Archive for May, 2011
Mazda – A History
Posted by in Mazda on May 15, 2011
Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, LTD founded in 1920, was the beginning name for the automobile we know as the Mazda. The Toyo Cork Kogyo changed its name in 1927 and moved to making motor vehicles. They had been manufacturing machine tools. They built the Mazda-Go in 1931. The Toyo Kogyo was known for building weapons for the Japanese fighting forces all during World War II. The series 30 through 35 Type 99 rifle is the most well-known weapon they supplied. Always using the name Mazda on their automobiles, they became known as Mazda to the world in 1984. In 1960 they introduced the Mazda R 360. Mazda engines followed in 1962.
With a big push toward engines in the 1960′s Mazda concentrated on the Wankel rotary engine, this was a way to distinguish themselves from American Car Makers. Mazda has become the only automobile maker to make the Wankel type engine. It began with the Cosmo-Sport which was a limited edition in 1967 and continues today. Citroen and NSU gave up on the design for the rotary engine in the 70′s and even General Motors tried one in prototype on it’s Corvette, but it was never produced.
Mazda began to export their rotary and piston powered cars all around the world. The piston powered engine fell out of favor when compared to the rotary. The piston needed a much heavier V6 or V8 engine to make as much power as the much lighter rotary powered engine. The Mazda RX series, RX2, RX3 and the R100 became the leaders.
In 1968 Canada started operation as Mazda Canada even though Canada had had Mazda’s since the late 50′s. Mazda entered the United States market formally in 1968. They were known as Mazda North American operations. They quickly became popular due to the Mazda Rotary Pick-up Truck made for North Americans only. They are known, even today as the only manufacturer of the Wankel powered pick-up truck. Also, they are the only make of a rotary powered bus. They offered it only to Japan and for the RX3 and RX4, a station wagon offered only in the US Markets. Read the rest of this entry »
Mazda RX-8 PZ: More Focused Coupe
Posted by in Mazda on May 7, 2011
In response to customer feedback, Mazda has introduced a more focused version of its coupe – RX-8 PZ. The four-door sports coupe went on sale in the United Kingdom last July. From July Mazda RX-8 PZ has already established a good standing in both sales and reviews.
RX-8 PZ used some of the outstanding RX8 parts Mazda RX 8 and accessories to create the high-power version of the coupe. PZ has been developed through the collaboration of Mazda with Prodrive, a leading motorsport company.
Mazda’s agreement with Prodrive is to build a special car model that has the standard attributes of RX-8 without sacrificing the passenger’s comfort. Moreover, Prodrive developed bespoke suspension settings after conducting several extensive testing on selected roads and motorways. Another specification made by Prodrive is the lowering of the ride height by 15mm.
Aside from said special collaboration, Mazda also sought the help of specialist component suppliers like Eibach, Bilstein and OZ Racing. Top-quality components from the mentioned suppliers were used in manufacturing Mazda RX-8 PZ. This is to ensure exclusivity and power of the new vehicle.
The company also contemplated on reducing the roll and pitch and to making a flatter cornering attitude hence special Bilstein dampers and Eibach coil springs were used. Moreover, Prodrive specifications were satisfied. The spring rates were also increased by 60 percent and the mono-tube dampers were given tighter body control. However, the superb compliance over ridges and bumps in the road was maintained. Read the rest of this entry »