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Next MX-5 to be SUB 2,000 lbs

Old Oct 10, 2008 | 12:22 PM
  #1  
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Next MX-5 to be SUB 2,000 lbs

From Autocar this morning http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...a-MX-5/235339/
The next-generation Mazda MX-5 will be re-engineered as a lightweight, sub-one tonne two-seater, most likely powered by a down-sized petrol engine.

"The next MX-5 needs to be much lighter," said program manager Takao Kijima. "And we also need to get CO2 levels down to the B-car [Mazda 2] level."

Kijima said the next MX-5 must weigh less than 1000kg, a cut of around 120kg compared to today's 1120kg car. That's a similar weight to the original MX-5, which weighed in at 945kg.

Mazda's target is a 10 per cent "minimum" weight reduction, which will also apply to all of its new models from 2011.

The MX-5 will stick with its front-engine/rear-drive layout and a steel body and platform. "Alloy is out of the question, as it's too expensive," said Kijima.

Mazda is also targeting a dramatic reduction in tailpipe emissions of carbon and is aiming for 120g/km, a 40g/km cut on today's 160g/km.

As well as the weight saving, more efficient engines are part of Mazda's plan. "I am sure a downsized engine will be necessary," said Kijima.

That most likely means 1.6 and 1.8 engines in place of today's 1.8 and 2.0 units, although it could also mean a highly efficient, possibly turbocharged, 1.4-litre unit.

Julian Rendell
I cant remember where now but i remember reading some other article about possible 1.4 or 1.6 litre turbo engines.

that going to be un-fing believably fun to toss around
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 12:27 PM
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dozer's Avatar
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dude thatll be like a go kart...
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 12:31 PM
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wow, thats lotus terrain
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 12:36 PM
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That would be lighter than the NA. I'll believe it when I see it.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 12:53 PM
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Can't wait to see this.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by delhi
That would be lighter than the NA. I'll believe it when I see it.
A related article I read has its dimensions going back to being close to the NA.

http://www.motorauthority.com/major-...x-5-miata.html

As for the car’s styling and proportions, the Japanese exec revealed that it would be closer in size to the original 1989 model. However, interior space and safety will be better than the current car due to improved engineering and clever packaging.
Kijima admits he gets “many requests to make MX-5 bigger and more powerful”, mainly from the United States, but that the character of the car is built on its compact dimensions and light weight. “We must balance these requests with nimble and light weight,” he explained.
LOL - typical
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 02:01 PM
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PICS ! or it never happened !
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 02:48 PM
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Kijima admits he gets “many requests to make MX-5 bigger (to accommodate my fat ***) and more powerful (to carry my fat ***)”, mainly from the United States, but that the character of the car is built on its compact dimensions and light weight. “We must balance these requests with nimble and light weight (unlike my fat ***),” he explained.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by kvndoom
Yea that sums it up pretty well I think...
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 03:09 PM
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So they want a 1.3L ish range eh? turbo charge eh?

Now, what kind engine does Mazda have in that category that when turbocharged could make for a ****-ton of fun?
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ILoveFI
So they want a 1.3L ish range eh? turbo charge eh?

Now, what kind engine does Mazda have in that category that when turbocharged could make for a ****-ton of fun?
That would probably be one of the funniest things ever.....and awesome.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by ILoveFI
So they want a 1.3L ish range eh? turbo charge eh?

Now, what kind engine does Mazda have in that category that when turbocharged could make for a ****-ton of fun?
Now that's a car that would be hard to resist.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 05:10 PM
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i can has?

pics or it never happened.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by zoom44
From Autocar this morning http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...a-MX-5/235339/


I cant remember where now but i remember reading some other article about possible 1.4 or 1.6 litre turbo engines.

that going to be un-fing believably fun to toss around

1 tonne (metric) is equal to 2,204.62 pounds.
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:25 PM
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Sold!
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:27 PM
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yeah i realized after i made the thread that they meant metric tonne . im glad someone finally caught on.

the story says less than 1000 kilos - so - less than 2204.62
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 06:34 PM
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I was gonna say there hasnt been a massly produced car under 2K lbs for decades maybe all the way back to pre-WW era
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 10:04 PM
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Noice!!
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Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:51 PM
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Wow, looks like Mazda is taking away our diet of twinkies and giving us celery
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Old Oct 18, 2008 | 10:03 PM
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RX-5 please!!!
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Old Oct 18, 2008 | 10:47 PM
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FYI, the article says "less than 1000kg". 1000kg = 2204lbs


Still can't wait for it
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 08:01 AM
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2200 lbs is still pretty freakin light!!!
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 08:46 AM
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Can't wait for the artists's rendition and spy shots on this one.
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 10:59 AM
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under 1000kg and 1.6 turbo motor insane .

look like Mazda is going to the weight to power ratio now.

now all they need to do is rx8 with 16x with 1100kg
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Old Oct 19, 2008 | 12:37 PM
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^That would put the Rx car on porsche territory, performance wise anyway.
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