“Thank you so much for all your supportive messages concerning the RX-8 and the rotary engine! We are also excited. Mazda is aiming to achieve a breakthrough with the Skyactiv technology, and we are zealously working on new models to house the next generation rotary engine. Thank you for your continued support!”
Of course, the tweet has already fueled speculation on what type of Wankel-powered models Mazda might be working on and when they could appear. Stay tuned for more details.
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation, in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. and Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd., has become the first automaker to successfully develop vehicle components using 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel. The super strength steel will debut in the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV that will commence its global launch in early 2012.
Mazda's new production technology uses 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel to fabricate bumper beams, which fit inside the front and rear bumpers and mitigate damage in the event of a collision. The bumper bars are 20 percent stronger and 4.8 kilograms lighter than previous versions and are a key part of Mazda's next-generation, lightweight and highly rigid vehicle architecture. The new body architecture was developed as part of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight.
The use of high tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner yet still retain the same degree of strength. This leads to significant savings in vehicle weight. Reducing the weight of bumper beams is particularly important because, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle's centre of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and responsiveness. They must also be strong to provide sufficient collision protection. For these reasons, a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel has been highly sought after.
However, stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision. To overcome this, Mazda conducted extensive research into how bumper beams deform in a crash, and created a new design that absorbs energy more efficiently. Additionally, in order to ensure the bumpers provide maximum strength in the CX-5, Mazda collaborated with Futaba Kogyo Co., Ltd. to optimize the welding techniques and establish a reliable manufacturing process.
Going forward, Mazda remains committed to reducing vehicle weight and improving dynamic performance while also maintaining a high level of body rigidity and excellent crash worthiness, in order to provide all its customers with driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will display special needs vehicles at the 38th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2011 in Tokyo. The exhibition, organized by Japan's Health and Welfare Information Association, will be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) from October 5 - 7, 2011.
Mazda will display three models in the 'Mazda i Series' of special needs vehicles. The AZ-Wagon i is based on the Mazda AZ-Wagon micro-mini, the Premacy Front Row Lift-up Seat is based on the Mazda Premacy midsize minivan, and the Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat is based on the Mazda Biante mid-size 'high-roof' minivan.
The International H.C.R. Exhibition features medical and health care equipment ranging from handcrafted daily living aids to the latest special needs vehicles from all over the world. Mazda has participated in this event since 1995.
Outline of Mazda's exhibits at the 38th International H.C.R. Exhibition 2011
Special needs vehicles
A little over a year after Mazda previewed the Minagi Concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the company lifted the curtains off the production version of its compact SUV that we will come to know as the CX-5.
The world premiere of the CX-5 took place at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show that opened on September 13 and will go on sale in early 2012.
[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Mazda says the CX-5 is its first production model to adopt the new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme that we saw in the Minagi and Shinari concept cars. The highlights of this new theme are a prominent front fascia and a more dynamic styling which the company says conveys "a strong sense of vitality and agility”.
The CX-7’s smaller “brother” is also the first Mazda model to adopt the full range of the firm's SKYACTIV technologies.
Depending on the market, the CX-5 will be available with gasoline and diesel engines hooked up to manual and automatic transmissions.
