With Mazda looking to step out on its own with its next crossover, the CX-5 is an important vehicle for the Japanese automaker – which likely explains why this CUV is getting so much attention during development.
The news today coming directly from Mazda in Japan is that the upcoming CX-5 crossover will make Mazda the first-ever automaker to specifically develop and incorporate automotive components using 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel.
Although high-strength and Boron steel are already fairly widely used in modern vehicles, Mazda says this particular variation is brand-new in the automotive realm, and it will make its debut in the form of just two components: the front and rear bumpers.
By using this new (to the application) steel, Mazda says it was able to gain 20 percent strength and shave off about 10.5 pounds of unwanted weight in two of the most crucial areas: the furthest extensions of the vehicles’ overhangs front and rear, which detract from several aspects of vehicle performance.
To accomplish this, Mazda says it had to dramatically alter the impact design of the vehicle due to the fact that the steel is not very pliant and in turn absorbs less energy in a collision. The solution was to create an all-new design that absorbs energy more efficiently, directing it into intended areas of the vehicle and not into the passengers or passenger compartment.
Mazda also needed some help from Futaba Kogyo Co. in order to optimize its welding techniques for use in high-volume manufacturing, another obstacle that has kept other automakers from integrating this type of steel into their vehicles.
