Mazda’s SKYACTIV diesel covered 2,826 miles in the Rolex 24

With two prototype SKYACTIV racers, Mazda has demonstrated that their diesel engine has come a long way since its debut at last year’s Rolex 24.

On Saturday, January 25^th, Mazda unleashed a duo of clean diesel powered prototype racers that saw years of research culminate into an impressive demonstration of endurance and engineering at Daytona International Speedway at the 52^nd Rolex 24.

Just like last year, Mazda was unable to complete the race but unlike last year, the engine was not a factor in an early retirement.

The number 07 car last the duration of the race up until the final hour when an oil-pump belt failure caused a loss of oil pressure and a forced retirement. The number 70 car also faced an accessory related failure when the radiator became clogged causing the car to overheat and forcing it to retire after completing just over 1,300 miles of continuous high speed racing. Combined, both cars lasted a total of 2,826 miles!

John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports, said that within the short amount of time the SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel prototype “we are very satisfied with the progress our team has achieved. That said, this is a multi-year development program and we won’t be happy until we start winning.”

The SKYACTIV-D is performing stronger than it has in previous endurance races and is a sign that Mazda is close to perfecting their diesel engine.

For more information about Mazda vehicles including technical specifications, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

2014 Mazda SKYACTIV racing prototype brings diesel back to Daytona

The SKYACTIV-D diesel engine returns to Daytona in the inaugural TUDOR United SportsCar Championship at the 2014 Rolex 24. Last year, a trio of turbo diesel equipped 2014 Mazda6’s failed to finish the 24 hour endurance race due to mechanical issues that have since been fixed and even earned Mazda the first diesel victory for the Grand Am class at Road Atlanta in July.

Next weekend, Mazda will be taking a pair of its latest racer dubbed the 2014 SKYACTIV Prototype through the paces around Daytona International Speedway.

The diesel engine used in the new prototype is identical to the specifications of the diesel engine found in the race modified Mazda6’s. The engine contains 51 percent of the original stock parts and weighs 37 percent lighter than the retail version.

At 451 brake horsepower with 581 pound-feet of torque, Mazda is squeezing every last bit of raw power that the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine is capable of outputting.

The Rolex 24 will run from January 25 to 26 with almost every automaker under the sun participating.

For more information about the benefits of SKYACTIV technology, please visit us at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: AutoBlog.com

SKYACTIV diesel engine delayed for North America

With several successful public demonstrations in the form of race victories using the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda has officially announced that its foray into the world of diesel power will have to wait a little longer before hitting showroom floors.

The Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda Orlando have been anticipating the launch of the SKYACTIV-D since Mazda’s intentions of introducing it in the as-of-then newly launched 2014 Mazda6.

Mazda has stopped hinting at possible release windows by taking the “when it’s ready, it’s ready” approach to focus more on finding a balance of fuel economy and driving performance which is a central theme in the SKYACTIV technology philosophy.

The reason for the delay is due to Mazda’s willingness to unleash every last bit of potential in the SKYACTIV-D, citing that they understand it “can meet emission regulation requirements.” Emission regulations vary in different regions of the world with Europe having strict regulations that call for strong improvements every five years.

The past year was a milestone for the Japanese automaker who saw the launch of two newly redesigned models built around SKYACTIV technology. If they release their diesel engine in 2014, it will be another memorable year of milestones Mazda.

For more information about SKYACTIV technology or the vehicles that use it, visit us on our website at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

IIHS certifies three Mazda vehicles as Top Safety Pick Plus

The most fuel efficient automaker in North America is also one of the safest! The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has certified the 2014 Mazda3, 2014 Mazda6, and 2014 CX-5 as Top Safety Pick Plus vehicles which distinguishes the safest autos on the road from the rest of the pack.

The safety found in Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology platform has helped revolutionize a brand famous for rotary engines into one that radiates safety, style, and performance. The three vehicles are the first Mazdas to be completely designed and built around SKYACTIV technology platform that has brought new life to the Mazda brand since the days when Ford was the majority stock holder.

In 2013, the only Mazda designated with the Top Safety Pick Plus status was the 2014 Mazda6 while the 2013 CX-5 only managed to earn a Top Safety Pick. Improvements were made to the CX-5 to tackle the newly introduced overlap test which prevented the Plus certification the previous year.

This is also the first year the Mazda3 has earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award which is just another trophy on the shelf of the Car of the Year for auto news sites like AutoGuide.com.

For more information about Mazda vehicles, visit our research center located at SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Via: IIHS