The SKY-Drive transmission. Click to enlarge.

These new powertrain products—combined with weight reductions of 100 kg (220 lbs) on next-generation vehicles, improved aerodynamic design to reduce drag, and the introduction of electric devices like the fuel-saving stop/start system called i-stop (currently available in Japan and Europe)—will contribute to meeting the Mazda’s global 2015 fuel economy improvement goal of 30%, with an accompanying drop in CO₂ emissions of 23% (compared to 2008).

I am proud to announce that we will launch the SKY-D diesel engine in the US in 2012. I can also reveal here and today that our next-generation mid-sized diesel car will achieve highway fuel economy of forty three miles per gallon. This is better than today’s mid-sized hybrids, and let me add that it is achieved without any electrifications. Our new diesels will meet Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, one of the toughest emissions standards in the world.

The SKY-Drive transmission, mated with the SKY-G engine, will be launched first in the US in next year. It will then be rolled out to global markets.

By optimizing our existing technologies – engines, transmissions, weight reduction and aerodynamics – we aim to benefit all our customers and minimize the cost of ownership. We will progressively introduce electric devices to our vehicles. i-stop, our award-winning engine start-stop system, is already available in some markets. It will be followed by regenerative braking and then an HEV. The phased introduction of these new technologies will form the building blocks of Mazda’s future.

—Takashi Yamanouchi, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corp.

Mazda and Toyota recently reached an agreement on the supply by Toyota under license to Mazda of the hybrid system technology used in the Toyota Prius. Leveraging this agreement, Mazda said it will combine the hybrid system with the SKY-G direct-injection gasoline engine to develop and to manufacture a hybrid vehicle in Japan. Mazda is aiming to commence sales of a hybrid vehicle starting in Japan by 2013. (Earlier post.)

The direct-injection SKY-G will offers a 15% improvement in fuel economy and deliver 15% more torque than current gasoline engines, Mazda said. A 2.0L SKY-G engine will be as efficient as a current 2.2L diesel. Efficiency improvements in the engine come partly from a higher expansion ratio, optimized combustion, intake volume control and lower friction. Use of Mazda’s single-nanotechnology catalyst reduces use of precious metals by more than 70%.

The SKY-D diesel will offer a 20% improvement in fuel economy compared to today’s 2.2-liter diesel, along with a boost in both low- and high-end torque compared to current diesel engines. Efficiency improvements come from innovative combustion and low mechanical resistance.

A highly efficient active ceramic diesel particulate filter (DPF) removes the need for after-treatment urea systems.