Mazda's next-gen SkyActiv engines will drop spark plugs in favor of high compression

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[Fai Mao]

Homogeneous charge compression ignition, or HCCI, is the black art of of internal combustion engines that aims to produce diesel-like fuel efficiency for the cost of gasoline. Although some of its competitors have developed and subsequently given up on the tech, Mazda confirmed that the next-generation of SkyActiv engines will employ HCCI technology, improving fuel economy by 30 percent and at the same time reducing exhaust emissions.

[MrEdd]

There aughta be a law...

[onona]

Nicely done sir. You win the first fuel control for a car.

[setha]

Which comes with the cost of having to use higher grade fuel.

[onona]

All we need now is a little turbine and we’ll be all set

[USNBandit]

The nerd is strong in this one

[Lockbox]

No, about 40% (30% to 32% X 30%).

[norwaypinesavage]

"If Mazda can do this they've just revolutionized the internal combustion engine."

Just like they did with the rotary engine?

[dhs12345]

What about wear?

[Red Badger]

That’s what doomed the GM diesel conversions back in the 80’s.
They tried to make dirsel engines from gas engine blocks and cranks, etc. True diesel engines are made with much much higher grade materials......

[Reily]

The problem with the rotary engine at least as I remember was the “seals”.

[dhs12345]

Or a short lived engine.

[Red Badger]

I see what you did there...........

[dhs12345]

And heavier.

[Organic Panic]

I would think using gasoline in the diesel engine would be much easier for those of us in the colder latitudes. No more block heaters, no more 1/2 warming up, no waiting for glow plugs.

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

“I am enamored as of late with the Achates Power entry that is gaining steam.”

WHAT? We’re going back to steam engines for automobiles? ;-)

[norwaypinesavage]

The Rotary had several problems, including the seals, which slid continuously against the outer shell as the center rotated. A big killer was vehicle emission regulations. The relatively cool outer shell would quench the flame front resulting in significant unburned hydrocarbons. The (leaking) seals provided a little help by giving automatic exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), but it was uncontrolled and not optimum like an EGR valve can provide.

[arthurus]

Eat, 15 octane gas?

[Jonty30]

If they have improved it by that much, you can afford the premium gas.

[Drago]

And much less emissions junk after the engine. (DEF, DOC, catalyst, particle filter, etc.).

[central_va]

The only rear wheel drive sedans available are expensive luxury models. IMO rear wheel drive makes for a much better handling and balanced vehicle. That is why ALL luxury cars are basically rear wheel drive and some have all wheel drive. None are front wheel drive. Same with every racing car.

So could SOMEBODY make an affordable rear wheel drive sedan? Not all of live in snow country and would like a choice in the matter.