New '10 Mazda 3 with TWO Batteries = i-stop..more on how it works.
 

Plz to put in with the 16X whenever it comes out :p:

i've read there are plans to do that....we'll see.....

Hopefully that works with the rotary too. Going to DI in the 16x should increase gas mileage, and if the i-stop system is also included, it could imporve even more. Could actually make the rotary's gas mileage respectable!

Would a system like this work in a rotary? It seems to be pretty dependent on the valves, crankshaft, and pistons... All of these are things the 16X does not have.

I guess this could work on a rotary, if they were able to leave fuel in the "chamber" where the spark plugs are. But there would have to be some kind of temerature sensing technology to prevent a flooding situation.

maybe only coupled w/ hybrid system......

Wow that's a pretty smart system.

Temperature? I highly doubt waiting 1-5mins at a light will make the engine's temperature drop anywhere near enough to flood.. granted, the amount of fuel that would be in the chamber would be minimal.

If they could limit the amount of fuel in the chamber first and foremost, before it turns off, that could easily prevent a flood. Maybe something like when you are in gear and you let off the gas. It cuts most, if not all, fuel going to the engine. Do something like that while idling?

I'm obviously no engineer. lol.

I would like to see a random rotor face fuel cut at no-load cruise and deceleration.

I was thinking more along the lines of shortly after start up, before the engine gets the chance to warm up...

It's the same technology Toyota (and Lexus for that matter) uses in their hybrids.
I'm surprised it took this long for Mazda to incorporate it into their vehicles.

The fly-wheel or flex plate is completely redesigned, hence it's only offered for automatic transmission vehicles. This is accomplished by an big(compared to an alternator) generator that is coupled to the transmission with a planetary gearset to accomplish neutral, underdrive, 1:1 and overdrive. The generator uses it's stored energy to "kick" a magnetic "ring" coupled to the transmission and essentially is much like pop starting a manual transmission vehicle by rolling quickly - to help turn over the rotating assembly.

Also "Cold starts" are elminated by a heated storage reservoir.


Would love to tease you guys with technology that has been out for a good time now but I've got to run.

I wouldnt say this is the same as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy drive. This is another kind of idea for future Hybrid cars. It doesnt required a lot of special electronic stuff to get it to work.

I agree, it is not going to be identical, they would have to pay Toyota big bucks.
I'm sure it will be unique to Mazda Corp.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/mazda/3/ro...0-sport-i-stop

This is what DAN READ from Top Gear says about Mazda's I Stop, IMO they sound like TYPICAL WHINING POMS!..

Not as Good as BMW's...BULL SHIT!!..

The problem is keeping it stopped. If you want to run the air-con or wipers or de-misters, it'll only switch off for a few seconds or sometimes not at all. Despite having a second battery to run the starter motor, i-stop is reluctant to do its thing unless you switch everything off.

WRONG...Only using your wipers will not Start Up the Engine..

Obviously, a MECHANICAL Compressor for ANY Car Air Conditioner needs the engine running.

We tested the car in 25-degree heat, selecting a 20-degree cabin temp, and it could only manage about four seconds before calling on the engine again. That's just not good enough in less-than-strenuous conditions - the sort of conditions a BMW system would breeze through.

What does this idiot expect??, If you select 20 Degree "C" Interior Temp, the engine has to run, it will probably STOP when the Duty Cycle turns Off and come on again..like compressors do.

If the cars engine stayed off you Idiot, you would then be complaining that the Air Conditioner does not work properly...

It is a compromise, until electrically driven compressor's are used in mainstream motor vehicles.

Typical "BMWesque- Moron"...there are a lot over her in Italy too...we'll wait for a more serious test..

BTW here in Italy(in italian Mag) Mazda 3 185HP 2.2 diesel have surpassed BMW 2.0 1 Series 2.0 Diesel 177HP in all straight line performances, better comfort and not-so-bad handling (slightly inferior to BMW)

price? 10.000 euro less than the german car.....:)

Yeah Matt,

Asking the cars Air Conditioner to run an interior temp of 20 degrees.. is pretty cold...what does the guy expect?..

The engine has to be running for the Air Con to work???..DERRRRR!, Dumb.

With a 25 degree outside temp (which is not Hot...well for POMS it is), a 22 or 23 degree setting would be cold enough.

So yes if you want the i-stop to work as it should turn the air con OFF!

I fail to see how the "BMW System" would work any differently, unless it turns the Air con off completely until you want to move from stop?
If you were stuck at the lights for a few minutes the car would then get hot inside.

The Mazda system works how it should IMO.