Mazda to cut weight on next-generation models by 400 pounds (rotary mentioned)
09-22-2008, 08:43 PM
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
09-23-2008, 08:46 AM
#35
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Turnersville, NJ
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This would be a great stride in bumping the performance stats of the 8. After reading the latest Motortrend article the driver did praise the 8 with its driving characteristics, but the lap time and the body roll were terrible.
09-23-2008, 10:33 AM
#37
Power!!
Lower weight is better for everything. the FD ran circles around the higher powered 300ZX TT because it weighed 500lbs less. 400lbs is a huge number that will be better for everything about a car. And it does make a big difference on tire life and gas mileage. Just ask all those people that drive 300Cs.
09-23-2008, 12:30 PM
#38
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lakewood, NJ
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Z32TT was actually closer to 640-700pounds heavier than a FD depending on the year. But it didnt just beat because of lower weight. It had better weight distribution, a better chassis and suspension. I bought a brand new 95ZXTT(curb weight of 3502lbs) back in 96 and thought it was a great handling car. Then my buddy bought an R2 FD and took me for a ride through some turns and I could not believe how well it stuck where my Z would have been spinning out.
09-24-2008, 09:14 AM
#39
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Turnersville, NJ
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If they can get this car down to 2600 to 2700 pounds and also bump the renesis to about 260-280hp, then this would definitely be competitive with the rest of the market. They definitely got to lose the back seats even though that was one of the reasons i bought the car. Can't wait till 2012.
09-24-2008, 07:03 PM
#44
Grand Chancellor
I don't want a car that produces 300hp 300tq but weights 3500lbs. I rather a car that pushes out 250/200 that weighs 2600lbs. Weight savings is best. it not only applies to acceleration, but lateral transition and braking too.
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
09-24-2008, 07:17 PM
#45
Power!!
That and the acceleration isn't even that great. Why does Chrysler's lead sled with the "Hemi" and 430 hp still take 6.5 seconds to get to 60? Because it weighs 2.5 tons!
09-24-2008, 08:22 PM
#46
Being (new) single rocks!
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,485
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't want a car that produces 300hp 300tq but weights 3500lbs. I rather a car that pushes out 250/200 that weighs 2600lbs. Weight savings is best. it not only applies to acceleration, but lateral transition and braking too.
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
09-25-2008, 12:09 AM
#47
rotary courage
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: :uoıʇɐɔoן
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't want a car that produces 300hp 300tq but weights 3500lbs. I rather a car that pushes out 250/200 that weighs 2600lbs. Weight savings is best. it not only applies to acceleration, but lateral transition and braking too.
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
That's why you see all those high hp heavy loafs handle and brake like a truck despite good accelerations.
Colin Chapman ftw!
With every other manufacturer making each new model bigger and heavier, I think Mazda should really focus on making cars lighter and more agile. While this might be a smaller niche compared to the mainstream trend, I'd rather see Mazda do a good job at this than churn out a bunch of "me too" products.
