Mazda R360

Mazda R360 Coupé[1]
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	1960–1966
Assembly	Hiroshima Assembly, Hiroshima, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Kei car
Body style	2-door coupé
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 manufactured and marketed by Mazda as the company's first passenger car — a two-door, four-seat coupé. Introduced in 1960, the R360 featured a 1,760 mm (69.3 in) wheelbase, weighed 380 kg (838 lb) and was powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled 356 cc V-twin engine producing 16 PS (12 kW)[1] and 22 N⋅m (16 lb⋅ft) of torque. The car was capable of 84 km/h (52 mph)[2] and featured a 4-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission.[1] The suspension, front and rear, was rubber "springs" and torsion bars.^[citation needed]

Within a few years of introducing the R360, Mazda had captured much of the lightweight (kei car) market in Japan. The R360 was augmented by the Mazda P360 "Carol" two-door and four-door sedan in 1962. Production of the R360 lasted for six years.

V-twin engine, Mazda R360 Coupé

Specification

There were two variants of the Mazda R360, officially known as KRBB and KRBC.[3] Both variants were very similar visually, however the first generation, KRBB came with a 4-speed manual transmission, whereas the second generation KRBC came with a 2-speed "TORQ DRIVE" automatic transmission.

Mazda R360 "TORQ DRIVE" emblem

Mazda R360 Performance[4]

Maximum Speed	Minimum Turning Radius	Fuel Consumption (with 2 passengers)	Braking Distance
95km/h (85km/h)	4.0m	32km/L (25km/L)	13m(50km/h)

Engine[5]

Type	Bore x Stroke	Displacement	Compression Ratio	Maximum BHP	Maximum Torque
Forced Air-cooled,2-Cylinder,4-Cycle,90degree V	60 x 63mm	356cc	8.0	16ps/5300rpm	2.2kgm/4000rpm

Interior and exterior colours

Exterior

The standard Mazda R360 came in 3 different exterior whole-body colours; Opal Green, Maroon Rouge and Somerset Blue. [6]

The non-standard Deluxe Mazda R360 came in multi colour variants; Blue and Cream and Red and Cream. [7]

Interior

For the interior of the Mazda R360, the official colour choices were Red or Blue. These colour options were available for the seats, carpet and inner door panels.[8]

B360 Pickup

Main article: Mazda B360

The B360 was a pickup truck bodystyle based on parts of the R360 Coupé. It used the same 356 cc engine, but in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. 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 Mazda V-twin.

References

1. "Mazda R360 Coupe". [240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology]. Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. 2007. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
2. Dimartino, Marco (2020-03-11). "Mazda R360 Coupe: la storia di successo della prima autovettura" [Mazda R360 Coupe: the success story of the first passenger car]. Quotidiano Motori (in Italian). H Fusion Media & Communications Limited. Archived from the original on 2020-10-12.
3. "Mazda R360 - Specification". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
4. "Mazda R360 - Specification". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
5. "Mazda R360 - Specification". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
6. "Mazda R360 - Colours". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
7. "Mazda R360 - Colours". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
8. "Mazda R360 - Colours". www.mazdar360.com. Retrieved 2022-10-04.

External links