The new 2014 Mazda6 equipped with i-ELOOP regenerative breaking technology has officially been given a 40 MPG highway rating earning it best-in-class fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is rated 28 city/40 highway for a combined rating of 32 MPG. Without i-ELOOP the 2014 Mazda6 still earns a class-leading 38 MPG highway.
The i-ELOOP (Intelligent Energy Loop) technology is a capacitor based system that lets the 2014 Mazda6 recapture energy lost during coasting and slowing and then use it to power the vehicle’s electrical systems. Converting this kinetic energy into electricity provides power for things like headlights, climate control and audio systems.
Traditionally, this electric power would be generated by a constantly adjusting alternator drawing on the engine for power and requiring the use of additional fuel. The i-ELOOP technology frees the alternator from this burden and increases fuel economy.
It works via a 12- to 25-volt variable voltage alternator, a DC/DC converter and a low-resistance, high-capacity electric double layer capacitor that converts the kinetic energy into electricity. This helps give the Mazda6 the best mileage of any non-hybrid midsize sedan.
Although the technology inside the car is very different, drivers won’t notice the changes when they’re behind the wheel. All of the vehicle’s electrical systems will operate the same as ever as far as the driver is concerned.
The 2014 Mazda6 is available now with a starting price of $20,990 and three trim levels of Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
