(October 20, 2010) Mazda has announced the launch of its SKYACTIV next-generation technologies — including engines, transmissions, vehicle bodies and chassis — that will begin appearing in Mazda products from 2011.

SKYACTIV is a blanket term for Mazda's innovative next-generation technologies that are being developed under the company's long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.

Many of these features —- which enhance future products in nearly all areas including engine, transmission and chassis — have already been revealed. But Mazda announced today that the SkyActiv name will be the banner it flies from now on.

The first car to get SkyActiv technology will be the Mazda 2, starting in 2011. Mazda is using SkyActiv features to fortify its product lineup as fuel-efficiency and lightweight cars becoming increasingly important in global markets.

Here's a quick look at the technology:

  •  SKYACTIV-G: a next-generation highly-efficient direct-injection gasoline engine with the world's highest compression ratio of 14.0:1

  • SKYACTIV-D: a next-generation clean diesel engine with the world's lowest compression ratio of 14.0:1

  • SKYACTIV-Drive: a next-generation highly-efficient automatic transmission
 
  • A next-generation manual transmission with a light shift feel, compact size and significantly reduced weight

   • A next-generation lightweight, highly-rigid body with outstanding crash safety performance

   • A next-generation high-performance lightweight chassis that balances precise handling with a comfortable ride