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Next-gen Miata: 1760 lb target?
Quote:
The future is looking bright for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to Inside Line, the head honchos at the Japanese automaker have instructed the company's engineers to strip a whopping 720 pounds from the vehicles already comparably light 2,480-pound curb weight. If successful, that would put the new comer into the feathery 1,760-pound range, which is 400 pounds less than the first-generation roadster. How do they plan to do it? Engineers are turning to high-strength steel for the vehicle's chassis and contemplating a smaller-displacement engine.
A turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter four pot could work its way under the hood, though IL reports that the vehicle may also be considerably narrower than the current car. Other clever weight-saving moves include the deletion of the dashboard glove box and the replacement of the traditional paper owner's manual with an electronic copy on a USB stick.
Here's hoping you've got your laptop on you the next time you need to check your service intervals.
The report claims that the engineers at Mazda aren't entirely sure they can hit the weight target, but the vehicle will be much closer to the waif-like 2,178-lb 1989 Miata than the heftier 2011 model.
Might be possible, alot of OEM's are switching over to composites and alternative technology to make cars lighter, the question is will they keep them affordable.
the "next - generation"
unlike some cars, the miata (now mx-5) doesn't get a replacement for a number of years (first gen lasted 8 years).
if they plan on pulling this off, it will be lighter than an elise, which already has a super light aluminum chassis as well as a super light engine.
i'm not saying it's impossible, in fact it is definitely possible, but who knows how long into the future.
also, if it indeed it will be made of super light future-research materials, it is going to be super expensive for what it is (entry level sports car), if the prices for new material stays as it is.
in no way am i saying it won't happen. in fact i love mazdas and i would love to see it happen.
just don't know if it will be in the next couple of years.
if they do pull through, which i hope they do, ill be looking to buy one myself!
for exceptionally light cars, a lot more effort has to go on the wheelbase design to ensure the car isn't overly easy to flip over. of course, with a heavier car, engineers don't have to spend as much time in that area.
Id be very surprised to see a modern car under 2000lbs that meets Canadian safety standards.
And one that won't cost 100,000,000 to buy.
It's a great idea, and a nice dream, but I'm with these guys. There's little chance a modern mass produced car can achieve these weight without extreme costs following.
As impossible as the weight goal may be, I am just glad Mazda is going in the right direction. There is nothing more satisfying than beating another car with 100 more HP on the track. Light weight sports car is where it's at!
damn.... agree with everyone else.. even if they dont meet their target, gettin back to the routes of 1989 with 2200LB with all the modern day gear is already enough to push alot of us towards mazda!!
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I hope the FT-86 / FRS (whatever its called) would be in the low 2,000s like my current ae86 and I wish other car companies would make another super light weight FR...so this sounds promising indeed
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I think you guys have already said most of it all. I just want to add that there's a difference between something being light vs feeling cheap. I don't want it to feel cheap.
I think you guys have already said most of it all. I just want to add that there's a difference between something being light vs feeling cheap. I don't want it to feel cheap.
I doubt Mazda would ruin their reputation like that, especially one of their icons, the Miata.
They have a really neat series of videos dubbed "The Mazda Story". Here's the "Horse and Rider" episode:
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