Mazda SkyActiv Engine Technology Could Evolve Beyond Spark Plugs

Mazda is reportedly pushing its SkyActiv technology to the limit, with a new wave of petrol engines that may render the diesel passenger car redundant.

The SkyActiv units already boast some of the highest compression ratios in the business, up to 14:1, but Nikkei reports the carmaker may stretch this even further.

The result could be petrol engines with compression ratios as high as 18:1. That puts them in diesel territory, and means they can potentially operate without spark plugs.

Like a diesel, the new SkyActiv donks may ignite the fuel and air mixture simply through compression. The desired result would be ultra-frugal fuel economy (up to 30 percent improvement) and low emissions, without the drawbacks associated with current-day diesels (such as particulate filters).

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