Fwd 4dr Touring Mazda Cx-9 Touring New Suv Automatic Gasoline Engine: 3.7l 24v D on 2040-cars

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Mazda's next-gen SkyActiv engines will drop spark plugs in favor of high compression

Homogeneous charge compression ignition, or HCCI, is the black art of internal combustion engines that aims to produce diesel-like fuel efficiency for the cost of gasoline. Although some of its competitors have developed and subsequently given up on the tech, Mazda confirmed that the next-generation of SkyActiv engines will employ HCCI technology, improving fuel economy by 30 percent and at the same time reducing exhaust emissions. According to Nikkei, a new SkyActiv family of engines is set to debut under the hood of the next-gen Mazda3 sometime in 2018 before making its way into other vehicles. In simple terms, an engine that uses HCCI burns the air/fuel mix using pressure instead of with spark plugs, just like a diesel. At 14:1, Mazda's gasoline engines already have some of the highest compression ratios out there, but a move to HCCI means cranking up the compression to 18:1. While the tech sounds relatively straightforward, using HCCI means dealing with a number of side issues. It's one of those "on paper" ideas that compounds problems when put into practice. Heat, revs, and fuel must all be carefully managed as gasoline doesn't burn the same way as diesel. Mazda is mum on details, but the automaker seems confident that the issues have been sorted. If the new engines do indeed make it to market with HCCI, Mazda will have out-engineered GM, Daimler, and Hyundai, all of which have tried and failed to develop HCCI engines in a cost-effective package. With the market moving towards electrification, it's interesting to see Mazda still focusing so heavily on traditional internal combustion gasoline engines. It's an indication of where they see the market heading for the next few years. Although the automaker has been hesitant to move forward with hybrid and electric powertrains, Nikkei also reports that Mazda will begin mass production of EVs in 2019. Related Video:

Miata driver pulls off hilariously diabolical move in fender-to-fender racing

Racing is all about finding the little advantages over competitors that allow you to get ahead. Sometimes those are legitimate means - like being able to take advantage of a better line through a corner - and other times drivers get a little more creative for a leg up over opponents. Sometimes things might even go a little too far. Case in point: just watch the opening of this Mazda MX-5 Cup race from Silverstone in the UK.
According to the YouTube description, we're riding with James Rogers in this video, and he appears to be pretty talented behind the wheel. Rogers has a great start from fifth that has him in third within just a few corners. He starts stalking the top two drivers, who are already having a fantastic race themselves, but then we see that the person in second is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to win. Just watch the video, and you'll see what we mean. Bravo (?) to that racer for some very quick, albeit fiendish, thinking.

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S gets new name, adds tech, keeps same power

For its second model year, Mazda's in-betweener compact crossover is getting a new-ish name: the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S. No, those extra digits at the end aren't a trim level. The 2.5 S is apparently part of the name. They also don't indicate a boost in output, as the CX-30 won't be following the example of the recently announced Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. They're all for show. Instead, Mazda adds some new connectivity and safety features to the package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the lineup. They join Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial and in-car WiFi hotspot with a six-month or 2GB trial, and they pair with the carryover 8.8-inch center infotainment screen that is controlled by a rotary dial mounted behind the gear shifter. The CX-30 2.5 S keeps as standard the 7-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display, Bluetooth phone and audio, two front USB ports and electronic parking brake. There are also some new safety options to go with the standard i-Activsense package, which includes Mazda’s version of adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, smart braking support, a driver attention alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist and high-beam control. Upgrade to the CX-30 2.5 S with Select Package, the second of four trim levels, and you get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, side mirror turn signals and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leatherette seating and upgraded, 18-inch wheels, among other perks. Step up to the Preferred Package and you get features like a power moonroof, heated front seats and black gloss front grille. The top-tier Premium Package, meanwhile, brings a Bose 12-speaker sound system, a three-month SiriusXM trial subscription, navigation, windshield-projected Active Driving Display, power liftgate, paddle shifters and LED head- and taillights, among other features. As before, power comes from the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter inline-four that it shares with the Mazda3. It makes 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque and is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard setup is front-wheel drive and G-Vectoring Control Plus, but predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive with off-road traction assist is an option across the range for an extra $1,400. Base price creeps up by $55 from 2020 to an even $23,000, including the $1,100 destination fee. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party.