Mazda developing new SkyActiv-Z engine to replace SkyActiv-G and SkyActiv-X – to surface in 2027

Mazda has revealed in its latest financial report that it is developing a new SkyActiv-Z four-cylinder engine that will replace SkyActiv-G and SkyActiv-X when it debuts in 2027.

The new engine will use the “lambda one combustion method”. When lambda (λ, representing the air-fuel equivalence ratio) equals one, the amount of air and fuel are perfectly balanced in combustion. This means all the fuel is burned, optimising efficiency and reducing harmful emissions.

The Japanese carmaker does say that it’s a “theoretical combustion method”, but if we know Mazda, the engineers will surely be doing their very best to turn theory into reality, achieving “high thermal efficiency”, “super lean burn combustion over a wide range from low to high rpm”, and “excellent environmental performance and driving performance”.

Indeed, the SkyActiv-Z engine will meet stringent environmental regulations such as Europe’s Euro 7 and the US’ LEV4/Tier 4, and in the future, Hiroshima will apply what they’ve learnt from this new engine to their inline-sixes to make them burn even cleaner.

Mazda also says it will focus on fewer powertrains to streamline its engine offerings, but it hasn’t given up on the rotary engine – “The development of emission compliance for the rotary engine is very challenging, but we are making good progress.”

The maker of the MX-5 is among the companies continuing to carry the ICE torch – it has committed, together with Toyota and Subaru, to develop new internal combustion engines optimised for electrification.

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