Mazda to launch world's first compression ignition technology for petrol engines

In compression ignition engines, the air-fuel mixture is heated and then compressed by the piston to the point at which it combusts spontaneously.

This makes it possible to use a much leaner air-fuel mixture, improving efficiency and reducing Although diesel engines work this way, the automotive sector has not been able to develop the technology for petrol engines.

Mazda’s new engine, known as SKYACTIV-X, will be launched in 2019, as part of the company’s long-term technology development programme, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030”. As part of this programme, Mazda hopes to reduce its average “well-to-wheel” carbon dioxide emissions to 50 per cent of 2010 levels by 2030, and achieve a 90 per cent reduction by 2050.

Car makers and automotive researchers have been investigating the use of Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engines for years. The technology means the air-fuel mixture burns more slowly than with spark ignition, and begins at various “hot spots” throughout the cylinder. This eliminates the high temperature zones found in spark ignition engines, significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.