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2016 – MX-5 – Body and Accessories

BODY SHELL

Purpose

• The following structures have been adopted to absorb impact efficiently in the event of a collision and to suppress cabin deformation.

• Straight structure which achieves both high strength and weight reduction

• Multi-load path structure which assures a high level of collision absorption

• A cross-shaped sectional front bumper reinforcement crush can and front side frames have been adopted which effectively absorb impact energy during a frontal collision and suppress cabin deformation.

Structural View

Construction

Straight structure

• The straight-shape frames create a continuous configuration from the front to the rear.

Multi-load path structure

• Impact energy in a collision is dispersed in multiple directions and absorbed effectively.

• To disperse and absorb frontal impact energy at the engine compartment, the following two paths have been established at the vehicle front (front frame).

Upper path

• The upper path disperses and absorbs frontal impact energy from the front frame to the side body and floor.

Lower path

• Not only the body parts, the front crossmember is also used to absorb impact energy. The lower path disperses and absorbs frontal impact energy from the front frame to B frame.

• The dashboard member is used to absorb impact energy in addition to the body frame. The dashboard member absorbs impact energy from the hinge pillar during a side-impact collision.

• The following has been achieved by supporting the rear side frame front which supports the door using the crossmember No.3 component and center floor panel component.

• The overall rigidity has been enhanced to prevent cabin deformation.

• The path for efficiently absorbing and dispersing side impact energy is assured.

Cross sectional shape

• The strength is enhanced by increasing the number of ridges even using a steel plate of the same thickness. By utilizing this characteristic, the cross-section of the front bumper reinforcement crush can and front side frames is cross-shaped, achieving both high impact energy absorption and weight reduction.

Fail-safe

• Not applicable

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