Mazda to cut weight on next-generation models by 400 pounds (rotary mentioned)
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Row faster, I hear banjos
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From: Charlottesville, VA
Mazda to cut weight on next-generation models by 400 pounds (rotary mentioned)
Mazda today said that it will use three key methods to cut up to 200kg (or 400 lbs) from the next-generation versions of its cars. The three key methods include lighter materials, new design for the chassis underpinning the vehicles, and new material bonding methods.
Most of these techniques were mastered during the development of the Mazda2. The main focus of the weight-loss will be the design of the underbody. During an accident, instead of transferring the force of the crash through the car’s body, impact will be thrown down to the floorpan, require less strengthening for the body.
Mazda will also develop parts from what it calls ‘micro-cell’ plastic which can save weight by up to 10 percent. 15 percent of the weight loss will come from lighter and improved chassis components. Upgrading and developing the rotary engine will be an ongoing part of weight-saving for Mazda.
Most of these techniques were mastered during the development of the Mazda2. The main focus of the weight-loss will be the design of the underbody. During an accident, instead of transferring the force of the crash through the car’s body, impact will be thrown down to the floorpan, require less strengthening for the body.
Mazda will also develop parts from what it calls ‘micro-cell’ plastic which can save weight by up to 10 percent. 15 percent of the weight loss will come from lighter and improved chassis components. Upgrading and developing the rotary engine will be an ongoing part of weight-saving for Mazda.
I got nothing good to say
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From: Tysons Corner, VA
This is why I love Mazda despite their apalling lack of connection with the consumer after the sale (i.e. terrible dealer service). They truly engineer their cars to be more than the sum of the parts. While the others simply throw in all the components that "market studies" indicate the consumer wants and pile on weight to create a car that is the sum of all parts +400 lbs.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: private area in south florida
well an easy way to make the next rx car lighter wuld be dropping the 4 door 2+2 design ( which i think was already in the plans) if our 8 was just a regular coupe with a shorter body im sure it could have been hundreds of pounds lighter. I do love the 2+2 design tho.
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From: Communistwealth of Virginia
This is why I love Mazda despite their apalling lack of connection with the consumer after the sale (i.e. terrible dealer service). They truly engineer their cars to be more than the sum of the parts. While the others simply throw in all the components that "market studies" indicate the consumer wants and pile on weight to create a car that is the sum of all parts +400 lbs.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Dallas, TX
Well **** if you weight 250lb and lose 100lb, your car is now 100lb lighter.
How about the **** in the trunk? Extra passenger?
How about Mazda adds some damn torque and optional turbo or twin turbo to the next rotary line up? Screw "UP TO 400lb", I can JUMP up to 400ft, but chances are I'll only get a foot off the ground. How about we get at LEAST 280ft-lb torque (159 currently in rx8, 280 in mazdaspeed3 - DAMN IF YOU DONT PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR SEDAN POCKET-ROCKET THAN YOU DO THE HALO SPORTS CAR), and I'll call it even for all the times some bi@tch has passed me in a car that weights more than mine and sounds like a goat gettin @$$ f*cked in a tunnel.
How about the **** in the trunk? Extra passenger?
How about Mazda adds some damn torque and optional turbo or twin turbo to the next rotary line up? Screw "UP TO 400lb", I can JUMP up to 400ft, but chances are I'll only get a foot off the ground. How about we get at LEAST 280ft-lb torque (159 currently in rx8, 280 in mazdaspeed3 - DAMN IF YOU DONT PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR SEDAN POCKET-ROCKET THAN YOU DO THE HALO SPORTS CAR), and I'll call it even for all the times some bi@tch has passed me in a car that weights more than mine and sounds like a goat gettin @$$ f*cked in a tunnel.
Last edited by simplyphp; Sep 21, 2008 at 08:22 AM.
Now with 25% more fluff..
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 537
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From: San Antonio, TX
Well **** if you weight 250lb and lose 100lb, your car is now 100lb lighter.
How about the **** in the trunk? Extra passenger?
How about Mazda adds some damn torque and optional turbo or twin turbo to the next rotary line up? Screw "UP TO 400lb", I can JUMP up to 400ft, but chances are I'll only get a foot off the ground. How about we get at LEAST 280ft-lb torque (159 currently in rx8, 280 in mazdaspeed3 - DAMN IF YOU DONT PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR SEDAN POCKET-ROCKET THAN YOU DO THE HALO SPORTS CAR), and I'll call it even for all the times some bi@tch has passed me in a car that weights more than mine and sounds like a goat gettin @$$ f*cked in a tunnel.
How about the **** in the trunk? Extra passenger?
How about Mazda adds some damn torque and optional turbo or twin turbo to the next rotary line up? Screw "UP TO 400lb", I can JUMP up to 400ft, but chances are I'll only get a foot off the ground. How about we get at LEAST 280ft-lb torque (159 currently in rx8, 280 in mazdaspeed3 - DAMN IF YOU DONT PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR SEDAN POCKET-ROCKET THAN YOU DO THE HALO SPORTS CAR), and I'll call it even for all the times some bi@tch has passed me in a car that weights more than mine and sounds like a goat gettin @$$ f*cked in a tunnel.
dont hate...just rotate!!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 214
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From: Pell City, AL
sweet....
you know my mazda dealer that i use down here in AL. has been wonderful to me.. no prblems out of them or anything... my next car I buy will be from them (Trussville Mazda)..
back to the point.. this weight shaving means i can the turns in my future car extra fast now
you know my mazda dealer that i use down here in AL. has been wonderful to me.. no prblems out of them or anything... my next car I buy will be from them (Trussville Mazda)..
back to the point.. this weight shaving means i can the turns in my future car extra fast now
It's a Cavalier
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From: Austin, TX
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From: Dallas, TX
Downhill Touge FTW!!
Joined: May 2007
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From: Buena Park
good to know info OP...thanks....
i especially hope this trend makes it to the miata....taking 400lbs off will take it back to 1990 weight....170hp with 2100 pounds is alot better than 2450 or whatever
i cant wait
i especially hope this trend makes it to the miata....taking 400lbs off will take it back to 1990 weight....170hp with 2100 pounds is alot better than 2450 or whatever
i cant wait
