified powertrains in places where they can sell in sufficient numbers to be profitable, like Japan.
Mazda has been playing with the rotary range-extender idea for years. In the RE prototype, the engine was exclusively used to charge the lithium-ion batteries when they were running low, and a 100-horsepower electric motor provided all of the propulsion. It gave the little hatch an estimated range of about 250 miles. The company reportedly took inspiration from its Skyactiv engines to make the Wankel have lower friction and a lighter weight.