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• Mazda RX-Evolve

Mazda RX-Evolve

The most sports-car-like 4-door vehicle in the world" and "An innovative leap into the new millennium" are apt descriptions of the exterior design theme of the RX-EVOLV. Four large wheels and tires, located at each corner of the body, result in ultra-short overhangs, accentuating the visual impact created by the unique sculpturing of the body contours.

The shape of the body also expresses the ideal front/rear weight distribution made possible by the use of the compact rotary engine. In addition, the Double Clamshell Hood covering the engine compartment visually focuses attention on the center midship layout of the rotary engine, which is positioned behind the front axle.

The RENESIS, Mazda's new-generation rotary engine, is mounted in the RX-EVOLV. The RENESIS stands for "The RE (Rotary Engine)'s GENESIS" or the rotary engine for the new millennium. The engine produces 280 PS (206 kW) at 9,000 rpm (target value) and 23.0 kg-m (226 Nm) at 8,000 rpm (target value), the highest power density ever achieved by a naturally aspirated rotary engine for a road-going automobile. The RENESIS is designed to qualify for stringent LEV (Japanese Low Emission Vehicle) standards, soon to be implemented, by greatly reducing major pollutants in the exhaust gas to very low levels.

Designed as a canopy, the cabin is visually separated from the body by the shoulder line, creating cockpit-like styling. A twin-bubble Aerowave Roof, reminiscent of the current RX-7, improves airflow over and around the body. Up front, extremely-thin Micro-HID (High-Illumination Discharge) lamps are mounted under the aerodynamic wing, providing a bright beam inside the front opening. When illuminated, the small protrusions around the round lamps emit a red light like the afterburners of a jet. Controls, switches and pedals are designed and arranged for quick operation during driving, while large dials are logically located for easy recognition. The most frequently used instruments, such as tachometer, speedometer and shift indicator, are set in the center of the dial cluster. Auxiliary gauges are displayed in the multi-mode display in the center of the instrument panel. The individual "Lightweight Sports Mesh Seats," provide excellent support and breatheability, for the RX-EVOLV's four occupants. In addition, the passenger-side rear seat incorporates a built-in, fold-down "Integrated Child Seat" and a detachable "Baby Pad."

The RX-EVOLV employs an innovative "Freestyle Door System" without central pillarsprovides easier access to the rear seats than that offered by conventional sedans.The large front door features a double-action hinge: first the door extends out and forward, then it rotates to open. The rear doors are rear-hinged and open 90 degrees, creating a wide opening area. This greatly improves entry to and exit from the rear seats, making it much easier to get a child belted in, and to load or unload luggage. An electronic safety lock system prevents a rear door from opening from inside unless the same-side front door is opened.

Ultra-light, highly-rigid, 5-spoke, 20-inch magnesium wheels are matched with low-profile tires featuring an unidirectional asymmetrical pattern based on the wet-weather tires used in Formula 1 racing. The 19-inch, front and rear ventilated disc brake rotors are made from highly heat-resistant, aluminum-composite materials. Each front brake has a 6-piston caliper, while 4-piston calipers are used at the rear. The braking system also incorporates a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).An Active Cornering Brake (ACB) system is used to further improve the excellent cornering ability of the vehicle. ACB controls the brake force at each wheel individually, allowing the driver, by pressing a pad switch on the steering wheel spokes, to vary the brake force (and thus the yawing moment) on the inner tires during cornering. This enables the driver to alter the handling characteristics of the vehicle from understeer to neutral to oversteer. Based on personal information stored on the IC chip, the ID Access System controls engine output and actuation of the Active Cornering Brake system as a function of driver skill level. By regulating the engine management system and the electronic throttle, maximum output and torque are limited to 240 PS at 8,000 rpm and to 21.0 kg-m at 7,000 rpm, respectively. In addition, the transmission's shift schedule in the automatic-shifting mode is controlled to match the engine's power and torque characteristics, resulting in smoother shifting and improved fuel economy. On slippery surfaces the system also modulates the 4W-ABS and the DSC for added stability and security. It even cuts off the ACB when required.

The wheels are equipped with sensors to detect the loss of tire pressure - a warning lamp on the instrument panel informing the driver when the pressure falls below a specified level. And the tires are a run-flat design, allowing the driver to continue until the tire can be safely changed.Advanced passive safety measures, including the highly rigid body, Mazda's Advanced Impact-energy Absorption and Distribution System, and the Smart airbags, are designed to minimize the impact of accidents on occupants.

Year:	1999	Engine:	Water-cooled rotary
Power:	206 kW	Transmission:	6 speed auto-manual
0-60:	n/a	Top speed:	n/a

Related Links

Mazda UK Website
http://www.mazda.co.uk

Mazda Japan Website
http://www.mazda.co.jp