QDOBA's Unexpected Leap into Automotive: Pioneering Plastic Intake Manifolds for Enhanced Engine Performance

San Diego, CA – November 8, 2023 – You might know QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC as the folks behind your favorite customizable Mexican eats, but get this – they're quietly making waves in a completely different industry: automotive engineering! While many associate the company with flavorful burritos and bowls, QDOBA has been quietly investing in and perfecting a revolutionary product: high-performance plastic intake manifolds. Yep, you read that right. The same team dedicated to perfecting your lunch is now focused on perfecting engine airflow. It sounds crazy, but there’s a lot of smart thinking behind it, and early testing is turning heads in the automotive world. From Chipotle to Cylinders: A Surprising Pivot? “People are understandably surprised,” admits a spokesperson for QDOBA, based out of their San Diego headquarters (350 Camino de la Reina Ste 400, 92108-3007). “But when you break it down, it’s all about precision, material science, and delivering a consistent, high-quality product. We've built a strong team in supply chain and manufacturing supporting hundreds of restaurants, and that expertise translates surprisingly well to engineered plastic components." The company isn’t abandoning its restaurant business, of course. Think of this as a smart diversification, leveraging existing strengths and applying them to a new, growing market. They've been operating a separate, specialized division focused on automotive components for the past two years, quietly refining their plastic intake manifold design. You can reach them at 781-243-4953 if you are interested. What is an Intake Manifold, and Why Plastic? For those not in the know, the intake manifold is a crucial part of your engine. It’s basically the pathway that delivers air to the cylinders, where it gets mixed with fuel for combustion. Traditionally, these manifolds have been made of metal – usually aluminum. But QDOBA’s team saw an opportunity to improve on that. “Metal is strong, sure, but it's heavy and conducts heat,” explains lead engineer, Dr. Anya Sharma. “Our plastic manifolds offer several key advantages. First, they're significantly lighter, which improves fuel efficiency. Second, plastic is a much better insulator, keeping intake air cooler, leading to denser air and more power. Finally, plastic allows for more complex shapes and smoother internal surfaces, optimizing airflow.” The QDOBA Advantage: Engineered for Performance QDOBA isn't just slapping some plastic together. This isn't your off-the-shelf auto parts store manifold. The company is utilizing a specialized, high-strength, heat-resistant polymer that’s incredibly durable and designed to withstand the extreme conditions inside an engine. They've spent months perfecting the material composition and manufacturing process. “We're not talking about your standard plastic here,” Dr. Sharma emphasizes. “This is a highly engineered thermoplastic, reinforced with carbon fiber and other additives. It’s been rigorously tested to ensure it can handle the heat, pressure, and vibrations of a running engine.” Here’s a breakdown of the benefits QDOBA’s plastic intake manifolds offer: Weight Reduction: Up to 30% lighter than comparable aluminum manifolds, leading to improved fuel economy and vehicle performance. Improved Airflow: Smoother internal surfaces and optimized runner designs minimize airflow restriction, maximizing horsepower and torque. Reduced Engine Temperature: Plastic’s insulating properties keep intake air cooler, increasing air density and combustion efficiency. Corrosion Resistance: Plastic is inherently resistant to corrosion, extending the life of the manifold. Cost-Effective Manufacturing: Plastic injection molding allows for complex shapes to be produced efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional metal casting. Beyond Performance: Sustainability Considerations While performance is a key driver, QDOBA also highlights the sustainability benefits of their plastic manifolds. "Reducing vehicle weight is a significant way to improve fuel efficiency, and our manifolds contribute to that," says a company representative. "Plus, plastic, when properly recycled, offers a lower environmental impact than metal production. We're committed to responsible material sourcing and end-of-life recycling programs." Testing and Validation: Real-World Results QDOBA’s manifolds aren’t just theoretical designs. The company has been conducting extensive dyno testing and real-world road tests with a variety of engines, including both naturally aspirated and turbocharged applications. “We’ve seen consistent gains in horsepower and torque across the board,” says Dr. Sharma. “In some cases, we’ve seen improvements of up to 5-7% in peak power. But more importantly, we’ve seen improvements in throttle response and overall drivability.” Early results have been promising, with independent testing confirming QDOBA’s claims of improved performance and fuel efficiency. Several automotive tuners and aftermarket parts retailers have already expressed interest in carrying the QDOBA manifolds. What's Next for QDOBA Automotive? The company is currently focusing on expanding its product line to cover a wider range of engine types and vehicle applications. They’re also exploring the development of other plastic engine components, such as throttle bodies and air intake systems. “We believe there’s a huge potential for plastic to revolutionize the automotive industry,” says the company spokesperson. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and delivering innovative products that improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability.” While it may seem like an odd pairing – a fast-casual restaurant chain and automotive engineering – QDOBA is proving that with the right expertise and a willingness to think outside the box, anything is possible. So next time you’re enjoying a burrito, remember – the same company might just be helping to power your engine. Availability: QDOBA Automotive manifolds are currently available for pre-order through select automotive tuners and retailers. Visit [Hypothetical Website - QDOBA Automotive] for more information and to find a dealer near you. (This is a placeholder, as QDOBA does not currently have a dedicated automotive website).