Mazda Denounces Hybrids, Prefers Lightweight Diesels

When the fuel crisis first began, it wasn’t uncommon for automakers to announce master plans for how they planned to cope. Some opted to jump on the hydrogen bandwagon, while others preferred to band together to produce more advanced hybrids. Not surprisingly , many of the European marques opted to incorporate more diesel drivetrains in their lineups, as the European continent has long been more willing to accept oil-burning internal combustion engines beneath their bonnets. Conversely, Japan’s longstanding tradition of technological excellence has given companies from that country a predisposition towards gas-electric hybrids.

Which makes Mazda’s recent claim somewhat surprising. Citing the need for lighter, more affordable fuel misers, Mazda went on record with CNN saying that they will have a clean diesel in the market by 2011. With the ability to record hybrid-like fuel economy figures, the diesel powerplant will apparently displace two litres, and use a pair of Mazda-specific technologies to reduce the bulk of existing diesel exhaust treatment systems. Furthermore, Mazda claims to have found a way to produce such an engine at a lower cost than previously thought possible, which may help diesel’s curry more favour with the fickle American buyer. Finally, Mazda’s executives have also gone on to state that such a vehicle would also benefit from a lighter curb weight that will be gained from some unexplained (but affordable) new process.