Editorial SkyActiv D Helping the Future of Diesel

If you follow me on Twitter (@talipa2012) you have probably figured out that I am a big fan of the diesel engine. Since 1897 the clattering diesel engine has been powering everything from automobiles to electric generators and everything in between. Diesel is the preferred fuel of choice for much of the world. Only in the United States is diesel seen as a less appealing alternative to the less efficient gasoline engine. Mazda wants to change all of this with the introduction of its SkyActiv-D engine.

The diesel engine runs completely on compression for ignition of its fuel. Regardless of this Mazda decided to drop the compression of their diesel engine to a scant 14.0:1, the lowest in the world. This engine is the first major rethinking of the diesel engine in over a century. The benefits that come from designing a diesel in this fashion may be the key to diesels future.

The video posted above gives most of the technical information on the new SkyActiv-D, but I thought that I might elaborate on it further. The key advantage of a low compression diesel is the fact that it puts much less stress on all engine components. Mazda has created a diesel that now shares much more in common with its gasoline powered cousins.

The SkyActiv-D is one of the first diesels to be built completely out of aluminum. This saved a total of 55 pounds in the block alone. The new engine revs to 5200 rpm which is quite an impressive number for a diesel powered engine. Another key factor is that it is cheaper to produce and doesnt require a DEF(diesel exhaust fluid) after treatment system that seems to be the bane of every diesel in the United States.

What this means for diesel enthusiast like me is an engine that sounds like its going to be a blast to drive that meets emissions in a very simple way and wont require monthly top offs of DEF. The SkyActiv-D may just be the key to breaking United States car buyers of their love affair with gasoline. Mazda has a love affair with ZoomZoom. Hopefully SkyActiv-D can partner this philosophy with fuel efficiency. It just might be the most important development in diesel since 1897.

Diesel engines are going to play a key role in reducing consumption of foreign oil. Unlike gasoline engine, diesel engines can easily make the switch from petroleum diesel to biodiesel and other fuels. With the ability to make diesels out of the same materials as their gasoline counterparts there is no longer an excuse from car makers that diesels cost too much to manufacture. Drivers like me who want an enjoyable car with excellent fuel economy are extremely limited in their choices. Mazda has opened up a new avenue for the diesel engine and have made an engine that I think just might appeal to American buyers on the fence about dipping into the world of diesel.