Mazda diesels on the way

Word at the New York auto show has Mazda bringing its Sky-D direct-injection diesel engines to the United States in 2012. The first Mazda oil-burner here will be a Mazda 6-size vehicle, said Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi. He wouldn’t say exactly what car, though. It could be a redone 6 or a midsize SUV.

He said he is fully aware that diesels aren’t exactly a hot commodity in the States, but he added, “There are opportunities to explore.”

Before diesels hit these shores, though, Mazda will introduce its line of direct-injection gasoline engines, called Sky-G. Those will be here next year. The Sky-G is expected to boost fuel economy by 15 percent while increasing horsepower. It will be the core powertrain in future Mazda vehicles. Yamanouchi declined to say what car or truck would first receive the Sky-G. The MX-5 roadster is due for a redesign in 2011, so that could be a candidate.

Mazda also announced a hybrid-technology alliance with Toyota, so Mazda hybrids could be in our future. Toyota will supply hybrid technology under license to Mazda. Yamanouchi said the first priority is to do the technology for the hybrid-hungry Japanese market, and that hybrids could come to the States as well.

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