VWVortex

Links back to The Car Lounge (opens in same window)
+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 29 of 29

Thread: The Archive: Autozam (Mazda) AZ-1

  1. MEIN_VW
    MEIN_VW is offline
    Senior Member MEIN_VW's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 29th, 2000
    Location
    Bradford, Ontario
    Posts
    20,186
    Vehicles
    2003 Passat 1.8T, 2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition

    The Archive: Autozam (Mazda) AZ-1

    10-26-2008 11:24 PM #1
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  3. andlf
    andlf is offline
    Member andlf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 5th, 2008
    Location
    ctg
    Posts
    5,381
    Vehicles
    cah

    Re: The Archive: Autozam (Mazda) AZ-1 (MEIN_VW)

    10-27-2008 07:41 AM #2
    wasn't there a feature in "CAR" mag on this too?
    cool looking minicar!

    wasn't hp around 68-69?

    Quote Originally Posted by VadGTI View Post
    Sent from a rotary-dial phone using Edna the Small Town Operator
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  4. RabbitsKin
    RabbitsKin is offline
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 11th, 2003
    Location
    Winchester, VA
    Posts
    9,811
    Vehicles
    964

    Re: The Archive: Autozam (andlf)

    10-27-2008 08:39 AM #3
    There was an excellent Robert Cumberford article from years ago, Automobile Magazine iirc. He described what was truly unique about this car, which was the manufacturing process. It was the first time in modern memory that whole subassemblies of a vehicle had been designed separately and farmed-out to different suppliers. The subassemblies would arrive from different locations for final assembly under one roof. At the time, this was a testament to newly-developed CAD processes and Just-In-Time manufacturing.

    I have searched and searched online, but can't find that article.

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  5. MEIN_VW
    MEIN_VW is offline
    Senior Member MEIN_VW's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 29th, 2000
    Location
    Bradford, Ontario
    Posts
    20,186
    Vehicles
    2003 Passat 1.8T, 2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition

    Re: The Archive: Autozam (andlf)

    10-27-2008 10:50 AM #4
    Quote, originally posted by andlf »
    wasn't there a feature in "CAR" mag on this too?
    cool looking minicar!

    I'll have to take a look through my back issues and see if I have it.

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  6. trigtm
    trigtm is offline
    Member trigtm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 20th, 2006
    Location
    Boston
    Posts
    1,087
    Vehicles
    97 854R, 98 V70R
    Send a message via AIM to trigtm
    10-27-2008 12:57 PM #5
    Were these ever sold in the US? I wonder what one would go for now, if you could even locate one.
    Quote Originally Posted by lago_b View Post
    You don't own a Sawzall? I suppose you don't own a wet/dry vac either, and Friday nights consist of a Sex and the City marathon, Cherry Garcia, and a good douching before bed? You must go get a Sawzall, son.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  7. DISI 2.3T
    DISI 2.3T is offline
    Member DISI 2.3T's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 22nd, 2004
    Location
    Charlotte
    Posts
    2,738
    Vehicles
    2008 Mazdaspeed 3

    Re: (trigtm)

    10-27-2008 12:59 PM #6
    I have an unhealthy obsession with Kei Cars.

    I would love to sit in the AZ-1. I think they even made a Mazdaspeed version!

    My legend dates back to the 12th Century you see. My legend is quite old. The 12th Century was a long time ago. It was summer and so cold from the snow because it was actually winter or maybe it was Monday. It could have been a Thursday or possibly a Saturday or was it Tuesday though it could have been Wednesday or a Monday.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  8. Sledge
    Sledge is offline
    Member Sledge's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 15th, 2005
    Location
    South Beloit, IL
    Posts
    13,867
    Vehicles
    2010 Toyota Prius IV (powered by gas, electricity, and MAXIMUM SMUG), 1994 Mazda Miata M-Edition

    Re: The Archive: Autozam (Mazda) AZ-1 (MEIN_VW)

    10-27-2008 01:01 PM #7
    The AZ-1 is *sooooooooooooooooo* cute! I want to hug it.

    "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering."
    - Doctor Who (Fourth Doctor) "Face of Evil"
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  9. MEIN_VW
    MEIN_VW is offline
    Senior Member MEIN_VW's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 29th, 2000
    Location
    Bradford, Ontario
    Posts
    20,186
    Vehicles
    2003 Passat 1.8T, 2004 Jetta TDI Sport Edition

    Re: (trigtm)

    10-27-2008 01:06 PM #8
    Quote, originally posted by trigtm »
    Were these ever sold in the US?

    Are you kidding me?

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  10. FastGTi
    FastGTi is offline
    Member FastGTi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 16th, 1999
    Location
    Falls Church, VA
    Posts
    8,125
    Vehicles
    2009 MINI Cooper JCW

    FV-QR

    10-27-2008 01:06 PM #9
    Here's one next to a Fiat 500

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  11. axe
    axe is offline
    Member axe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 29th, 2005
    Location
    Moncton, Canada
    Posts
    13,041
    Vehicles
    2009 Fit, 1972 CB750 K2

    FV-QR

    10-27-2008 01:11 PM #10
    I love those things thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much. I want one.
    █ ♣ █ + ███ | Sunlight on chrome, the blur of the landscape... every nerve aware
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  12. PocketAce
    PocketAce is offline
    Member PocketAce's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 24th, 2007
    Posts
    655

    Re: FV-QR (axe)

    10-27-2008 01:13 PM #11
    I am obsessed with the Autozam. I want one RIGHT NOW.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  13. andlf
    andlf is offline
    Member andlf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 5th, 2008
    Location
    ctg
    Posts
    5,381
    Vehicles
    cah

    Re: FV-QR (PocketAce)

    10-27-2008 01:23 PM #12
    Quote, originally posted by FastGTi »
    Here's one next to a Fiat 500




    Modified by andlf at 1:27 PM 10-27-2008

    Quote Originally Posted by VadGTI View Post
    Sent from a rotary-dial phone using Edna the Small Town Operator
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  14. HerrGolf
    HerrGolf is offline
    Member HerrGolf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 30th, 2002
    Location
    Columbus, Jugoslavija
    Posts
    5,955
    Vehicles
    2000 Civic D16Y7
    Send a message via AIM to HerrGolf

    Re: FV-QR (FastGTi)

    10-27-2008 01:45 PM #13
    Quote, originally posted by FastGTi »
    Here's one next to a Fiat 500


    I can't decide if this an example of just how small the AZ-1 is or how bloated even "superminis" have become?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  15. andlf
    andlf is offline
    Member andlf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 5th, 2008
    Location
    ctg
    Posts
    5,381
    Vehicles
    cah

    Re: FV-QR (HerrGolf)

    10-29-2008 07:58 AM #14
    Quote, originally posted by HerrGolf »

    I can't decide if this an example of just how small the AZ-1 is or how bloated even "superminis" have become?

    both!

    Quote Originally Posted by VadGTI View Post
    Sent from a rotary-dial phone using Edna the Small Town Operator
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  16. capsaicin
    capsaicin is offline
    Member capsaicin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 31st, 2007
    Location
    Columbus, OH
    Posts
    1,236
    Vehicles
    1.8 CEL

    FV-QR

    10-29-2008 08:19 AM #15
    I
    want
    this

    I have one in Forza for kicks

    "There is no moral. It's just a bunch of stuff that happens."
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  17. matches
    matches is offline
    Member matches's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 17th, 2005
    Location
    Wisco
    Posts
    2,708
    Vehicles
    TT // 919
    Send a message via AIM to matches

    Re: FV-QR (HerrGolf)

    10-29-2008 08:27 AM #16
    Quote, originally posted by HerrGolf »

    I can't decide if this an example of just how small the AZ-1 is or how bloated even "superminis" have become?

    This, and I'd like to see both of them next to an "old" 500 just for reference. And make sure there's a bat in the picture, because it's almost Halloween.

    Cool car, though. I am pretty sure there is one in either my Forza or GT garage as well.

    I like things with two wheels and things with four wheels.

    Curvy | Pointy | Chirpy
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  18. KeiCar
    KeiCar is offline
    Member KeiCar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 22nd, 2002
    Location
    Philly (past & present) -- Bangkok, HK, Singapore (future).
    Posts
    9,148
    Vehicles
    2000 Honda CRV SE / 2012 Samsung Galaxy S3

    FV-QR

    10-29-2008 08:29 AM #17
    I LOVE this thread soo much.
    Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. A normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop heart. Make the bastard chase you. He will follow.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  19. gtivr4
    gtivr4 is offline
    Member gtivr4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 22nd, 2000
    Posts
    16,971
    Vehicles
    90 Miata, 97 M3 sedan

    Re: FV-QR (JDMpire)

    10-29-2008 09:10 AM #18
    I really wonder how many Mazda would have sold in the US if it could have. 10? 20?

    I'd love to own one. Maybe I need to go back to New Zealand and see if I can source one!

    1990 Miata
    1997 BMW M3 baby hauler
    2018(No, Really!) Locost 247
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  20. KeiCar
    KeiCar is offline
    Member KeiCar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 22nd, 2002
    Location
    Philly (past & present) -- Bangkok, HK, Singapore (future).
    Posts
    9,148
    Vehicles
    2000 Honda CRV SE / 2012 Samsung Galaxy S3

    Re: FV-QR (gtivr4)

    10-29-2008 09:42 AM #19
    Quote, originally posted by gtivr4 »
    I really wonder how many Mazda would have sold in the US if it could have. 10? 20?

    I'd love to own one. Maybe I need to go back to New Zealand and see if I can source one!

    More like 3... haha. I'll take one though, along with a cappuccino

    Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. A normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop heart. Make the bastard chase you. He will follow.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  21. BRealistic
    BRealistic is offline
    Geriatric Member BRealistic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 16th, 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    59,331
    Vehicles
    88 F150, 04 RX8

    Re: (DISI 2.3T)

    10-29-2008 01:29 PM #20
    Quote, originally posted by DISI 2.3T »
    I have an unhealthy obsession with Kei Cars.

    I would love to sit in the AZ-1. I think they even made a Mazdaspeed version!

    Wait- was Mazdaspeed around in the mid 90s? And this class of car had a mandated peak horsepower IIRC. So a Mazdaspeed model would be what?

    and Suzuki also sold this for one year as the Suzuki Cara IIRC.

    |˙˙ʇǝuɹǝʇuı ǝɥʇ uo ʇxǝʇ uʍop ǝpısdn ɯopuɐɹ pɐǝɹ noʎ :ǝɯıʇ ǝǝɹɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ ʎɐʍ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ןןǝʇ oʇ ʍoɥ˙˙˙|http://hotlinktest.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  22. nickthaskater
    nickthaskater is offline
    Member nickthaskater's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 17th, 2007
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    11,363
    Vehicles
    An imaginary one

    Re: (BRealistic)

    10-29-2008 01:42 PM #21
    I've seen a couple here in Vancouver. They are indeed microscopic, but their awesome factor is massive <3

    Oh to be short...

    flickr Blogger YouTube
    XBL Gamertag: nickthaskater
    Forza 4 - FI to NA Swap Car List
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  23. BRealistic
    BRealistic is offline
    Geriatric Member BRealistic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 16th, 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    59,331
    Vehicles
    88 F150, 04 RX8

    Re: (nickthaskater)

    10-29-2008 08:06 PM #22
    Quote, originally posted by nickthaskater »

    Oh to be short...

    and narrow. These things are not very wide inside.

    I posted that pic next to the motorcycle because it illustrates nicely just how the AZ-1 resembles a gocart with a body.

    |˙˙ʇǝuɹǝʇuı ǝɥʇ uo ʇxǝʇ uʍop ǝpısdn ɯopuɐɹ pɐǝɹ noʎ :ǝɯıʇ ǝǝɹɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ ʎɐʍ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ןןǝʇ oʇ ʍoɥ˙˙˙|http://hotlinktest.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  24. bhtooefr
    bhtooefr is offline
    Member bhtooefr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 22nd, 2005
    Location
    Newark, OH
    Posts
    17,380
    Vehicles
    99.5 Golf TDI 2dr, 92 Miata, 11 TerraTrike Path 8
    Send a message via AIM to bhtooefr
    10-29-2008 08:11 PM #23
    Next question... how the hell did that end up being 1600 pounds?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  25. BRealistic
    BRealistic is offline
    Geriatric Member BRealistic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 16th, 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    59,331
    Vehicles
    88 F150, 04 RX8

    Re: (bhtooefr)

    10-29-2008 08:21 PM #24
    Quote, originally posted by bhtooefr »
    Next question... how the hell did that end up being 1600 pounds?

    probably for the same reason this weighed 2400lbs (50% more than the AZ-1).

    Just because they are small doesn't mean they don't have everything a normal car has- albeit in 3/4 size.

    |˙˙ʇǝuɹǝʇuı ǝɥʇ uo ʇxǝʇ uʍop ǝpısdn ɯopuɐɹ pɐǝɹ noʎ :ǝɯıʇ ǝǝɹɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ ʎɐʍ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ןןǝʇ oʇ ʍoɥ˙˙˙|http://hotlinktest.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  26. jonkarter
    jonkarter is offline
    Member
    Join Date
    Apr 19th, 2007
    Posts
    1,237

    Re: (bhtooefr)

    10-29-2008 08:31 PM #25
    Quote, originally posted by bhtooefr »
    Next question... how the hell did that end up being 1600 pounds?

    really easy, you make it a death trap

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  27. BRealistic
    BRealistic is offline
    Geriatric Member BRealistic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 16th, 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    59,331
    Vehicles
    88 F150, 04 RX8

    Re: (jonkarter)

    11-01-2008 10:01 PM #26
    Quote, originally posted by jonkarter »

    really easy, you make it a death trap


    And the Lotus Elise is any better?

    |˙˙ʇǝuɹǝʇuı ǝɥʇ uo ʇxǝʇ uʍop ǝpısdn ɯopuɐɹ pɐǝɹ noʎ :ǝɯıʇ ǝǝɹɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ ʎɐʍ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ןןǝʇ oʇ ʍoɥ˙˙˙|http://hotlinktest.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  28. bhtooefr
    bhtooefr is offline
    Member bhtooefr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 22nd, 2005
    Location
    Newark, OH
    Posts
    17,380
    Vehicles
    99.5 Golf TDI 2dr, 92 Miata, 11 TerraTrike Path 8
    Send a message via AIM to bhtooefr
    11-01-2008 10:06 PM #27
    jonkarter: No, I'm thinking 1600 pounds for that is heavy, not lightweight.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  29. BRealistic
    BRealistic is offline
    Geriatric Member BRealistic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 16th, 2005
    Location
    Tennessee
    Posts
    59,331
    Vehicles
    88 F150, 04 RX8

    Re: (bhtooefr)

    11-01-2008 10:09 PM #28
    Quote, originally posted by bhtooefr »
    jonkarter: No, I'm thinking 1600 pounds for that is heavy, not lightweight.

    That's how I interpreted your post.

    Can you show an example of another 'modern' normally equipped similar sized car that weighs significantly less, even without gullwing doors?

    |˙˙ʇǝuɹǝʇuı ǝɥʇ uo ʇxǝʇ uʍop ǝpısdn ɯopuɐɹ pɐǝɹ noʎ :ǝɯıʇ ǝǝɹɟ ɥɔnɯ ooʇ ʎɐʍ ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ןןǝʇ oʇ ʍoɥ˙˙˙|http://hotlinktest.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
  30. InfinitiG
    InfinitiG is offline
    Member InfinitiG's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 7th, 2006
    Location
    Minneapolis
    Posts
    4,908
    Vehicles
    RSX Type-S

    Re: (BRealistic)

    11-01-2008 10:36 PM #29
    That car is GNARLY, like it.

    Lets get a modern version mazda, or shall I say Autozam

    PSN: Silviatzero
    "I've got an idea for sweat shops: air conditioning! Problem solved."
    RSX-S
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote  
+ Reply to Thread
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Forum Rules