Approached by electronic control, by all means! Try Mazda's new "Roadster" (Mynavi News) --Yahoo! News

Mazda is equipped with a new technology "KPC"!

Mazda has improved the product "Roadster" and introduced a new technology "KPC" to all grades. What kind of technology is KPC, and what has changed the roadster after the introduction? What is the fact that the new electronic control technology is included in the roadster, which was a traditional roadster? I tested and thought. [Photo] The special specification car of the hardtop "RF" is "VS TERRACOTTA SELECTION". The body color is a new color platinum quartz metallic KPC Mazda improved the roadster product in December 2021, and has an automatic opening and closing roof with a roadster (soft top) and a steel plate. Introduced an electronic control function called "KPC" (Kinematic Posture Control) to both of the top models). As a result, the cheapest S has evolved largely, and the attractiveness has become very attractive as a familiar but highly affordable model. The KPC is a function that uses a rear wheel suspension with an anti -lift function, detects the speed difference between the left and right of the rear wheel (rotation speed difference) and lightly applied the brake on the inner wheel side to bring a stable turning posture. Anti -lift means "suppressing lifting", and if this function is applied to the suspension on the rear wheel side, the body will be less likely to be turned forward when the brake is applied and slowed down. In addition to the front wheels, the brake effect of the rear wheels will be further used, resulting in a stable deceleration with four wheels. The aim of KPC is to make the anti -lift power on a curve. In the curve, the body is tilted by centrifugal force, and the inner ring side floats. By suppressing this by the effect of an anti -lift using a brake, reducing the inclination of the curve on the curve to keep the left and right tire contact properties high and stabilizes the body posture. This is the theory of KPC. When I actually drive a vehicle equipped with KPC, I first realize that the straight ahead stability has increased. You might think, "Isn't KPC a function to keep the turning stability?" However, even when running straight, due to the slope of the road surface (for example, the rut of the maboko -shaped road surface to prevent rainwater from accumulating), the swell of the pavement, and the ruts that have been paved over the years, the number of rotations on the left and right tires is used. There are some differences, which disturb the course. Therefore, the driver has unconsciously modified the course with a slight handle operation. That leads to anxiety about driving and causing fatigue. Even when going straight, KPC detects the rotation difference of the left and right tires, applies a slight rear wheel brake, and corrects the inside and outside tire rotation. In other words, it also has the effect of increasing straightness. Therefore, the power of the shoulder is lost when running straight, and it is easy to drive. When operating the handle toward the curve, the course is determined by a single cut and does not fluctuate. For this reason, you can go to the curve with confidence. The car turns in the middle of the curve, so you can maintain the speed by stepping on the accelerator pedal. When heading to the straight road at the curve exit, the course is accurately determined according to the return operation of the steering wheel, so you can gradually enter the acceleration system while stepping on the accelerator pedal. In all of these series of operation operations, unnecessary corrections are omitted, and the car path is set as desired, so you can enjoy a comfortable operation. In particular, in the case of the “990s” special specification vehicle based on the lightest and lowest “S” grades, it keeps the weight of 990 kg less than 1T, and it will be 800 g lighter per unit (3 kg or more for 4 bottles. ) A dedicated specification with a spring constant with a slightly increased spring constant, a dedicated dampper with a slightly weakened dumping force on the extension, and a brembo front brake, an electric power steering that promotes a light handle operation, and responsiveness. By adopting an engine -controlled computer (ECU) that has enhanced, a more responsive and straightforward operation sensation is provided in a stable and stable driving sensation. On the test ride, the kpc was able to compare the kpc, but the difference was so clear that anyone could experience it. Considering that the value has improved significantly, even though it is a low -cost model, it seems that 990S should be bought among roadsters. At the same time as the essential value recognized again with KPC installation, it was also a test drive to realize that the roadster is an open car, but the body rigidity is high. Movement under the spring (part below the spring containing tires and brakes) related to stability depends on how robust the vehicle that can be attached to the suspension is. Even if you use advanced suspension design and high -performance brakes and tires, if the body that can be attached is not solid, the vehicle body will be deformed, resulting in the performance of the spring parts. In that regard, open cars without roofs tend to be disadvantaged. For example, cardboard is sturdy when assembled in a box, even if it is so softer that it is unwilling to be a plate. Last year's Olympics used cardboard beds in the players village. Athlete, who was excellent in physique, was able to sleep with peace of mind because the cardboard was assembled and used in a box. The car is also easy to get a solid rigidity if it is a box with a roof. However, an open car without a roof has a box -shaped ceiling, so it is a weak point in terms of rigidity. It is certain that the first roadster felt it. However, Mazda has focused on the development of roadster for more than 30 years, has been improved, and has repeated model changes over the four generations, so the current roadster's vehicle rigidity has been dramatically increasing. When a KPC -like function is added to the suspension, everyone can realize the results only with excellent vehicle rigidity. KPC is a rear wheel control mechanism. Regardless of the model, the driving stability of the car is responsible for the rear wheels. Only the rear wheel keeps the course stably allows the course to correctly guide the course by steering the front wheels. According to Mazda, being faithful to the basics and simplicity has been the value since the first roadster, and it seems that there was a debate about being armed with electronic control, but if it is, today's car. Cannot run without electronic control. ABS (anti -lock brake system), driving force control, and posture stability control by electronic control are commonplace. In such an era, the idea of ​​ridiculing dependence on electronic control devices has no choice but to be outdated. Both electronic control and artificial intelligence are excellent functions that are useful for everyone if they use clear goals. It's not a method, it's a matter of purpose. In that respect, the Roadster equipped with KPC is an example of a lightweight sports car that can be highly satisfied, not only in the 990S but also in other models. Naomori Mihori Born in Tokyo in 1955. After graduating from Tamagawa University Faculty of Engineering, he joined the race such as the "FL500" and "FJ1600" and became a motor journalist. He writes a wide range of cars, from car technical aspects to society. He is a member of the Japan Car of the Year Selection Committee. He is the deputy representative of the Japan EV Club, a citizen organization that considers the spread of electric vehicles. His books include "Subaru Design" and "Development of Mazda Sky Active Engine".

Naori Mihori