Mazda to cut weight on next-generation models by 400 pounds (rotary mentioned)
09-22-2008 | 08:03 PM
#31
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From: Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin
09-22-2008 | 09:43 PM
#34
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From: Dallas, TX
09-23-2008 | 09:46 AM
#35
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From: Turnersville, NJ
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 | 11:33 AM
#37
Power!!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Sunny See attle
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 | 01:30 PM
#38
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From: Lakewood, NJ
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 | 10:14 AM
#39
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From: Turnersville, NJ
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 | 08:03 PM
#44
Grand Chancellor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Home of the NIMBYs
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 | 09:22 PM
#46
Being (new) single rocks!
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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 | 01:09 AM
#47
rotary courage
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: :uoıʇɐɔoן
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.
