By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
Mazda is showing off a fairly macho crossover SUV concept at the New York auto show that has a fairly economical powertrain.
It's being called the Minagi, a concept SUV that will be produced as the CX-5. It was given Mazda's latest design direction, one that will apply to all of its future vehicles. it's supposed to remind you of a cheetah, fastest animal on earth.
"I felt a compact SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement; the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and in an upright posture," said Masashi Nakayama, Chief Designer of the concept.
The concept also has the latest in Mazda's fuel saving technology -- SkyActiv. The goal is try to squeeze more mileage out of convention gasoline engines without having to go hybrid, with the expense and complexity.
The engines gets better gas mileage through better compression, more than a Formula One race car. The engine is more efficient, with a 15% increase in torque and 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the current 2-liter gas engine.
Weight of the vehicle is reduced by 10%, which also helps fuel economy. Engine friction is reduced by 30%.
