What Is Mazda’s MAZDA SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY?

When you hear the words zoom-zoom, what comes to mind? It’s what you did as a kid, pushing around your Hot Wheels cars, pretending they were racing. As an adult, the only thing that’s changed is the size of the car. Now, it’s what you think as you rev your car’s engine and drop into a turn.

Mazda’s obsession with creating the ultimate driving experience has centered on zoom-zoom, so much so that they created a whole advertising campaign around the simple phrase. So, as Mazda engineers continued their quest for the best driving car, SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY was born.

It began years ago with improvements to the engine. Today, SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY is the umbrella underneath which all Mazda’s unique enhancements fall, including improvements in the transmission, chassis, and suspension. So, what exactly is SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY? First, let’s take a deep dive into SKYACTIVE and how it helped zoom-zoom Mazda to the top of the driving experience.

SKYACTIVE Engines

The relentless pursuit of perfection often results in breakthroughs. For example, for the last 100 years, engineers have been improving the internal combustion engine (ICE), making it larger and more powerful. However, the biggest drawback to this engine has always been the inability to capture the energy created. The ICE utilizes only 30% of the potential power from the fuel burned. That leaves 70% as heat to escape through the cooling and exhaust systems.

Engineers have sought to increase the engine’s compression ratio to combat this, thereby maximizing the fuel’s energy. Mazda’s latest direct-injection technology and cylinder construction enable an even distribution of fuel and more efficient engine cooling. In addition, Mazda’s SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY captures more heat from the exhaust system. As a result, Mazda engines boost power by 15% over other engines while gaining 15% more efficiency.

Mazda has also incorporated variable displacement into their SKYACTIVE engines. This technology disables cylinders when your vehicle doesn’t need your engine’s full power. For example, an engine operating at a light load will pump fuel into the cylinder for combustion even though the vehicle only needs around 30% of the energy. Variable displacement shuts off select cylinders during this light load to eliminate that wasteful fuel burn for more efficient operations.

SKYACTIVE Transmissions

Mazda offers two transmissions with SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY. The SKYACTIVE-Drive six-speed automatic transmission utilizes an advanced control module that optimizes shifting for smooth acceleration and enhanced responsiveness. Mazda’s SKYACTIVE-MT six-speed manual transmission delivers the connected driving experience. Its short-throw shifting keeps the driver in control while providing a thrilling driving experience.

SKYACTIVE Chassis

The chassis of an automobile structurally supports the entire vehicle. Therefore, its ability to bear the engine, cabin, and passengers directly affects the car’s driving dynamics. Mazda’s SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY incorporates light-weight high-strength steel to make it lighter and stronger. As a result, Mazda vehicles accelerate faster and handle better.

SKYACTIVE Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control

This intelligent system continuously monitors your Mazda’s performance, whether you’re turning, accelerating, or braking. In addition, the SKYACTIVE Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control system subtly adjusts power delivery throughout your drive and shifts vehicle weight for a smoother, less fatiguing drive.

Mazda followed the ancient Japanese philosophy of Jinba Ittai, which means “horse and rider as one.” Like a horse understands its rider’s intentions, so should your automobile. Thus, Mazda engineered this technology, starting with the driver instead of the vehicle. Rather than focus on how the vehicle responds to driving conditions, Mazda engineers targeted the driver’s characteristics and built a car that works harmoniously with the driver. As a result, your Mazda feels like an extension of your body, delivering precision steering and better control while easing driver fatigue.

Mazda likens this process to an athlete who trains to hit a ball farther or throw one faster. Athletes refine their form to achieve optimal results, not simply swinging harder. It comes down to working smarter. So, instead of making your Mazda’s muscles stronger, engineers improved the vehicle’s dynamics to deliver more efficient force and unleash its full potential.

For example, when you enter a turn, Mazda’s SKYACTIVE Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control reduces engine torque and shifts the vehicle weight forward to improve cornering response. Once in the turn, SKYACTIVE detects your steering intent and delivers the appropriate torque to the engine. The technology recovers engine torque that shifts the load to the rear wheels for better stability as you exit the turn.

i-ACTIVESENSE

Mazda didn’t stop with the driving dynamics as they strove for the perfect driving experience. With i-ACTIVESENSE, you get a suite of intuitive driver-assist systems designed to elevate your experience behind the wheel by making your commute safer. These systems use milliwave radar and cameras to continuously monitor your Mazda’s surroundings, alerting you to potential hazards. This enables you to focus on what matters, the road ahead.

i-ACTIVE AWD

This predictive all-wheel-drive system delivers traction and confidence, no matter what road surface or weather you travel on. When active, the AWD system monitors road conditions and driver inputs to calculate all-wheel-drive needs. Then, i-ACTIVE AWD engages the full potential of your Mazda’s four wheels to deliver exceptional traction and control.

Kodo: The Soul of Motion

Another Japanese philosophy used by Mazda is Kodo, the art of creating a sense of motion, even at a standstill. The craftsmanship of every detail, inside and out, was done with the intent to stir your emotions. When you look at a Mazda, you see a car that begs to be driven, not a hunk of metal designed to get you from point A to point B.

At Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth, we understand what driving enthusiasts want in a car. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. If you’re ready to experience the joy of driving, we invite you to browse our inventory online. Then, when you’re ready for a personalized demonstration, you can stop by our West Freeway dealership. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will show you the various models and let you take your favorite for a zoom-zoom.