Great video explanation. I have a 2022 MX5 with KPC and it corners a lot better than a 2021 model. I’ve driven them back to back. I don’t like stiff sway bars - fine for the track but increases harshness and bumps for road use. There’s always a down side with them. KPC uses sensors that are already in the car, just has some clever additional software. Really innovative rather than using old 1950s solutions that are a compromise.
I think Mazda should SERIOUSLY consider doing a firmware update for all previous ND years 2019, 2020, 2021 that have the same mechanicals as the 2022 and 2023 model years. It would cost them nothing since all the research and development costs have been baked in. It would be like upgrading to the newest firmware in my Capture 1 editing app. I think if enough people clamor for it Mazda would take notice. It would be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new, beefier suspension components.
I was planning to buy one of the last 2023 Miatas available, but after hearing about the ND3's new asymmetrical diff I really want it. The ND3 does get some desirable upgrades, but the price has gone up a lot, maybe more than I'm willing to pay. In any case, I'm not a fan of brake based torque vectoring. It creates too much potential for wear, not just on the brakes, but also stressing the diff and other drive line parts. The ND3's new asymmetrical diff should eliminate any KPC induced stress on the diff .
This actually reminds me of a technique that is occasionally used on motorcycles in corners. You can lightly drag the rear brake to help stabilize the bike mid corner on sweepers.
Nice video. Clearly demonstrates what it is and how it works without too much fluff, and surprisingly high production quality for such a small channel. As for KPC, it seems like an interesting technology, if not just a rebranding of similar technology that we've seen other manufacturers use and label torque vectoring through braking. Seems like it could help, but if it isn't done well, it could make it feel less predictable and analog. Being Mazda though, I'm sure it's pretty subtle and well tuned. They seem to have this type of stuff nailed (G Vectoring Control, etc)
Yes, it's pretty much brake torque vectoring. It's in plenty of cars, including Porsche and many others. Not sure why Mazda has to rebrand everything. The only downfall I see of Mazda's implementation is that KPC is controlled by the traction control. You don't really notice it much when driving on the streets, but the one place you will notice it is the track, except most people disable traction control when tracking, oh, but wait...KPC also gets disabled along with traction control. What the heck is Mazda thinking?
as a follow up, when I was shopping for my Miata, I tried a 2016 that was stock and my 2019 RF club has progress springs and karcepts front sway bar. Obviously the body roll was really reduced in my 2019. I'm wondering if the KPC would make much more difference given those mods...
Guessing that KOC piggy backs off the EBD system that uses individual wheel speed sensors to activate so perhaps suspension changes won’t affect its operation.
It's unfortunate that the KPC is controlled by traction control, so if traction control is disabled, so is KPC. KPC would be more noticeable on a track, yet most people disable traction control at the track so they can't even use KPC. I feel like it's a pretty poor implementation.
Faster cornering… quite a lot faster in mine compared with the 2021 that doesn’t have KPC. It is the right suspension, latest technology, much better than the usual solutions from the 1950s
Great video explanation.
I have a 2022 MX5 with KPC and it corners a lot better than a 2021 model. I’ve driven them back to back.
I don’t like stiff sway bars - fine for the track but increases harshness and bumps for road use. There’s always a down side with them.
KPC uses sensors that are already in the car, just has some clever additional software. Really innovative rather than using old 1950s solutions that are a compromise.
Excellent explanation of how the system works. Simple, and easy to understand. Well done!
I think Mazda should SERIOUSLY consider doing a firmware update for all previous ND years 2019, 2020, 2021 that have the same mechanicals as the 2022 and 2023 model years. It would cost them nothing since all the research and development costs have been baked in. It would be like upgrading to the newest firmware in my Capture 1 editing app. I think if enough people clamor for it Mazda would take notice. It would be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new, beefier suspension components.
I was planning to buy one of the last 2023 Miatas available, but after hearing about the ND3's new asymmetrical diff I really want it. The ND3 does get some desirable upgrades, but the price has gone up a lot, maybe more than I'm willing to pay. In any case, I'm not a fan of brake based torque vectoring. It creates too much potential for wear, not just on the brakes, but also stressing the diff and other drive line parts. The ND3's new asymmetrical diff should eliminate any KPC induced stress on the diff .
This actually reminds me of a technique that is occasionally used on motorcycles in corners. You can lightly drag the rear brake to help stabilize the bike mid corner on sweepers.
Nice video. Clearly demonstrates what it is and how it works without too much fluff, and surprisingly high production quality for such a small channel. As for KPC, it seems like an interesting technology, if not just a rebranding of similar technology that we've seen other manufacturers use and label torque vectoring through braking. Seems like it could help, but if it isn't done well, it could make it feel less predictable and analog. Being Mazda though, I'm sure it's pretty subtle and well tuned. They seem to have this type of stuff nailed (G Vectoring Control, etc)
Yes, it's pretty much brake torque vectoring. It's in plenty of cars, including Porsche and many others. Not sure why Mazda has to rebrand everything. The only downfall I see of Mazda's implementation is that KPC is controlled by the traction control. You don't really notice it much when driving on the streets, but the one place you will notice it is the track, except most people disable traction control when tracking, oh, but wait...KPC also gets disabled along with traction control. What the heck is Mazda thinking?
we need this freebie on every mazda
Hey James, nice presentation! My question is how can I get Google Drive or Android Auto for my 2022 Miata?
Nice job James. Since it's software related, I wonder (and hope) if Mazda can mod our pre-2022 ND's so the KPC might be available to us as well?
as a follow up, when I was shopping for my Miata, I tried a 2016 that was stock and my 2019 RF club has progress springs and karcepts front sway bar. Obviously the body roll was really reduced in my 2019. I'm wondering if the KPC would make much more difference given those mods...
Guessing that KOC piggy backs off the EBD system that uses individual wheel speed sensors to activate so perhaps suspension changes won’t affect its operation.
I have a Miata 2.0 ND1, fixed the high body roll with Ohlins R&T, now great to drive but unfortunately quite expensive
Excellent explanation!👍
If it is just a software thing, I wonder if there is a way to retrofit it to a 2021 model (like mine, lol)
What about reduced fuel efficiency? Small impact but still... Thoughts?
There shouldn't be any reduced fuel efficiency with this.
Awesome video
It's unfortunate that the KPC is controlled by traction control, so if traction control is disabled, so is KPC. KPC would be more noticeable on a track, yet most people disable traction control at the track so they can't even use KPC. I feel like it's a pretty poor implementation.
The problem is it doesn't work if you turn off the traction control.I own a new MD and no one talks about this.
So slower corner and more brake wear? Just put the right suspension in.
Faster cornering… quite a lot faster in mine compared with the 2021 that doesn’t have KPC. It is the right suspension, latest technology, much better than the usual solutions from the 1950s