Mazda planning extreme diet for next MX-5 at 800kg, 180kg less than first gen

Dinesh

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It might seem absurd, especially with all the modern safety requirements and crash-testing regulations to adhere to but the rumourmill is already shifting into overdrive with news that Mazda is targeting a weight of 800kg for the next generation Mazda MX-5. To put it in context, that would make the next gen MX-5 a whopping 180kg lighter than the first generation model.

Engineers are looking at high-strength steel and a smaller engine as the key to achieving that lofty target. Reports indicate a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-banger with direct injection could find its way under the hood of the car that would be considerably narrower than the current model.

The dashboard will also have to do without a glove box and the traditional printed owner’s manual will be made available in soft copy on a USB pendrive for the owner.

In all honesty, the weight target does seem rather out of reach but the engineers and designers are confident that the next MX-5 will be closer in weight to the first generation model rather than the bloated current one.

Source: http://insideline.com
 
With the reduction on weight will this MX5 be safe to drive at high speed? I have never driven such lightweight cars so any opinion?
 
With the reduction on weight will this MX5 be safe to drive at high speed? I have never driven such lightweight cars so any opinion?

Thats a lighter car in 1996 with 725kg = Lotus Elise S1
and caterham (approx 500-600kg) are even lighter w/o problem to travel above 200km/h.

I reckon the MX-5 as a newer car will even more stable than above due to improvement of aerodynamic tech.
 
Doesn't matter if the car is light or not .. its the aerodynamics that give the stability on high speeds .. reduce airflow directed under the car ...
 
but what...1.4 cc only ka...??saving weight on the engines too...??
 

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