Mazda announces SKYACTIV-X compression ignition gasoline engine

8 August 2017

Mazda Motor Corporation disclosed plans to introduce a next-generation engine called SKYACTIV-X in 2019. SKYACTIV-X will be the world’s first commercial gasoline engine to use compression ignition, according to Mazda. The new engine was announced as part of the company’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 long-term vision for technology development.

The SKYACTIV-X engine will still use spark ignition at some engine conditions, while compression ignition will be used at lean air-to fuel (A/F) ratios. The engine uses a combustion method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, designed to overcome two issues that had impeded commercialization of compression ignition gasoline engines: maximizing the zone in which compression ignition is possible and achieving a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition.

By utilizing compression ignition and a supercharger, the engines delivers “unprecedented engine response” and a torque that is 10-30% higher than the current SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine.

Compression ignition enables a super lean burn—with an A/F ratio increased to a level that would not ignite in a spark-ignition engine—that improves engine efficiency by 20-30% over the current SKYACTIV-G, and by 35-45% compared to Mazda’s 2008 gasoline engine of the same displacement, said the company. The fuel efficiency of SKYACTIV-X also equals or exceeds the latest SKYACTIV-D diesel engine.

Mazda is expected to release more details about the new engine at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Source: Mazda