Mazda has a long-standing history of light weight vehicles from the RX, Cosmo and Miata sports cars all the way to the present day CX-5 crossover. Even though no one is really calling them “fat”, the Zoom-Zoom brand has issued a pledge to cut some weight from their future products. When their next generation models hit the market, Mazda hopes to cut up to 220 lbs from each outgoing vehicle. If accomplished, the reduction will definitely help the automaker reach their goal to improve their global CAFE standard by 30 percent in 2015.
The announcement comes not too long after Mazda issued an all-new brand vision known as SKYACTIV. More than just efficient engine components, the vehicle-wide technology portfolio also affects bits and pieces such as chassis and suspension parts. The CX-5 is a prime example as its weld/bond adhesive was specially formulated so that less could be used, thus cutting significant pounds compared to the Tribute it replaced. According to Car and Driver Magazine, while Mazda is looking to cut weight from each model, the amount will vary. With 220 lbs being a “high-level goal”, there is a decent chance that some larger offerings such as the CX-9 will see the biggest depletion. Each cut will only affect all-new generations and not midcycle refreshes.
Source: Car and Driver
