Analysis of Mazda's Skyactiv technology aimed at high efficiency

Mazda Skyactiv Technology Analysis

 I believe everyone has heard of Mazda's "Skyactiv" technology. On the surface, this technology can save you fuel and make driving more fun. As for the deep understanding of "Skyactiv", few people can fully understand it. In fact, Mazda's technology is at the same competitive level as Volkswagen's TSI+DSG combination and Toyota's hybrid power. "Skyactiv" has four main features: high compression ratio and high efficiency engine, high efficiency transmission gearbox, lightweight body and comprehensive update of chassis suspension.

Skyactiv engine

In order to make fuel burn more fully, Mazda's Skyactiv engine uses high compression ratio and direct injection technology. The compression ratio is as high as 13:1, so that no fuel is wasted. However, high compression ratio also brings some problems, the most difficult of which is knock. The ultra-high compression ratio will cause the mixed gas in the cylinder to self-ignite due to excessive heat. Knocking will not only reduce power and increase engine vibration, but also damage the engine's piston.

In order to solve the problem of overheating of the mixed gas under high compression ratio, Mazda designed a 4-2-1 exhaust system that is only used in racing cars. This system can effectively discharge the high-temperature exhaust gas from the cylinder, reduce the temperature of the mixed gas in the cylinder, and increase the intake efficiency. At the same time, the Skyactiv-G engine can still use cheaper 93-grade gasoline (Beijing standard 92-grade gasoline). By greatly improving the combustion efficiency, the fuel economy and torque of SKYACTIV-G have increased by 15% compared with the current 2.0L naturally aspirated engine.

 The structure of the 4-2-1 exhaust system is that cylinders 1 and 4 share one exhaust manifold, and cylinders 2 and 3 share one exhaust manifold, and then the two exhaust manifolds are combined into one exhaust pipe. Its longer length can reduce the interference between the two cylinders with similar exhaust, and reduce the probability of the cylinder sucking back high-temperature exhaust gas. At the far end of the exhaust pipe, exhaust negative pressure will also be generated, thereby sucking out the exhaust gas in the cylinder, further reducing the residual temperature in the cylinder.

Another major energy-saving technology of the Skyactiv engine is to reduce wear. The Skyactiv engine reduces internal losses by 30%, increases oil pump efficiency by 74%, and water pump efficiency by 31%. The friction of the piston, connecting rod, crankshaft and other moving parts is reduced by 25%, while the slight friction is reduced by 54%. By improving the intake duct, the burden of the engine absorbing fresh air is reduced by 13%, thereby minimizing engine losses.

 In addition, the Skyactiv engine also has an automatic start-stop system. When the engine is temporarily stopped, the pistons in each cylinder are on the same plane, which is conducive to smoother re-ignition. At the same time, the remaining mixed gas in the cylinder is ignited and the starter motor is used to achieve re-ignition, which is more energy-saving and efficient.

Skyactiv 6-speed automatic transmission with full-speed lock

Mazda's Skyactiv transmission uses a small traditional torque converter and is equipped with a multi-plate clutch, which greatly increases the locking range of each gear. The torque converter only buffers and transmits torque when shifting gears, and relies on mechanical engagement to transmit torque at other times, thereby improving fuel economy by 4%-7%.

 Due to the use of full-gear locking technology, the driving experience is more direct, and it is more sporty without sacrificing comfort. At the same time, the Skyactiv gearbox is very ideal in terms of gear shifting smoothness and gear shifting logic, making it a smart gearbox.

Skyactiv body

 Mazda Skyactiv uses a lot of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in the body, which reduces the weight of the body while improving the rigidity of the whole vehicle. In the design of the bottom body of ATENZA, engineers strengthened the floor structure, and two integral beams run through the front and rear suspension pivots. The advantage of this design is that the body rigidity is better and the energy can be dispersed more effectively in the event of a collision. Compared with the previous generation Ruiyi model, the body of ATENZA is 8% lighter and 30% stronger.

Skyactiv chassis

Mazda ATENZA's Skyactiv chassis and front and rear suspensions have been carefully redesigned. The front McPherson independent suspension increases the castor angle, making high-speed stability better, while the high-speed ratio steering mechanism ensures direct and flexible steering.

The engine's mounting position is tilted 10° backward, allowing the front wheels to move 50mm forward, resulting in a longer wheelbase and more front footroom, while also increasing high-speed stability.

ATENZA's rear suspension is still a multi-link independent suspension. Compared with the old Ruiyi model, the shock absorber stroke is longer to improve comfort. In terms of details, the pivot point of the rear suspension trailing arm is moved up by 43mm compared with the old model, which has the advantage of being more comfortable and effectively suppressing the occurrence of brake nodding.

In recent years, the domestic automotive market has seen increasingly fierce competition in technology. First, the launch of BlueDrive technology and hybrid technology caused a strong response in the market. Subsequently, Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which has attracted great attention in the European and American markets, quickly entered the domestic market. Compared with other competitors, Mazda's Skyactiv technology will not cost you too much to buy a car, and its Zoom-zoom sports concept is more prominent, making driving more fun.