Mazda pursues lightweight strategy; Porsche looks to hybrids
Thu 19 July 2007
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Mazda is reported to be pursuing a strategy to cut vehicle weight in order to reduce CO2 emissions while Porsche is looking to launch its first hybrid vehicle within three years.
Mazda's all-new Mazda2 uses a 1.3-litre engine and produces some of the lowest fuel consumption and emissions (129g/km) for a vehicle in its class. 60 percent of this weight savings came from engineering solutions, including the body shell, which has an optimised structure and uses high and ultra-high tensile steels for less weight, greater rigidity and better crash resistance. Another 20 percent was saved by features adjustments and 20 percent saved making the car’s exterior dimensions smaller.
Meanwhile, it's reported that Porsche's first hybrid vehicle will be ready within three years according to the head of the luxury automaker's new hybrid programme.
Porsche's Cayenne hybrid is being developed in part with Volkswagen AG and Audi AG and, when completed, it is expected to reduce the sport utility vehicle's fuel consumption by almost one-third.
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