AIM OF DEVELOPMENT

id000000002300

Product Concept

• A car in which “oneness between car and driver, and still the one” dynamics and “lots of fun” are carried forward and further evolved for a new generation.

Vehicle Outline

Exterior design

  • Fun-to-drive with instinctively attractive styling
    ― A two-fold type convertible top has been adopted for improved ease of opening/closing.
  • Power retractable hardtop system has been adopted which does not utilize storage space in the trunk compartment because the hardtop is retracted into the deck panel.

External View

amxzzn00000634

Interior design

  • A comfortable interior and sporty design incorporating Mazda’s inherited DNA
    ― A simple, clean-cut dashboard with a spacious feel has been adopted.
    ― A center panel that integrates module audio and air conditioning controls has been adopted.
    ― An instrument cluster with an emphasized sportiness has been adopted.
    ― Illumination that is both easily visible and comfortable for the eye has been adopted.

amxzzn00000283

Engine

  • Engine block
    ― Variable valve timing that optimally adjusts valve timing in accordance with driving conditions has been adopted. (LF (2.0 L) engine)
    ― An aluminum-alloy cylinder head and cylinder block have been adopted.
    ― Lightweight pistons, low-tension piston rings, and shimless tappets have been adopted to minimize friction losses, thereby contributing to improved fuel economy.
    ― An auto-tensioner that automatically adjusts the belt to compensate for stretching has been adopted to minimize maintenance requirements.

  • Intake, exhaust, control
    ― Weight reduction has been achieved due to a hard-plastic dynamic chamber.
    ― Stable combustion when the engine is cold or lightly loaded along with cleaner exhaust emission and high engine output have been obtained due to the adoption of a variable tumble system.
    ― High torque is obtained from the lower-middle to the high engine speed ranges due to the adoption of the variable intake air system.
    ― Maximum torque is achieved at all engine speeds due to the adoption of a variable valve timing system that controls intake valve timing in accordance with driving conditions to attain highly efficient air charging. (LF (2.0 L) engine)
    ― An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been adopted for all models resulting in cleaner exhaust emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Suspension and steering

  • Front suspension
    ― An in-wheel-type double-wishbone suspension has been adopted to take full advantage of the low bonnet line enabled by the optimized engine layout.
    ― The front upper arm and the front lower arm have been lengthened and attached to the highly rigid front crossmember to allow for linear alignment changes during jounce and rebound of the front wheels. Due to this, roadholding and handling performance have been improved.

    amxzzn00000291

  • Rear suspension
    ― A multi-link suspension composed of five links has been adopted.
    ― The links have been lengthened and optimally positioned. Due to this, they constantly provide ideal geometry to respond to external forces applied during driving, improving handling stability and riding comfort, and reducing road noise.

    amxzzn00000298

  • Power steering
    ― With the adoption of an engine speed sensing power steering mechanism, handling stability has been improved.
    ― With the adoption, for all vehicles, of a steering column with a tilt mechanism, operability has been improved.
    ― With the adoption of a steering shaft with an energy absorbing mechanism, safety has been improved.

    amxzzn00000167

Brakes

  Conventional brake

  • A brake pedal with an intrusion minimizing mechanism has been adopted. As a result, driver safety has been improved.
  • A plunger-type master cylinder has been adopted, improving durability and response.
  • A large diameter, single diaphragm power brake unit has been adopted, improving braking force.
  • A large diameter, ventilated disc-type front brake has been adopted, improving braking force.
  • A large diameter, solid disc-type rear brake has been adopted, improving braking force.

  amxzzn00000579

  ABS

  • The ABS HU/CM, integrating both the hydraulic unit (HU) and control module (CM), has been adopted, resulting in size and weight reduction.
  • A semi-conductor element type front ABS wheel-speed sensor has been adopted, improving reliability and reducing size and weight.
  • A magnetic encoder type front ABS sensor rotor that is integrated with the wheel hub component has been adopted, improving reliability and reducing size and weight.
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) control has been adopted, resulting in improved safety and handling stability.

  amxzzn00000125

  Dynamic stability control (DSC)

  • The DSC HU/CM, integrating both the hydraulic unit (HU) and control module (CM), has been adopted, resulting in a size and weight reduction.
  • A combined sensor, integrating both the yaw rate sensor and lateral-G sensor, has been adopted, improving serviceability.
  • The controller area network (CAN) system has been adopted for the steering angle sensor, improving serviceability and reliability.
  • The specialized controller area network (CAN) system has been adopted for use between the combined sensor and DSC HU/CM, improving serviceability and reliability.
  • An enhanced malfunction diagnosis system, used with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), has been adopted, improving serviceability.

  amxzzn00000127

Transmission

  • Manual transmission [M15M-D]
    ― A linked, triple-cone synchronizer mechanism has been adopted for 1st and 2nd gears.
    ― A linked, double-cone synchronizer mechanism has been adopted for 3rd gears.
    ― A linked, carbon-cone synchronizer mechanism has been adopted for 4th gears.
    ― A cam-type reverse lockout mechanism has been adopted.

    amxzzn00000176

  • Manual transmission [P66M-D]
    ― A linked, triple-cone synchronizer mechanism has been adopted for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears.
    ― A guide plate type reverse lockout mechanism has been adopted.

    amxzzn00000189

  • Automatic transmission [SJ6A-EL]
    ― 6-speed SJ6A-EL AT has been adopted.
    ― With the adoption of the line pressure solenoid, TCC control solenoid, solenoid for C3 clutch (shift solenoid F), solenoid for B2 brake (shift solenoid G), and the linear type solenoid, dynamic shift quality has been realized.

    amxzzn00000080

Safety

  • An immobilizer system has been adopted. This anti-theft device prevents the engine from being started unless the encrypted identification code, transmitted from a special electronic chip embedded in the key, corresponds with the identification code registered in the vehicle.
  • World-class collision protection is provided due to the lightweight and highly rigid Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System body.
  • Single-inflator type air bags that control deployment of the air bags in two stages by detecting the scale of an impact have been adopted for seat passengers.
  • Side air bags that effectively protect the chest area have been adopted for the seats.
  • Pre-tensioner and load limiter mechanisms have been adopted for the seat belts.
  • A steering column designed to collapse horizontally to minimize impact to the driver’s head and chest has been adopted.
  • An intrusion minimizing brake pedal has been adopted.
  • An active bonnet system has been adopted.