Tag: Mazda

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More Turbos from Mazda

CorkSport likes to be in the know on what Mazda is up to so I spend a good deal of time keeping in touch with my contacts at Mazda headquarters and searching the internet for clues on what Mazda is developing. I recently ran across a fascinating bit of information looking up patent applications with the US patent and trademark office that gives us a very interesting clue as to what Mazda may have in store for us in the future.

Mazda had a patent approved on January 12, 2010 for a forced induction engine with two sources of boost. The patent refers to an electric driven compressor (electric supercharger) which disengages when the engine reaches a pre-determined mid-range RPM point at which point the engine switches over to an exhaust driven compressor (a turbo charger).

This could be really handy for a small displacement engine when you want to get a large amount of power. The electric supercharger gives the engine the necessary boost to get the mid-range where the engine can then develop enough exhaust flow to spin the turbocharger.

This is the same theory used for a twin turbo charged engine but with instant boost from the electric supercharger. It can give a small displacement engine a decent torque improvement and the turbocharger will add the benefit of top-end power.

The whole idea gets even better with a variable vane turbine that would adjust to the engine speed. The faster the engine speed the more exhaust volume, allowing you to get the most out of the turbocharger efficiency.

This whole patent has the fingerprints of 2015 Mazdaspeed 3 written all over it if you ask me. You would still be getting the smaller, eco-friendly, SkyActiv engine but when you put your foot on it there is a big turbocharger lurking to give you gobs of torque just like the current Mazdaspeed 3.

I will give a word of warning though, not all things which have patents ever see the light of day, but the fact that Mazda spent the time and effort to patent this idea with the US patent office, gives me hope we will see a version of this patent in the next 3-4 years.

-Derrick

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i-ELOOP: Mazda Reveals New Regenerative Braking System

Mazda recently announced a new groundbreaking system called i-ELOOP that they are claiming as the first regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor. Mazda will be introducing this new technology into their 2012 models, which they say will improve fuel economy by 10%.

Mazda says that the odd name is an adaptation of “Intelligent Energy Loop” and represents the company’s intention to efficiently cycle energy in an intelligent way.The i-ELOOP will use a capacitor which is an electrical component that stores large volumes of electricity in place of a battery to convert the vehicles kinetic energy into electricity when the vehicle decelerates. The energy it produces will be used to power the climate control, audio system and other electrical components of the car.

This type of system is already used in EV technology, with the difference being that regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles use an electric motor and dedicated battery to operate. Mazda avoids the need for this by featuring a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter.

In their press release, Mazda said “The variable voltage alternator generates electricity at up to 25V for maximum efficiency before sending it to the Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) for storage. The capacitor, which has been specially developed for use in a vehicle, can be fully charged in seconds. The DC/DC converter steps down the electricity from 25V to 12V before it is distributed directly to the vehicle’s electrical components. The system also charges the vehicle battery as necessary. “

Mazda has yet to name the production model that will feature i-ELOOP but it has been designed to work in harmony with the new SkyActiv engine and transmission technologies that are currently rolling off the production line in the new 2012 Mazda 3’s.

Mazda continues to amaze by combining new technologies with traditional concepts in order to improve fuel efficiency for its vehicles without sacrificing performance.

Gwynne-

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Product Release! CorkSport LED Underhood Lighting Kit

CorkSport is pleased to announce the addition of a new Mazda Underhood LED lighting kit to its list of enhanced lighting options for Mazda and Mazdaspeed vehicles.

This brand new accessory builds on the success of CorkSport’s line of LED light kits for Mazda and Mazdaspeed vehicles by adding a lighting kit that will cast a cool white ambient light onto the engine bay when the hood is lifted and provide a brightly lit area for under the hood installs and enhance the look of your engine.

Connected directly to the battery, this low draw device includes 18 LED lights housed in a protective, durable, flexible plastic casing that will mold seamlessly to the underside of your hood with provided 3M adhesive tape. The kit comes all necessary hardware including a pin switch for easy connection to the battery and hours of uninterrupted light that automatically shuts off when the hood is closed.

“The demand for CorkSport’s LED lighting solutions for Mazda and Mazdaspeed vehicles has been immense,” said CorkSport founder Derrick Ambrose, “Now we have an option that enhances the look of your engine and is a practical application when you’re working on your car in dim lighting conditions.”

This user friendly accessory is priced at just $35.00 and takes only 20 minutes to install. A kit can be purchased today from CorkSport.com at https://www.corksport.com/corksport-underhood-led-light-kit.html

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Mazda TAKERI – The Next Mazda6?

The Mazda TAKERI next generation midsize sedan concept car will debut at the 42nd Annual Tokyo Motor Show on December 3-11, 2011.

The latest concept to emerge from Mazda’s new ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design hints at the next generation Mazda 6 and is intended to bring a new level of strength and allure to the sedan styling.

The Mazda TAKERI wears the so-called Signature Wing grille that bisects with narrower, oval headlights, giving the vehicle a more aggressive look and the hothouse sloped rear glass emanates a sporty feeling.

The sport inspired design continues inside of the sedan with four bucket seats, a sleek dashboard design, three-spoke steering, a joystick shifter, and flashy gauges.

This concept car includes Mazda’s new Skyactiv technology along with I-stop technology, which saves fuel by shutting down a vehicles engine automatically when the car is stationary and restarting it when the driver resumes driving.

It will be equipped with regenerative breaking which is a variable voltage regulation for the alternator. The system converts kinetic energy absorbed by the brakes during deceleration into electricity, and stores it in capacitors that then send the power to the vehicle’s electric equipment. According to Mazda, this reduces engine load and results in excellent fuel economy.

Mazda expects to offer gasoline and diesel versions of the revamped Mazda6 when it goes on sale in the United States sometime in 2013 and the company is aiming to score big in the next-generation car with both mileage and styling.

With the expected fuel savings and sleek new design of the Mazda 6, I’ll be the first to say that I think Mazda has a hit on their hands with the new 6. I know I could see myself in one those!

Gwynne-

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CorkSport Top Mount Intercooler Development Process

The idea for the CorkSport Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC) was originally developed from a thread started by azmavhockey3 on the Mazdas247 forum. This idea exchange by Mazda owners on the forum lead to an in-depth development process that included several design iterations, prototype testing, sample testing, and finally production testing. The end result was the recently released CorkSport TMIC which provides solid power gains at a great value.

The following graphic demonstrates the development and testing process for the CorkSport TMIC.

Why a 3″ Core for the TMIC 

  1. Helps Maximize dissipation.
  2. Can directly bolt on the OEM cover which is designed to mate with the hood venting shroud for optimal flow.
  3. Leaves a clean look in the engine bay and covers up many of the wire and hoses near the fuel pump.

Max Gains

(Click Here to download a pdf of the TMIC Development and Testing Infographic)

Read More About the CorkSport TMIC

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