Turbocharging Not Always Right for Mazda

Turbocharging downsized gasoline engines is a popular solution among auto makers to meet looming government imposed fuel-economy regulations without sacrificing performance, but it's a strategy that makes little sense for Mazda North America, a top executive says.

Robert Davis, senior vice president-research, development and quality, doesn't call out any competitors by name.

However, many auto makers are employing such a strategy, most notably Ford with its line of direct-injected turbocharged EcoBoost engines.

While Mazda uses turbochargers in some of its models, including its line of Mazdaspeed performance vehicles and CX-7 and CX-9 cross/utility vehicles, Davis says the technology only makes sense in certain applications.

“When you take a vehicle like the CX-9, it has space for a large displacement 4-cyl. and a turbo,” Davis tells Ward's. “But a 1.0L 3-cyl. turbo doesn't make sense to me.”

Rather than attempt to turbocharge small engines, Davis says it makes more sense to right-size the engine to the vehicle it will power. Turbochargers also add unnecessary complexity, cost and weight and create a bevy of packaging issues, he says.

“Anytime you add a turbo to the system, it's fundamentally less efficient because of the drag and the motion and the weight and everything that's associated with it.”

Davis admits Mazda's powertrain strategy is at odds with long-time partner Ford's, which still holds a 3.5% stake in the Hiroshima-based auto maker.

The two companies will continue to collaborate on initiatives where it makes sense, he says. But powertrain development, at least for now, is not in the cards.