In the 1970′s when the fuel crisis hit the State, automakers scrambles to make more fuel efficient transportation. However, since the ’80s each product cycle has resulted in a wight gain of about 80 pounds. Coming in 2011 Mazda will break this trend and place its cars on a diet by dropping the average weight of a vehicle by 220 pounds or more. Mazda will begin using more aluminum and high strength steel, cutting the overall length of vehicles by three inches or more and utilizing smaller and more efficient powertrains.
This will likely result in fuel economy gains of three to five percent without sacrificing safety.
The company’s lineup will drop pounds as vehicles come up for redesign. Mazda will also work to lose the weight without sacrificing the brand’s Zoom Zoom roots. One of the first Mazda models expected to benefit from the companies weight loss goals is the MX-5 Miata. Rumors have been flying for months that the next Miata will be lighter than the already feathery roadster we have today.
OdoClub can add wight to your bank account each month in the form of savings. OdoClub members earn rewards for every mile they drive. Rewards can be redeemed at participating dealerships for discounts on goods and services.
Join OdoClub today. It’s Free. It’s Easy. It’s Rewarding.
-OdoClub, It Pays to Drive
