http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/news/1409/2015-mazda-mx-5/#mx-5-image-2MAZDA dropped the covers on a lightweight fourth-generation MX-5 roadster in Monterey, California today, hinting at a likely $10,000 price cut, but also a lengthy wait for Aussie buyers.
In what amounts to a hard reboot of the MX-5 concept, the million-selling sports car goes back to its roots, with more than 100 kilograms cut from the current third-gen model, launched in 2005.
**ลดน้ำหนักจากรุ่นที่แล้วลงประมาณ 100 ก.ก.
Safety regulations and added equipment produced a successively expanding waistline that bloated the original 1989 from a humble 940kg to 1130kg over the course of 25 years.
The new model is the automotive equivalent of The Biggest Loser. And low weight is the key to performance, handling and braking.
Obsessive weight reduction, known in Mazda-speak as Gram Strategy, has trimmed the 100-plus kilos while meeting even tighter safety and emissions laws and adding much needed connectivity to the cabin for the first time.
Extensive use of lightweight alloys (bonnet, boot, front guards and both bumper reinforcements) and a reduction in wheel size and tyre footprint contributed to the slim down.
***ใช้อัลลอยน้ำหนักเบาในฝากระโปรงหน้า/หลัง, front guard (คืออะไร?) และคานหลังกันชนทั้งหน้าและหลัง ล้อที่ใช้จะมีขนาดลดลง หน้ายางก็จะแคบลงเช่นกัน
The signature 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, however, is maintained.
Every roadster gets a 7-inch tablet style screen to be called Mazda Connect in most markets with full sat-nav and a suite of on-board novelties, USB ports and a proximity key, all housed in a California-designed interior that ups the luxe ratio with soft-touch surfaces, detail stitching and no faux fibre.
**ทุกคันจะมีแทบเบล็ตเด็กประถม 7 นิ้ว (Mazda Connect) มีระบบนำทาง USB Port, SmartKey ภายในของรถออกแบบที่ California มีการใช้วัสดุนุ่ม มีการเย็บตะเข็บ และไม่มีการใช้ลายคาร์บอนปลอม (หรือวัสดุลายเลียนแบบคาร์บอน)
The two-time Wheels Car of The Year winner (the 1989 and 2005 models) is radically re-proportioned, with the key dash-to-axle dimension lengthened. The driver has been moved back and down, the front wheels pushed forward and the rear overhang shortened. And the hip point, one of the most vital dimensions in a sports car, is lower as well.
** ตำแหน่งการขับขี่ เยื้องไปด้านหลังมากขึ้น และต่ำลงกว่าเดิม ตำแหน่งแทร็คล้อหน้าเลื่อนไปหาหน้ารถมากขึ้น โอเวอร์แฮงหลังสั้นลง
The new model sits closer to the ground, with the likely direct-injection 2.0-litre atmo petrol powerplant also lower in the engine bay and mounted longitudinally.
It is matched to new six-speed manual and auto transmissions.
** เครื่อง 2.0 ลิตร ฉีดตรง เกียร์ธรรมดา 6 และอัตโนมัติ 6 จังหวะ
Mazda isn't quoting exact numbers, but the centre of gravity and yaw moment of the car are both said to be reduced. So is the cowl height, with slimmer A-pillars making for better forward vision.
Overall, the 2015 model is 105mm shorter but slightly wider and lower, yet feels bigger inside with the signature high transmission tunnel topped off with the short-throw manual (at least on the show model).
The longer dash-to-axle dimension and pushing the front wheels forward results in a slightly shorter wheelbase 2315mm vs 2330mm for the current car.
**ฐานล้อสั้นลงจาก 2,330 เหลือ 2,315
In the metal, the new model looks planted, sucked to the ground with high front guards and a noticeably lower bonnet, tiny cat-eye LED headlights and tucked-in tight rear end.
There's a noticeable dip down to the doors from the side view and cat-like haunches.
The soft-top roof can be operated while remaining easily seated, Mazda claims.
A wind-blocker means the rushing breeze won't mess up the 'do, although that might be heresy to purist wind-in-the-hair drivers. The good news it folds away. Just like the cupholders.
Yes, cupholders in a sports car. These at least detach and can be stored in the boot if serious punting is afoot.
One more thing that speaks volumes (pardon the pun) is the addition of headrest speakers "to enhance driving enjoyment with the top down".
