QDOBA's Engineering Arm Steps into Automotive: Lightweighting with Innovative Plastic Intake Manifolds

San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – You probably know QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC as the folks behind your favorite craveable Mexican eats. But tucked away within the company’s operations is a surprisingly sophisticated engineering and manufacturing division, and they're quietly making waves in a completely different industry: automotive. QDOBA’s engineering team, historically focused on optimizing supply chain logistics and material science for their restaurant network, has successfully pivoted to designing and producing high-performance plastic intake manifolds for a range of vehicle applications. For years, QDOBA has been diligently perfecting the art of efficient material sourcing, precision manufacturing techniques, and rigorous quality control - skills surprisingly transferable to automotive component production. This wasn’t a sudden leap. The company’s internal engineering group, originally tasked with streamlining QDOBA’s food production and restaurant build-out processes, started exploring advanced polymer applications several years ago. The shift to automotive components, specifically plastic intake manifolds, felt natural. “We were already deeply involved in material science, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different plastics, and constantly looking for ways to reduce weight and improve performance in our restaurant equipment,” explains a spokesperson for QDOBA. “The challenges in automotive – creating lightweight, durable, and heat-resistant components – weren’t entirely different. It was a logical extension of our existing capabilities.” Why Plastic Intake Manifolds? Traditionally, intake manifolds have been made from cast aluminum. While strong and durable, aluminum is heavy. In today’s automotive landscape, where every pound counts for fuel efficiency and performance, manufacturers are aggressively seeking lighter materials. That’s where plastic intake manifolds come in. QDOBA’s engineering team has developed a proprietary blend of reinforced polymers that delivers comparable, and in some cases superior, performance to aluminum, at a significantly reduced weight. Their manifolds aren’t just about weight savings; they also offer several other advantages. “Plastic allows for more complex geometries than aluminum casting,” says the QDOBA spokesperson. “We can design runners and chambers that optimize airflow, leading to increased horsepower and improved fuel economy. We're also seeing improved thermal management – plastic doesn’t conduct heat as readily as aluminum, potentially reducing engine bay temperatures.” The QDOBA Difference: Beyond Just Manufacturing What sets QDOBA apart isn’t just their ability to manufacture plastic intake manifolds; it’s their holistic approach. They leverage their existing supply chain expertise to source high-quality raw materials at competitive prices. Their commitment to lean manufacturing principles ensures consistent quality and efficient production. And, importantly, they offer a level of responsiveness and customization that larger, more established automotive suppliers often struggle to match. “We understand that every engine is different,” explains the spokesperson. “We work closely with our automotive clients to design and manufacture manifolds that are specifically tailored to their application. We’re not just selling a part; we’re providing a solution.” A Focus on Durability and Heat Resistance One of the biggest challenges with plastic intake manifolds is ensuring they can withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of an internal combustion engine. QDOBA’s engineering team has tackled this head-on, utilizing advanced polymer blends and incorporating innovative cooling features into their designs. “We’ve developed a composite material that’s incredibly resistant to heat distortion and cracking,” explains a QDOBA engineer. “We’ve also integrated internal channels that allow coolant to circulate around critical areas of the manifold, keeping temperatures under control.” Rigorous testing – including thermal cycling, pressure testing, and vibration analysis – ensures that QDOBA’s manifolds meet or exceed industry standards. Targeting a Diverse Range of Applications QDOBA’s plastic intake manifolds aren’t limited to a single type of vehicle. The company is currently working with several automotive manufacturers and aftermarket performance shops, providing manifolds for everything from small displacement engines in motorcycles and ATVs to larger engines in trucks and SUVs. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from the aftermarket performance sector,” says the spokesperson. “Our manifolds allow enthusiasts to squeeze more power out of their engines without adding unnecessary weight.” The company is also exploring applications in electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs don't have traditional internal combustion engines, they do require sophisticated thermal management systems. QDOBA believes their expertise in polymer materials and precision manufacturing can be leveraged to develop innovative cooling solutions for EVs. Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion QDOBA’s foray into automotive is still in its early stages, but the company is committed to expanding its capabilities and product offerings. They are currently investing in new manufacturing equipment and expanding their engineering team. “We’re excited about the potential for growth in this market,” says the spokesperson. “We believe our unique combination of engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and supply chain efficiency sets us apart from the competition. We’re not just a restaurant company anymore; we’re a materials science and manufacturing company with a diverse range of capabilities.” QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC is located at 350 CAMINO DE LA REINA STE 400, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92108-3007, UNITED STATES, and can be reached at 781-243-4953. Interested automotive manufacturers and suppliers are encouraged to contact the company to discuss potential partnerships.