Mazda Unleashes A Full Hybrid In 2008 Tribute

by Correy Putton

To prove its commitment to the environment, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announces its newest pride which comes in the form of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV). The vehicle wowed the crowd in the recently held 2007 North American International Auto Show.

The Mazda Tribute is scheduled to make its debut in the middle part of 2007 as a 2008 model. As opposed to other hybrids, the Mazda Tribute HEV is deemed to be a "full" hybrid which can run on 100 percent electric power up to approximately 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy and making it one of the least-polluting vehicles ever sold. The hybrid has been engineered with the environment concerns and the Zoom-Zoom performance and feel in mind. Aside from the intention to satisfy the needs of Mazda enthusiasts, the automaker also focused on minimizing air pollution by reducing greenhouse gases emissions.

"With virtually all new Mazda vehicles sold in the U.S. earning either Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status, protecting the global environment is a long-standing concern of ours," said Robert Davis who works as the senior vice president of the MNAO Quality, Research and Development team. "The Tribute HEV is the next step towards strengthening Mazda's environmental efforts."

The 2008 version of the vehicle bears the go green trend of the automotive realm. In fact, it is greener than other hybrids available in the market these days. With a hydrogen-powered version of the RX-8 and a hydrogen-powered hybrid version of the MAZDA5 undergoing broad testing in Japan, the Mazda Tribute HEV is the latest environmental-friendly vehicle to join the automaker's lineup.

The Mazda Tribute delivers plenty of power without compromising California's strict Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements. As a fact, the vehicle achieved the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEVII) standards plus zero evaporative emissions standards. So far, they are the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled automobile can meet.

The HEV technology in the Mazda Tribute boasts sophisticated Mazda auto parts recycled. These parts are products of extensive studies and testing initiated by Mazda pool of experts. Some of the cutting-edge features of the vehicle include the special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that features Atkinson-cycle combustion for enhanced efficiency and power. It generates 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is also equipped with a 70-kWatt electric traction motor that delivers an extra boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is required. Also, a 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack which is located at the rear load floor supplies electrical energy. The generator-motor starts the engine, recharges the batteries and aids in regulating propulsion channels in the transaxle. The special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT), on the one hand, connects internal combustion and electric power sources to run the vehicle. Finally, there is the electronic vehicle system controller that manages drive assist, charging and engine-starting functions. In times of coasting, the feature shuts the engine to save fuel. Another essential function of the feature is the conversion of traction motor into a generator during braking. This is done to help recharge the batteries.

Mazda will release the Tribute's pricing, distribution, sales volume and other information before its launch date.

About the Author

Correy Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.