Mazda R360

Mazda R360[1]
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	1960–1966
Assembly	Hiroshima Assembly, Hiroshima, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	kei car
Body style	2-door, 4-seat sedan
Layout	RR layout
Powertrain
Engine	356 cc V-twin
Transmission	4-speed manual 2-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Length	2,980 mm (117.3 in)
Width	1,290 mm (50.8 in)
Height	1,290 mm (50.8 in)
Curb weight	380 kg (838 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Mazda P360

The Mazda R360 is a kei car that was produced by Mazda. It was Mazda's first real car - a two-door, four-seat coupé. Introduced in 1960, it featured a short 69 inch (1753 mm) wheelbase and weighed just 838 lb (380 kg). It was powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled 356 cc V-twin engine putting out about 16 hp (12 kW)^[1] and 16 lb·ft (22 Nm) of torque. The car was capable of about 52 mph (84 km/h). It had a 4-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission.^[1] The suspension, front and rear, was rubber "springs" and torsion bars.

Within a few years of introducing the R360, Mazda had captured much of the lightweight (kei car) market in Japan. It was augmented by the Mazda P360 "Carol" 2+2 in 1962, as well as a convertible version in 1964. Production of the R360 lasted for six years.

B360 Pickup

The B360 was a pickup truck bodystyle based on parts of the R360 coupé. It used the same 356 cc engine, but mounted it in front with rear wheel drive. Like most pickups, it used a rigid rear axle and leaf spring suspension. The engine was replaced with the Carol's 358 cc I4 in 1964, and the B360 was replaced by the Mazda E360 in 1967.

A larger B600 pickup was introduced for the export market. It used a 577 cc version of the V-twin.

References

1. "Mazda R360 Coupe". 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology. Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. 2007. Retrieved 14 January 2013. External link in |work= (help)

V-twin engine, Mazda R360 Coupe

External links

• Mazda R360 Coupe, promotional photo c. 1960