Mazda Skyactiv Technology

Mazda Skyactiv Technology Mazda

Before building hybrids and plug-ins, Mazda has decided to improve the fuel economy of its conventional gas-powered cars. With the Skyactiv initiative, the company aims to make every car in its fleet 30 percent more fuel-efficient by 2015. Starting with the 2012 Mazda3, fuel-saving improvements include a new, low-friction six-speed transmission and the highest-compression gas engine outside of a high-performance sports car—a new four-cylinder that gets 40 mpg and generates 155 horsepower. Next up is the 2013 CX-5, which will use a Skyactiv engine and transmission in addition to a new lightweight body that will cut the weight of the crossover SUV by 8 percent.