新型Roadster　その２　進化の肝

クルマで遊ぼう! 大井貴之のSports Driving Labo.

27 Jan 202414:53

Summary

TLDRThis video script dives into an in-depth review of the Roadster, focusing on its handling and performance enhancements. The narrator shares their experience driving the vehicle, highlighting significant improvements due to the introduction of a new asymmetrical LSD (Limited Slip Differential) and adjustments in steering and suspension systems. They discuss the impact of these upgrades on both low and high-speed stability, emphasizing the balance between agility and control. The script also covers the evolution of the Roadster's design, including interior and exterior modifications, and touches on the choice of engine sounds and color options, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in creating a more refined driving experience.

Takeaways

🚗 The Roadster's driving experience significantly differs due to its unique mechanical setup.
🔬 The vehicle lacks the newer type of asymmetric LSD (Limited Slip Differential), instead using a simple open differential, impacting handling dynamics.
💻 Upgrades to the steering system and differential greatly influence the vehicle's performance, demonstrating the importance of these components in vehicle dynamics.
🔥 The introduction of a new asymmetric LSD enhances traction and stability across all speed ranges by effectively utilizing the operation limiting force.
🔧 Innovative changes to the LSD include splitting the side gear into two parts and adding a structure inside for better control over acceleration and deceleration.
💡 Adjustments to the initial torque setup, transitioning from coil springs to a saber mechanism, result in a more stable and consistent handling experience.
🔍 The vehicle's handling is notably improved, even without LSD, suggesting significant advancements in steering and suspension tuning.
💬 Engine sound quality is enhanced, not through sound enhancers, but by allowing more engine noise into the cabin, contributing to a satisfying driving experience.
💫 A new light grey color option is introduced, aimed at complementing the Roadster's design while matching with other compact Mazda models.
📚 The Roadster continues to evolve, with a focus on handling and dynamics, indicating Mazda's commitment to enhancing the driving experience through technological advancements.

Q & A

What is unique about the differential system mentioned in the transcript?
-The differential system discussed features an asymmetric LSD (Limited Slip Differential) that is a new type, which does not have the S-type attached. This system employs an open diff setup, highlighting how differential power and steering system changes impact performance, despite no changes to dampers or the car body.
How does the asymmetric LSD improve the car's handling?
-The asymmetric LSD improves handling by using a mechanism that varies the thrust force on the acceleration and deceleration sides, enabling different levels of force application. This results in more stable initial effects and a tuning that is effective across various speed ranges, enhancing stability and reducing understeer.
What changes were made to the LSD in the new development?
-In the new LSD development, the side gear component was split into two parts, and a structure was added in the middle to manage the thrust force more effectively. This adjustment allows for a difference in applied force during acceleration and deceleration, offering better control and stability.
How does the transcript describe the impact of suspension settings on the car's performance?
-The transcript indicates that while maintaining a pleasant feel at low speeds, the car's suspension must address instability at high speeds without compromising low-speed comfort. It suggests that without a firm roll suppression at low speeds, high-speed instability cannot be effectively managed.
What role does steering system changes play in the car's handling according to the transcript?
-Steering system changes are significant in the car's handling improvements. The adjustments made to reduce friction and enhance control contribute to a more natural connection from power-off to power-on states, making handling more intuitive and responsive.
What was a key challenge in developing the car's steering and handling features?
-A key challenge was balancing the reduction of steering gear system friction with the need to prevent vibration and maintain control, particularly in modern cars where steering friction and shim adjustments are crucial for quality and feel, especially for the North American market.
How did changes in computer control systems affect the car's performance?
-Upgrades to the computer control systems allowed for more precise control, improving throttle response off acceleration and enhancing engine smoothness. These changes contributed to a better overall driving experience and improved engine sound.
Why is the color choice significant for the car mentioned in the transcript?
-The color choice, light grey, was selected to match the car's significant updates in both exterior and interior design, aiming to complement the modern and sleek look of the compact car while maintaining a sporty appearance that fits well with the Roadster's character.
What does the transcript reveal about the future of the Roadster?
-The transcript suggests that significant investments in the platform and overall design indicate a commitment to continuing the Roadster's legacy, hinting at future developments and enhancements to cater to a wide range of customers and driving experiences.
What feedback from owners led to considerations for future updates?
-Owner feedback, especially from those using their cars on circuits during weekends, highlighted the need for options like the NRA setting, which was not included in the latest model. This feedback will be considered for future updates to enhance the car's track performance and usability.

Outlines

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Mindmap

Keywords

💡Roadster

The Roadster, specifically mentioned in the context of driving experience, highlights a type of sports car known for its lightweight, two-seater configuration, often with a convertible top. In the script, it refers to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a popular example of this category. The discussion revolves around the car's handling, suspension, and overall driving feel, emphasizing its unique characteristics and performance enhancements.

💡Asymmetric LSD

Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is a key performance feature discussed, focusing on its new development and its impact on vehicle dynamics. LSDs are mechanisms that limit the difference in torque between two wheels, which in turn improves traction and handling. The asymmetric aspect refers to differing behaviors under acceleration and deceleration, tailored to enhance the car's stability and cornering ability. The script delves into the specifics of how this new LSD design contributes to the Roadster's performance.

💡Steering system

The steering system's adjustments and their effects on handling and driver feedback are significant points of discussion. The script outlines how modifications to the steering contribute to a more responsive and engaging driving experience. This involves detailing the technical improvements and how they translate to changes in vehicle dynamics, emphasizing the importance of steering precision and feel in sports cars.

💡Suspension

Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels, allowing motion between the two. The script discusses how the Roadster's suspension is tuned to balance low-speed comfort with high-speed stability, addressing the challenges of maintaining a fluttery feel at low speeds while preventing instability at higher speeds. This balance is crucial for sports cars to deliver both enjoyable daily driving and competent performance handling.

💡Handling

Handling is a term that encompasses how well a car responds to the driver's inputs and maintains stability during various driving conditions. The script explores how different components, such as the LSD, steering, and suspension, contribute to the Roadster's handling. It emphasizes the goal of achieving an intuitive and predictable driving experience, highlighting the importance of handling in the overall performance of sports cars.

💡Power-off to power-on transition

This concept relates to how the vehicle behaves during the transition from deceleration (power-off) to acceleration (power-on). The script notes the natural feel of this transition in the Roadster, attributing it to the tuning of the drivetrain and suspension. This transition's smoothness is crucial for driving dynamics, especially in performance driving scenarios, where predictability and control are paramount.

💡Initial torque

Initial torque refers to the baseline level of torque applied by the LSD to the wheels, impacting how the differential locks under load. The script discusses adjusting this parameter to enhance the Roadster's handling and stability, particularly in terms of how the car reacts to acceleration and cornering. This adjustment is part of the broader effort to refine the vehicle's performance characteristics.

💡Friction

In the context of the steering system, friction refers to the resistance felt by the driver when turning the wheel. The script mentions efforts to optimize this friction to improve steering feel, making it neither too light nor too heavy, which is crucial for driver feedback and control. This optimization process is part of the vehicle's overall tuning to enhance the driving experience.

💡Engine sound

Engine sound, particularly how it is perceived inside the cabin, is discussed as an aspect of the Roadster's appeal. The script mentions the absence of a sound enhancer but notes the pleasing sound quality due to less sound insulation. This characteristic contributes to the sports car experience, where engine sound plays a significant role in the sensory feedback to the driver.

💡Color and styling

The script touches on the visual aspects of the Roadster, discussing the choice of a new light gray color and its significance. It reflects on the design philosophy behind selecting colors that match the car's modern and sporty aesthetic while maintaining a sense of lightness appropriate for a Roadster. This discussion underlines the importance of color and styling in complementing the vehicle's overall character and appeal.

Highlights

First significant research finding

Introduction of new theoretical framework

Notable contribution to field