Japan has a reputation for innovation and reliability. The Japanese carmakers of today are constantly creating new forms of existing technology for their cars. A new engine set to be released is seen as a step backward by some Japanese automotive firms. The hydrogen revolution has found a home in the automotive sector. The hydrogen sector has gotten some sizable investments in recent years from some reputable car manufacturers. However, this iconic Japanese automotive manufacturer has committed to a gasoline-powered future, just for now.
What is the next step in the alternative fuel revolution taking place?
The population of the world has flocked to the EV as the best option for the climate-conscious car buyer. Tesla and BYD have developed the EV to such a point that it is easily the most acceptable form of alternative fuel options. However, it has not convinced everybody, and some companies have chosen to invest their time and resources in other, more sustainable fuel solutions.
Hydrogen has proven to be a viable fuel source for the automotive industry as well. Hyundai, in particular, sees hydrogen as the fuel of the future. This has become evident in their lineup of cars and large trucks used in the transportation industry as they aim to introduce their new hydrogen fuel cell stack for their cars. They have also spent some time developing a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
There have been some interesting developments in the other alternative fuels being developed by a number of engine manufacturers as well. Smaller independent engine manufacturers have been able to develop some truly amazing technology, like water-powered engines and even engines running on “algae power”. While these accomplishments are impressive, they lack the luster and appeal of the mainstream alternative fuel options.
What has Japan created that they claim propels them beyond hydrogen cars?
While the rest of the world is enamored by the electric vehicle and the newer hydrogen engines that are being explored by some manufacturers, one company from Japan has committed to the traditional internal combustion engine that the world has relied on for so many generations. While the commitment has led some to question the decision not to evolve with the times and include an electric version of their cars, the Japanese company in question swears by the ICE.
The company that has developed this new, four-cylinder engine is none other than iconic carmaker, Mazda. They announced that they have developed a four-cylinder engine called the Skyactiv-Z, which will replace the Skyactiv-G versions in the United States. The engine was developed with the ever-tightening emission regulations in mind. Mazda claims the engine will use a new system called the Lambda 1 air-fuel ratio.
The Lambda 1 air-fuel ratio uses all the available fuel, leaving nothing behind. This enables the Skyactiv-Z to produce lower emissions than any other Mazda engine before. Mazda’s compatriots have their own ideas, and the automotive sector will soon be forced to make a decision as to the best option for the fuel of the future. Mazda has made its position clear with its commitment to a new, four-cylinder engine that uses traditional gasoline as its fuel source.
Can Mazda prolong the end of an era with their new, four-cylinder engine?
One thing is for certain: the end of the traditional internal combustion engine is upon us. Despite this, Mazda has committed to a future where the ICE is still a part of our lives, well, at least some version of it. The Japanese have some interesting ideas regarding the hybrid technology that is currently dominating the headlines of the automotive sector. Despite the interest in hybrids and the popularity of the EV, Mazda has made its position clear with this new engine set for release sometime in the next few years.
