Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbo system helps combat the ill effects of turbocharged engines, such as turbo lag.

Mazda Dynamic Pressure Turbo Explained

There is so much to talk about regarding Mazda’s 2016 CX-9 midsize crossover, but perhaps the most significant change to the model is the new 2.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine. One thing that sets this turbocharged engine apart from the rest is the Dynamic Pressure Turbo technology that Mazda has implemented to overcome some of the shortcomings of turbocharged engines. Read on to have the Mazda Dynamic Pressure Turbo explained in terms any driver can understand.

We’ve already briefly explained the Dynamic Pressure Turbo technology when we provided an overview of Mazda’s new 2.5T SKYACTIV engine. Here, however, we’re going to look deeper into this brilliant piece of engineering, and in order to do that, we must first understand what a turbocharged engine is.

What is a turbocharged engine?

Put simply, a turbocharger allows more air to enter the cylinders of an engine, resulting in more fuel being burned. This then results in increased power output from the engine. Though adding cylinders or having larger cylinders can achieve the same effect, the turbocharger allows more power to be produced while keeping the engine lightweight and compact.

Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to today’s turbocharged engines. They are known to have poor dynamic performance at low RPMs, including turbo lag, which is what occurs when you apply pressure to the accelerator and the engine takes a few moments to generate enough power to achieve what you’re trying to do by pushing down on the gas pedal. Turbochargers are also known for having unimpressive real-world fuel economy figures.

How does Mazda Dynamic Pressure Turbo work?

So how does the Dynamic Pressure Turbo system overcome these shortcomings? Dynamic Pressure Turbo is the world’s first turbocharging system that is able to vary the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on the speed of the engine. When the 2.5T SKYACTIV engine is operating below 1,620 RPMs, a series of valves are closed that limit the volume of exhaust ports powering the turbocharger.

What does this mean? It means that the forces operating the turbocharger are increased and focused, allowing energy to be maximized and interference between exhaust pulses to be reduced. What does this mean for you as the driver? It means overcoming turbo lag and having more access to the 2016 CX-9’s 2.5T SKYACTIV engine’s 310 lb.-ft. of torque at low RPMs. Of course, when operating at higher RPMs, there will be enough energy available in the exhaust flow and the valves will reopen.

What is unique about the Dynamic Pressure Turbo system is that it varies the degree of exhaust pulsation, rather than simply adjusting the speed and direction of exhaust gas. Once again, Mazda engineering provides innovation for the everyday driver. Now that you’ve had Mazda Dynamic Pressure Turbo explained, be sure to check back to the Mazda of Lodi blog for future Mazda news and insights.