Mazda MX-5: A Successful Diet Programme
Published: 14th October 2005
Optimized Rearview Mirror Saves 84 Grams
Even the smallest of details like the rearview mirror contributed to Mazda’s painstaking vehicle diet programme. Simplifying the mirror’s design saved 84 grams.During the early phases of Mazda MX-5 development, engineers compiled a list of 573 weight-saving ideas. Had they incorporated all of these, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 would have been 43.5 kg lighter than the previous model. While this radical diet was not completely implemented for reasons of long-term durability and/or due to safety considerations, the curb weight target for a new Mazda MX-5 entry-grade version was achieved.
Combined with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles and a lower centre of gravity, the lightweight construction principle of the new Mazda MX-5 delivers high levels of driving fun and much improved occupant safety. Through the use of high-strength steel, the body shell is now 47 percent stiffer for torsional [twisting] rigidity and 22 percent for flexural [bending] rigidity – than the second-generation MX-5, an improvement that enhances both driving enjoyment and occupant safety.
Mazda’s Gram Strategy - Main Components that are
Lighter on the new Mazda MX-5 versus the Previous Model
- High-strength and ultra high-strength steel in the body and floor assembly -10 kg
- Aluminium block of the 2.0-litre engine -5.4 kg
- Bracketless power steering pump and air conditioning compressor -3.2 kg
- Hollow front stabilizer -2.4 kg
- High-strength steel seat frames -2.4 kg per seat
- Modifications to the steering system -0.6 kg
- Plastic intake manifold -2.4 kg
- Plastic cylinder head cover -1.3 kg
- Aluminium front suspension lower control arms -2.3 kg
- Aluminium front suspension upper control arms -1.5 kg
- Aluminium rear brake callipers -1.5 kg
- Aluminium rear bearing support -1.75 kg
- Aluminium boot lid -2.5 kg
- New control units for ABS and dynamic stability control -1.1 kg
- Lighter cloth top (including hollow B-pillar brace) –200/ -400 grams
- New rearview mirror -84 grams
Mazda Invested More Weight in the Following Safety Components
- Strengthened A-pillar +5.4 kg
- New side-impact protection in the doors +1.0 kg
- New bulkhead behind the seats +12.8 kg
- Side airbags +2.3 kg
Mazda MX-5
Our Mazda MX-5 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK MX-5 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £15,750 - £19,050
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 3
We have road tested the Mazda MX-5, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda MX-5 Review - Nov 2005
Mazda MX-5 Review - Mar 2004
Mazda MX-5 Review - Oct 2003
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
