FE3s Concept

Whats the FE3s... E for (dare I say the word) Eco.

Tokyo Motor Show '09 and Tokyo Auto Salon '10 are going to feature "Eco" concepts. What does the FD have to become for it to be Eco friendly?

I will choose the following concept along the lines of recent Mazda Superlight weight reduction and recent Hydrogen Fuel cell concepts.

WEIGHT

There is of course the obvious benefits of lightweight for performance and the requirement for less fuel to propel lighter vehicles. This also assists in handling, braking, less wear on components etc etc. From the FD3s point of view of weight, the best we could hope for is approximately the 850kg mark. Going to extremes resulting in weight reductions from items like carbon brakes, prop and driveshafts, utilisation of titanium for all bolts and the previously tried Aluminium body panels in construction. LED lighting, thinner plastics(friendly versions) and removal of unneccessary items. All incredibly expensive of course.

Exterior modifications must include the following dry carbon items. Bonnet, front & rear bumpers, front fenders, doors and rear hatch. Mirrors, perspex windows and a thin front glass screen. Wheels would probably be similar to Dymag carbon magnesium items. Inside including a taiki style minimalist dash and carbon seats. All of these are currently available so you could look take the first step towards eco friendliness even if power remained kick arse Fuel Hungry Turbo 13b REW.

POWER

The RX-8 Hydrogen concept is good news for rotary engine lovers. This has been in testing for a while and these dual fuel cell vehicles, are extremely kind producing only H2O on Hydrogen (yes I know its unfriendly to make atm). The renesis rotary engines have the ability for electric assist turbocharging also which can bring back the performance lost to burning less dense Hydrogen. About 50% less power at the moment on the RX8. I do not think the electric motor is the answer for us rotary enthusiasts or anyone.

Lastly, a sunroof model should be chosen and filled with solar panels powering additional items and you can feel the earth's harsh sun roasting your head just to let you know you are helping.

So is a Hydrogen RE Turbo FE3s a possibility. Give it 20 years, then I might be retrofitting some crazy fuel cell powerlant into a lightweight chassis. Or maybe they could invite me to make the first one. Give me a call Mazda.

Russ.