Mazda will roll-out a new midsize sedan concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company will showcase its first regenerative braking system as part of the world premiere of the Mazda TAKERI, which is also equipped with a SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and an i-stop idling stop system.
Like the new Mazda CX-5 SUV (which was shown in Frankfurt this year but will make its Japanese debut at the Show), the TAKERI is based of Mazda's new "KODO - Soul of Motion" design language - meaning that we'll likely see styling elements of the TAKERI appear in production models down the track.
The appearance of Mazda's first regenerative braking system is notable because this car isn't a hybrid - it runs on a diesel engine. Like conventional hybrid systems, kinetic energy is captured and stored during braking, but in this case, rather than being fed back to an electric motor, the energy is stored in a capacitor and used to power the vehicle's electric equipment. This reduces engine load and results in excellent fuel economy according to Mazda.
As mentioned, the new Mazda CX-5 will also take to the stage with its full range of SKYACTIV technology. SKYACTIV is the blanket term Mazda uses to describe its next-generation technologies including two gasoline engines (1.3 and 2.0 liter), a 2.2 liter diesel engine (found on the CX-5), plus new transmissions, body and chassis.
There's no further details on the TAKERI at this stage but stay tuned - we'll be taking a closer look when doors open at the 2011 Tokyo Show.
Having a relatively low peak load should extend the life of the capacitor, or battery when the system hits production.
I hope the vehicle\'s electric equipment includes the power steering, AC, and water pump.
What about adding either an electric motor to the drive system to take the load from a full stop where overcoming inertia costs a huge penalty against mileage OR a mechanical system with a flywheel for the same purpose?
Like the KERS systems in use in Formula One Racing. I love the spin off technology that comes to us from this great racing platform. (If only we had a US team!).
I do mind the AC turning off at stop lights during certain situations, like when I am suited up for business and roasting. At that point I want it on full blast even if I am upside down and under water.
I love being alive during the age of technology\'s wild ride!
This may be a less expensive and less toxic answer to the hybrid batteries for use in cars.
A capacitor discharge for electrical starting and acceleration from a stop and A/C use while stopped will be a selling point.
A turbo-charger for highway speeds and hill climbing might be a benefit too.
But it is a DIE-sel and won\'t sell in the USA. (I would buy one if the MPGs are high !!!)
You need to go back to school. Diesels are no longer the smelly, belching things they used to be. A current VW Polo gets about 90 miles to a gallon of diesel. It also burns pretty clean. You just can\'t buy one because Washington is full of self-servings interest groups and gutless politicians.
Even the US diesels that sell here are decent. Yes diesel is dirtier than gasoline. However, some cars get 40% better mileage with the diesel. I have a buddy that has a 2009 Jetta with a manual and he gets almost 50 mpg. Without having to worry about disposal of the heavy metals that make up batteries and what landfill they will go to. Much less the cost of replacement on a battery pack for a car.
Bob
The disadvantages of the high discharge rate required for electromotive drive, the expense of of large electric motors, the weight and cost of the increased numbers of capacitors, and most importantly that this system is designed to pay for itself over the life of the car something none of the hybrid systems currently available will do.