Photo: Mazda
Mazda’s Skyactiv program is a different approach to the issues of fuel efficiency and emissions, and a breath of fresh air in an industry over-saturated with ‘plug-in this’ and ‘hybrid that’. Their view is that the need for more efficient means of propulsion shouldn’t necessarily take us on the hybrid and EV route, as long as our current “conventional” technology still has (plenty) of room for improvement.
Following in the footsteps of Audi, Mazda will make a racing version of their 2.2-liter diesel engine, and they are planning on entering the newly-created GX class of the North American Grand AM series with a diesel-powered car. The racing engines will be developed jointly, by Mazda Motor Co., Mazda North American Operations and SpeedSource Engineering. With racing diesels already proven successful by Audi and Seat, maybe it’s time for a manufacturer outside VW Group to take the spotlight, for a change.
Sylvain Tremblay, spokesperson for SpeedSource Engineering said “As a motorsports engineering firm, we love a challenge, and starting a new program with a stock-block Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine gives us a wonderful opportunity. The ultra-low compression ratio stock engine has fantastic torque and fuel economy. Our job is to tune it such that it meets the needs of our racers. Once again, Mazda charts its own path, and we are pleased to be an integral part of this project.” We’re really looking forward to seeing what they come up with, and perhaps a road-version of the racing engine may make its way into a future sporty diesel-powered Mazda - an exciting prospect, considering you have to pay a lot these days to get a fun diesel engine.
Sylvain Tremblay, spokesperson for SpeedSource Engineering said “As a motorsports engineering firm, we love a challenge, and starting a new program with a stock-block Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine gives us a wonderful opportunity. The ultra-low compression ratio stock engine has fantastic torque and fuel economy. Our job is to tune it such that it meets the needs of our racers. Once again, Mazda charts its own path, and we are pleased to be an integral part of this project.” We’re really looking forward to seeing what they come up with, and perhaps a road-version of the racing engine may make its way into a future sporty diesel-powered Mazda - an exciting prospect, considering you have to pay a lot these days to get a fun diesel engine.
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