Report: 2011 Mazda Miata = 70 mpg?

[SVT666]

Report: 2011 Mazda Miata to be rated at up to 70 mpg
BY MARK KLEIS
 
Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that the ?Zoom-Zoom? automaker may have a new high-tech 4-cylinder engine, code named ?Sky-G? in the works for their 2011 Miata. Reports put the potential mileage as high as 70 miles per gallon.

According to InsideLine, the naturally aspirated 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that was first introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show is expected to produce power in the same realm as the current Miata, roughly 150 hp, and would easily retain the Miata?s existing power-to-weight ratio with the 2011 model?s expected weight of 2,200 pounds.

The eye-brow raising fuel economy figure of 70 mpg was speculated by some speaking to InsideLine, as well as a 50 mpg figure. Both figures were reportedly based on testing with a vehicle approximately the size and weight of the Mazda Kiyora concept car that debuted at the Paris Auto Show in 2008.

Although specifics on how the engine achieves such high mileage have not yet been released by the automaker, it is reported that the engine achieved these figures in a natually aspirated form, and was between 1.3 and 1.5-liters.

Toyota has also reportedly approached Mazda about the SKY-G engine.

[Onslaught]

Find this one hard to believe. However they have said that the next Miata will be going on a well needed diet. But I don't see it getting this kind of mpg.

[Laconian]

I did a bit of Binging and found that the Sky-G is diesel based. So it's not out of the realm of possibility.

[Submariner]

So, a diesel in a lightweight car, perhaps one with very tall gearing.

70MPG is good, but not groundbreaking. 

[Eye of the Tiger]

I would very much like a diesel Miata, I think.

[S204STi]

Well, the R10 proves you can have a diesel performance car, so it's just a matter of time till it trickles down the line to more affordable cars, right?

[S204STi]

Wait a sec, the OP claims that it's a naturally aspirated engine.  That can't possibly be the case if its a diesel.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Wait a sec, the OP claims that it's a naturally aspirated engine.  That can't possibly be the case if its a diesel.

Maybe it's also really, really slow?

[2o6]

So, a diesel in a lightweight car, perhaps one with very tall gearing.

70MPG is good, but not groundbreaking. 

Since when?


A 70MPG car with 150HP!? Not groundbreaking!?

[Onslaught]

Diesel? Be the first MX-5 I'd have no interest in.

[2o6]

Diesel? Be the first MX-5 I'd have no interest in.

You don't like torque? Oh wait, you have an RX-8. 

[Laconian]

Sky G is gasoline
Sky D is diesel

"The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below."

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/

[Onslaught]

You don't like torque? Oh wait, you have an RX-8. 

Not a big fan of diesels.

[Laconian]

So yeah, as I said... looks like it's 70mpg on gasoleeeen.

[Submariner]

Sky G is gasoline
Sky D is diesel

"The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below."

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/

30% won't get 70MPG, will it?

Don't get me wrong, it's an impressive figure, but 70 seems a little far off, no?

[Rich]

This pretty much seals the deal on buying a used Miata (NC1) now (if I go somewhere warm) then buy a new one when the new model comes out.  (I've been salivating over the changes they made to the 2009+ NC2)

It won't be 2011.  They just refreshed the current one in 2009, I can't fathom a brand new one hitting dealers next fall.  Haven't even seen spy shots of it

[Laconian]

30% won't get 70MPG, will it?

Don't get me wrong, it's an impressive figure, but 70 seems a little far off, no?

Well, to be fair, that article is referring to fleetwide savings of 30%. If the Miata really does end up weighing just 3300lbs then that lofty number is slightly more feasible. But yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.

Go Mazda. Just ditch the smiley faces, PLEASE.

[TBR]

Well, to be fair, that article is referring to fleetwide savings of 30%. If the Miata really does end up weighing just 3300lbs then that lofty number is slightly more feasible. But yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.

Go Mazda. Just ditch the smiley faces, PLEASE.

2300?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Well, to be fair, that article is referring to fleetwide savings of 30%. If the Miata really does end up weighing just 3300lbs then that lofty number is slightly more feasible. But yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.

Go Mazda. Just ditch the smiley faces, PLEASE.

I hope you mean 2300 lb.. ?

[Cookie Monster]

This is the right way to do it.

Honda should put this in the CRZ and ditch those silly electric motors.

[Laconian]

I hope you mean 2300 lb.. ?

I meant 2200. Typo.

"2011 model?s expected weight of 2,200 pounds."

[Vinsanity]

Sounds like it'll make a kickass commuter car

[Payman]

This is all fine and good, as long as they make a Gen 2 Renesis Mazdaspeed version. 300+ hp, 2200 lbs. 

[omicron]

Will it be like the Audi S4 or Ford EcoBoost in the sense that you can achieve lovely economical motoring as long as you never touch the accelerator or use any of the horsepower?

I present: the 2011 MX5!

[SVT666]

Will it be like the Audi S4 or Ford EcoBoost in the sense that you can achieve lovely economical motoring as long as you never touch the accelerator or use any of the horsepower?

Like any car?

[S204STi]

Sky G is gasoline
Sky D is diesel

"The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below."

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/

Thanks for clarifying!

[sportyaccordy]

Like any car?

No way... if you take a big luxury or big engine sports car and just idle everywhere, you would still get pretty weak gas mileage

[S204STi]

Like any car?

I get the same gas mileage all the time within 1-2mpg regardless of whether I stay out of the boost or not.

[VTEC_Inside]

This is the right way to do it.

Honda should put this in the CRZ and ditch those silly electric motors.

People have put a k series in an older insight... Surely they'll try in the CRZ...

[Eye of the Tiger]

People have put a k series in an older insight... Surely they'll try in the CRZ...

Or maybe Honda could actually make a proper CRZ Si.