Mazda will be among the many car manufacturers at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show on October 24. For their part, Mazda is expected to debut the Mazda Kiyora Concept Car although that is not the only thing they will be unveiling. They will also unveil their next-generation engine and automatic transmissions lineup. This includes the Mazda SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine and the Mazda SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.

These new technological advancements are expected to help in the improvement of fuel-efficiency as well as some eco-friendly enhancements and optimized combustion systems. But a lot of the focus is sure to be on the Mazda Kiyora Concept car which highlights the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction for better fuel economy at 32 kilometers per liter.

(Source) Auto Racing

Tags: auto racing, automatic transmission, automatic transmissions, car manufacturers, combustion systems, concept car, diesel engine, fuel economy, fuel efficiency, gasoline engine, generation engine, high efficiency, kilometers, Mazda, new technological advancements, october 24, powertrain, sky drive, tokyo motor show, weight reduction

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The key towards balancing the overall weight of cars depend on what the car is composed of. But take away all the peripherals inside of it, it all boils down to the bare boned car. And with that in mind, the type of steel used can perhaps be improved to create a lighter vehicle.

In a study released today by the Automotive Applications Council of AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), researchers with Ducker Worldwide estimated that the use of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) in 2009 model year light vehicles increased by more than four percent of total body weight from 2007, while the average weight per vehicle decreased by 163 pounds.

While more than half of the vehicles produced worldwide contain some amount of AHSS, the new BMW X6 leads the way with 32 percent of its body structure and closures manufactured from AHSS. Other new models with above-average AHSS body content include the new Chevrolet Traverse, Ford F-150 and Chrysler Town and Country.

According to the study, weight reduction will account for at least 25 percent of the necessary improvement in fuel economy, with advances in powertrain and other technologies – such as drag reduction, low-roll resistance tires and a 42-volt electrical system – making up the difference.

(Source) Press

Tags: aisi, bmw x6, body content, body structure, chevrolet traverse, chrysler town and country, drag reduction, ducker worldwide, ford f 150, fuel economy, high strength steels, light vehicles, new bmw, resistance tires, smdi, steel market, volt electrical system, weight reduction

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To help increase the level of safety of drivers from car crashes, the new Opel Insignia will be armed with BETAMATE crash durable adhesives to offer a broader range of properties that help achieve safety, weight-savings and production benefits.

Dow Automotive, as a supplier of crash durable adhesives that fulfil OEM requirements for both safety and weight-savings, continues to broaden the application base of this technology.

Highlights of the BETAMATE include:

• Improved crash performance and safety classification
• Extended durability of body-in-white
• Better overall stiffness and improved handling performance
• Further down-gauging the body-in-white for weight reduction

With this application, Dow Automotive again demonstrates the value of bonding as joining technology in automotive construction and the recognition this high performance technology continues to achieve in the industry.

(Source) Press

Tags: adhesives, crash performance, high performance technology, industry source, insignias, opel insignia, safety classification, weight reduction

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The funny thing is that this Italian car will not be available in the U.S. but it would never hurt to give car onlookers at the Geneva Auto Show a tempting glimpse of what they are missing.

The MiTo GTA Concept takes the swoopy little MiTo and cranks up the speed and style. Weight reduction was a priority with a carbon fiber rear hatch, roof, and mirrors with aluminum used throughout.

Should this little puppy ever make production we’ll have yet another car to put on the list of necessary gray market imports.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, aluminum, brakes, carbon fiber, geneva auto, gray market, high performance tires, italian car, liter, speed and style, weight reduction

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