Mazda has released the specs for the version of the 2014 Mazda6 that features Mazda’s new regenerative engine braking system known as i-ELOOP.
Mazda has released the specs for the version of the 2014 Mazda6 that features Mazda’s new regenerative engine braking system known as i-ELOOP. The i-ELOOP equipped Mazda6 is rated at 28 city/40 highway, which is slightly better than the non i-ELOOP equipped Mazda6 that is rated at 38 mpg on the highway.
i-ELOOP is a capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system that converts a vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates. The electricity captured is then stored for later use to power all the vehicle’s electrical components, such as headlights, climate control and audio systems. This reduces the need for the engine to burn extra fuel in order to generate electricity and, therefore, improves fuel economy without sacrificing driving performance.
Conventional alternators are constantly charging the battery in an effort to keep up with a vehicle’s electrical loads, which means using engine power to operate the alternator, which, in turn, consumes fuel. With the i-ELOOP system in operation, the alternator is free-wheeling, creating almost no parasitic drag on the engine, which reduces the amount of fuel used.
i-ELOOP is available on the Grand Touring trim level and will be part of the new GT Technology Package ($2,080 MSRP) which features additional vehicle equipment such as a Lane Departure Warning System, High Beam Control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning.
Source: Mazda
