In-Line 4-Cylinder And V6 Combined
Date: Sep 12th, 2007 2:00:06 am - Subscribe
Mood: blind
What do you get when you combine 2 efficient engines? - An extra-powerful engine that is!
For those who want their engines to be extremely powerful, here’s one great piece of news from Mazda: your engine parts are now capable of 'Volume and Model Mix Flexible Production' thanks to the latest mix from the Japanese automaker.
Mazda earlier announced the launch of mixed model production on the engine parts machining line at its engine plant located near the company’s headquarters in Hiroshima. The engine plant builds the new 3.7-liter V6 engine and the current in-line 4-cylinder 1.8- to 2.3-liter MZR series gasoline engines. Production of V6 engines resumed in May, roughly 4 years since their manufacture stopped in August of 2003.
The Japanese automaker announced in North America today that the new V6 engine will be mounted in the 2008 CX-9. The crossover sport utility, launched in April at the New York International Auto Show, features third-row seating, and replaces the Mazda MPV minivan for North America.
The CX-9 competes with the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, the all new 2007 Hyundai Veracruz, the redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot, as well as General Motors' Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave. The all-new CX-9 is set to go on sale this summer.
According to a press release, the engine machining line was designed to achieve the diversification and high efficiency necessary for flexible production(*1) by applying Mazda’s latest production and manufacturing technologies to various engine parts(*2) as they move along the line. Jigs and tools that were previously specific to each engine model have been replaced with generic equipment. The result is a consolidated process that supports Volume and Model Mix Flexible Production and requires less investment for equipment, the report added.
Mazda’s Senior Managing Executive Officer in charge of Production and Business Logistics, Masaharu Yamaki, has this to say: “Achieving mixed model production for both V6 and in-line four cylinder gasoline engine parts machining at the Ujina plant is the first step toward Volume and Model Mix Flexible Production, which lies at the heart of Mazda’s Manufacturing Innovation concept.”
He added, “Going forward, Mazda will progressively introduce the latest techniques to all of its production facilities in Japan and overseas as part of our Manufacturing Innovation initiative. We will continue to support improvements in production that raise Mazda’s brand value and enhance our business efficiency under the ‘One Mazda’ banner.”
Note:
(*1) A production method that supports efficient and fast changes in production model and volume.
(*2) Five parts: cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft and connecting rods.
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