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Mazda Australia Confirms Sky-G Petrol Engine For 2011

MAZDA AUSTRALIA has confirmed that it will introduce the brand's new Sky-G petrol engine in Australia next year, although it has yet to announce which models the new engine will launch with.

While the Mazda2 is expected to be the first model to


MAZDA AUSTRALIA has confirmed that it will introduce the brand's new Sky-G petrol engine in Australia next year, although it has yet to announce which models the new engine will launch with.

While the Mazda2 is expected to be the first model to gain the new engine, both the Mazda3 and CX-7 are expected to get an update some time in 2011, meaning that either range could be joined by the new engine at that time.

Speaking with TMR today, Mazda Australia's Steve Maciver could not confirm whether the Sky-G's diesel sibling, the Sky-D, would make its way to Australia.

"There has been no commitment to the Sky-D diesel for the local market at this time. Obviously it is under consideration and it's something we're looking at, but for now there's no firm commitment there," Mr Maciver said.

Mazda says the new Sky-G direct injection petrol engine offers significantly improved fuel economy - 15 percent greater than the carmaker’s current 2.0 litre engine - thanks largely to enhanced thermal efficiency.

The Sky-G features an all-new engine block, designed to reduce mechanical friction and produce an optimal air-fuel mix.

The new technologies will aid Mazda in improving fuel efficiency across its entire line-up by 30 percent, compared to 2008 levels.

While the Sky-G engine will be paired exclusively with the new six-speed Sky-Drive automatic transmission, Mr Maciver would not be moved on what this would mean for existing manual-equipped models.

"Manual transmissions will remain an important part of our range, and while a manual transmission is in development to suit the Sky engines, for now the Sky-G engine that we receive next year will be paired with the Sky-Drive automatic transmission only," He said.

Mazda claims the new Sky-Drive automatic transmission improves fuel economy by approximately five percent. These gains are achieved thanks to a clean-sheet redesign that reduces mechanical friction, reduces slip via the revised torque converter and clutch, and an optimised lock-up mechanism.

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