NagaNewsJournal

Showing posts with label mazda. Show all posts

26 Nov 2011

Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.
Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).
According to Mazda, a capacitor is superior to batteries because it does away with the need for an electric motor and can be charged and discharged rapidly while it also doesn't deteriorate after prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP system comprises a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. It captures energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat the moment the driver lifts his foot of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to decelerate.
At that time, the alternator starts generating electricity up to 25V before sending it to the capacitor where it is stored in mere seconds. The DC/DC subsequently converts the electricity from 25V to 12V before powering the vehicle’s climate control and audio systems, various other electric systems and can even charge the battery if necessary.

Mazda Takeri concept

Mazda claims that the i-ELOOP, which will be combined with the firm's i-stop auto stop-start system, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be available in production vehicles in 2012.
The i-ELOOP will make its public debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, which previews Mazda’s replacement for the mid-sized Mazda6 family saloon.

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26 Oct 2011

Mazda TAKERI concept to be showcased at Tokyo Motor Show

Mazda will roll-out a new midsize sedan concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company will showcase its first regenerative braking system as part of the world premiere of the Mazda TAKERI, which is also equipped with a SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and an i-stop idling stop system.
Like the new Mazda CX-5 SUV (which was shown in Frankfurt this year but will make its Japanese debut at the Show), the TAKERI is based of Mazda's new "KODO - Soul of Motion" design language - meaning that we'll likely see styling elements of the TAKERI appear in production models down the track.

The appearance of Mazda's first regenerative braking system is notable because this car isn't a hybrid - it runs on a diesel engine. Like conventional hybrid systems, kinetic energy is captured and stored during braking, but in this case, rather than being fed back to an electric motor, the energy is stored in a capacitor and used to power the vehicle's electric equipment. This reduces engine load and results in excellent fuel economy according to Mazda.
As mentioned, the new Mazda CX-5 will also take to the stage with its full range of SKYACTIV technology. SKYACTIV is the blanket term Mazda uses to describe its next-generation technologies including two gasoline engines (1.3 and 2.0 liter), a 2.2 liter diesel engine (found on the CX-5), plus new transmissions, body and chassis.

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28 Aug 2011

2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring /Review

The mini-minivan has an almost perfect combination of passenger-carrying ability and small-car maneuverability, offering all that seating, up to 97.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a turning circle of 36.7 feet-all bundled within a package just two inches longer than a Ford Focus (180.5 inches vs. 178.5).

In fact, the new-for-2012 Mazda 5 sits on the same platform as the Focus (or, more accurately, the Mazda 3) and has the same MacPherson-strut front and multilink-rear suspension setup and a very similar drive character, with a fairly nimble demeanor over twisting mountain roads and enough power to keep up with the flow on the freeway. The stiffer body maintains its composure even when pushed around turns a bit aggressively, but we could use more weight in the steering.

We spec'd up a loaded, top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, checking every option box on offer at the time of our order. Unfortunately, a navigation system was not yet available, nor was a rear-seat entertainment system, so our options consist of some $50 rear bumper guards.

To compare the sticker of our Mazda 5 with some of the minivan alternatives available, the Mazda starts at $19,990. Our Grand Touring model, with those bumper guards and its standard power-sliding moonroof, six-disc CD player, satellite radio and fog lights, tops out at $24,720.

The Honda Odyssey starts at $29,885 and doesn't max out until somewhere in the stratospheric reaches of Minivan Monroney Land, at about $45,000. Granted, even a base-model Odyssey offers a lot more space, a much more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and top-notch attention to detail in the fit and finish of parts and materials. But it doesn't trump the Mazda 5 in safety features, it lags in fuel economy, and it has a much tougher go of it in underground parking garages and tight parallel-parking situations.

So far, reaction in the office to the Mazda 5's new styling is mixed. Some genuinely like the crazy "Nagare," or wind-inspired, sculpting carved into the sides. Others find it a bit silly, perhaps the work of an overeager designer acting out for being relegated to penning the sheetmetal for a minivan. The corporate face is still too smiley for most, but the redesigned rear end is handsome, with more conventionally positioned taillights replacing the window-flanking taillights of the previous model.

Inside, the leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and provide adequate support. We like that the second row has captain's chairs, while the third row provides real room for its occupants-maybe not six-foot-four-inch room but enough space for smaller folks to sit comfortably.

For the more outdoorsy types on staff, the Mazda 5 should provide plenty of hauling capacity for tents, coolers and hiking gear, but there's no towing ability to speak of, so the duck boat and pop-up campers will be relegated to other members of the long- term fleet.

PRICING & OPTIONS

Base (includes $795 delivery): $24,670 As-tested price: $24,720

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DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in): 108.3 Track (in): 60.2 front, 59.8 rear

Length/width/height (in): 180.5/68.9/63.6 Curb weight/GVWR (lb): 3,457/4,685