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Mazda Claims 70 mpg For New Engine, No Hybrid Needed
thecarchik writes "There's no word on when the new version of the Mazda2 will finally reach the US but when it does we can reveal that it will return a fuel economy of 70 mpg — without the aid of any electric motors. This is because the car will feature Mazda's next-generation of drivetrain, body and chassis technologies, dubbed SKYACTIV. The new Mazda 2 will come powered by a SKYACTIV-G engine, Mazda's next-generation direct injection gasoline mill that achieves significantly improved fuel efficiency thanks to a high compression ratio of 14.0:1 (the world's highest for a production gasoline engine)." I wonder if a real-life-real-drivers 70 mpg car is what will actually arrive, or if such promises will dissolve like Chevy's promises about the Volt did.
Could it be due to the new ads i keep seeing on /.?
Diesel contains significantly more energy per gallon than gasoline
Nah, the fuels have roughly the same energy; the difference is that diesel engines typically operate at much higher compression ratios and so are more efficient.
Some numbers:
Source.
Also have to think of how much CO2 is uses in its lifetime.
A Prius for example, uses more CO2 to manufacture the car than a Land Rover uses to manufacture (from mining materials to coming off the production line), fuel for the whole of its lifetime, and to dispose of. Land Rovers typically use a lot of fuel and last a long time on the road.
Older cars were so economical because they were so light. Newer cars are far more robust in an accident.
Safety or economy, choose one.
Absolutely false.
Older cars were heavier than new ones AND new ones are safer.
This is because of a number of improvements - new alloys, plastic internals, seatbelts, airbags, roll-cages and crumple zones.
How on earth did the parent get a +5, insightful?
I believe that diesel fuel is cheaper in Europe because it attracts less tax. Its one of their famous farming subsidies which keep farmers happy.
http://michaelsmith.id.au