Mazda Unveils SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS Technologies

Motoring will never be the same again with Mazda’s newly announced SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS, a series of advanced new-generation vehicle motion control technologies. G-Vectoring Control, which is first in the series, will be launched across the Japanese automaker’s entire model range, beginning with the updated Mazda Axela (Mazda3), which has recently hit showroom floors in Japan. The first North American application is scheduled to come later in the 2017 Mazda6.

SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS offer integrated control of the transmission, engine, body and chassis to improve the car’s Jinba Ittai feel—a sense of connectedness between the car and driver that fully distinguishes Mazda vehicles.

The first-ever technology in the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS was created out of the automaker’s human-centered development philosophy, implementing the novel idea of utilizing the engine to improve chassis performance. It is the first control system in the world to vary engine torque in response to steering inputs in order to offer integrated control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces and improve the vertical load on each wheel for smooth vehicle motion.

Improving the load on each tire brings the movements of the car more in line with the driver’s intentions, alleviating the need for steering corrections, including those that are made unconsciously. As a bonus, the system offers excellent traction that inspires confidence and makes driving more thrilling. The changes in the acceleration forces that act upon vehicle occupants are also smoother, hence diminishing torso sway and making for a more comfortable ride. Moreover, GVC significantly enhances handling and stability on wet, snowy and unpaved roads.

GVC proves beneficial for motorists of all skill levels in wide-ranging situations: from low-speed urban commutes to highway driving, emergency maneuvers and winding roads. Furthermore, it is a highly versatile system that is adaptable to vehicles of any class and drive type. The only requirements are a SKYACTIV chassis, which enables outstanding dynamic performance and a SKYACTIV engine, which enables accurate control over torque and output.

Mazda targets to improve customers’ driving experience and take the satisfaction and bond they have with their Mazda vehicles to the next level. The Jinba Ittai performance is based on the automaker’s human-centered vehicle development philosophy, which focuses on utilizing human physiology and psychology to design fun vehicle experiences based on how customers use their vehicles rather than chasing catalog performance metrics.