Mazda Moves Up 2nd-Generation Skyactiv Engine

Mazda Motor Corp. will launch the second generation of its Skyactiv fuel-efficient engines in an unspecified 2018 model vehicle two years ahead of schedule, according to several media reports.

The new engines will use a homogenous-charge-compression-ignition (HCCI) system that combines aspects of traditional diesel and gasoline engines, according to Leftlane News. There also are plans to mate the HCCI Skyactiv engines with Toyota Motor Corp.'s hybrid technology as part of the recent powertrain partnership between the companies, according to the report.

An HCCI configuration, which features high-pressure compression that eliminates the need for sparkplugs, could be as much as 30% more fuel efficient than current Skyactiv powerplants. This would put the next-generation Skyactiv engines on par with hybrid-electric systems. Mazda is working to counter heat issues with the HCCI design and to make it more adaptable across a broader rpm range, Leftlane says.

Mazda had planned to introduce its third-generation Skyactiv engines in 2025 in conjunction with stricter fuel economy regulations in the U.S. It's not clear if those plans will also be moved up if the second-generation launch is accelerated.