马自达已经宣布将在法兰克福车展发布采用无火花塞点火技术的Skyactiv-X动力系统。最近谍照记者拍到了马自达利用马自达3对Skyactiv-X进行测试的照片，车身侧面带有“Skyactiv-X”字样。从外观看，这辆车就是现行版的马自达3，车头可以看到改款前脸和底部边缘部分更突出的进气口。油箱盖周围的伪装表明该车后轮拱进行了改进。哑光黑色涂装和轮圈看起来与掀背车很搭配。在它的引擎盖下毫无疑问是一台新的Skyactiv-X引擎。这是世界首台采用压缩点火技术的汽油引擎，它可以对油气混合物进行压缩直至被点燃，就像柴油引擎那样。此外，马自达还采用了机械增压器。马自达预计，Skyactiv-X能将现有汽油引擎的燃油经济性提升20-30%，同时扭矩输出也提升10-30%。Skyactiv-X引擎将于2019年配备在马自达3上并将提供给其他车型。到2021年，马自达还将增加插电混动版本以进一步提升车辆燃油经济性。其中某些电动技术来自马自达的合作伙伴丰田。据传，马自达下一代转子引擎也将提供Skyactiv-X压缩点火系统，该引擎功率达到298千瓦/400马力。
Mazda3 Test Mules Spied Not Hiding Skyactiv-X Engine Development
Mazda has already announced a debut for its Skyactiv-X spark-less ignition combustion powertrain at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. With the premiere date set, the company’s engineers apparently see no reason to hide the engine’s development because Mazda3 test mules proclaim their use of Skyactiv-X in huge letters across the side of the hatchback.
Aesthetically, these test mules look largely like the existing Mazda3. Up front, there’s a revised fascia with more prominent intakes in the lower corners. Camouflage around the fuel filler suggests tweaks for the rear fenders, too. The matte black paint and matching wheels look fantastic on the hatchback, though. Under the hood, there’s no question that these Mazda3s have the firm’s new Skyactiv-X powertrain. The engines are the world’s first market application of compression ignition in a gasoline engine. This layout compresses the fuel-air mixture until it combusts, which is like a diesel. Mazda’s application also uses a supercharger.
Mazda estimates the Skyactiv-X would be 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than its current gasoline-fueled engines. Torque could increase 10 percent to 30 percent, too.
Skyactiv-X will arrive in the Mazda3 first in 2019 and will then proliferate into other models. In 2021, the firm will add plug-in hybrid variants for even greater efficiency. Some of the electrification tech will come from Mazda’s partnership with Toyota.
Rumors suggest that Skyactiv-X's compression ignition system might arrive in Mazda's next rotary engine, too. The mill would allegedly produce around 400 horsepower (298 kW).