Mazda Divulges Weight-Loss Secrets

With fuel economy now a headline number alongside power and speed, automakers worldwide are cracking their heads over how best to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing drivability. Mazda is one of them. According to Robert Davis, Mazda U.S.’s senior vice president of product development and quality, Mazda engineers have found ways of shaving at least 100 kg off each model, starting with models that are all-new or due for facelift, such as Mazda 2 and MX-5.

Mazda approaches the weight loss program from three angles: 60 percent of the loss comes from the car's inherent engineering, 20 percent by adjusting the present features, and the final 20 percent by reducing dimensions. Some of the measures include: utilising smaller, more efficient drivetrains; using more aluminium and high tensile steels; eliminating the under floor catalyst; replacing door-mounted speaker magnets with lighter neodymium alternatives; and cutting the overall vehicle length by at least three inches.

A 100 kg weight loss will improve fuel efficiency by 3 to 5 percent, while reducing brake and suspension load, according to Mazda. So it is all good, except for the issue of cost. The lighter, stronger materials are more expensive and more advanced engineering requires more time to accomplish.