+Mazda USA has taken an interesting approach with the design of their new SkyActiv-D… 4


+Mazda USA has taken an interesting approach with the design of their new SkyActiv-D diesel engine. Because diesels use the heat generated by high compression ratios to ignite the fuel, they generally are built from beefier components like pistons, blocks, heads and crankshafts to withstand the additional stresses. 

Those same high compression ratios also contribute to higher combustion temperatures which causes more NOx production in the exhaust gases, the big bugaboo for diesel emissions. 

For this new engine, Mazda has reduced the compression ratio to just 14:1 (compared to as much as 20:1 in traditional diesels) thus allowing for lighter internal components and lower combustion temperatures. As a result, Mazda claims they can meet exceptionally tough US emissions standards without resorting to a urea-injection system that converts NOx to nitrogen and water. Thus the overall cost of using a diesel is significantly reduced. 

Volkswagen is having great success with diesels in the Passat, Jetta and Golf and +Chevrolet is launching a diesel Cruze soon. It will be interesting to have another diesel option in the hotly contested midsize segment.

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