With tightening restrictions on fuel economy and emissions, car makers have been getting a little, well, creative to make their cars more efficient. For example, early next year, Mazda will introduce the 2012 Mazda CX-5. And, aside from being a highly-anticipated new model from the Japanese automaker, it will be the first production vehicle to implement ultra-high tensile steel in its framework.

So, how will this help? With ultra-high tensile steel in the body of the crossover, the CX-5 will be not only be stronger, but lighter. The steel will be used to construct the bumper beams, which are 20-percent stronger and 10.5-lbs lighter than previous model bumpers. Because it's more pliant than regular steel, it will better absorb energy during a crash. In combination with Mazda's new design structure for the bumpers, vehicle occupants will be safer in case of a collision.

We know that a lighter vehicle will ease fuel consumption, but according Motor Authority, the reduction in bumper beam weight will also impact overall performance. One reviewer says, "As they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle's center of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and responsiveness."¹

The new ultra-high tensile steel is an integral part of Mazda's plan to produce lightweight, highly-rigid vehicle bodies. The more rigid vehicles will also be released in conjunction with Mazda's super-efficient SkyActiv technology, and will be used in most new Mazda models from here on out.

Pretty cool, right? Schaumburg Mazda thinks so too. Which is why we invite you to come see us at 110 W Golf Rd Schaumburg, IL 60195; we're happy to give you a tour of all the new Mazda models in our showroom, including the all-new MAZDA3 with SkyActiv technology.

Source: ¹http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1066864_mazda-first-automaker-to-implement-ultra-high-tensile-steel/