QDOBA’s Unexpected Pivot: Revolutionizing Engine Performance with Advanced Plastic Intake Manifolds

San Diego, CA – November 8, 2023 – You probably know QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC as the folks behind your favorite customizable Mexican eats. But hold on to your hats, because they've quietly been cooking up something very different under the hood – literally. QDOBA, headquartered in San Diego, California, is making a surprising splash in the automotive industry with its newly developed line of high-performance plastic intake manifolds. Yep, you read that right. The company famous for burrito bowls is now engineering parts for cars and trucks. So, how did this happen? It’s a story of smart diversification and leveraging unexpected expertise. For years, QDOBA (yes, the food chain!) has quietly housed a dedicated engineering and materials science team. This team initially focused on optimizing food handling, temperature control, and the durability of materials used in their restaurants – think innovative condiment dispensers, incredibly resilient serving bowls, and maintaining food quality even during peak lunch rushes. Turns out, those skills are highly transferable. “We realized we had a really talented group of engineers and material specialists who were basically solving complex design and durability challenges every day,” explains a QDOBA spokesperson. “We were constantly pushing the boundaries of plastic molding, thermal resistance, and structural integrity. It didn’t take long to see those skills could be applied to other industries.” And they landed on automotive. Specifically, intake manifolds. What is an Intake Manifold, and Why Plastic? For those who aren’t gearheads, the intake manifold is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine. It’s responsible for delivering the air-fuel mixture to the cylinders, and its design dramatically impacts engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Traditionally, intake manifolds have been made of metal – aluminum being the most common. But QDOBA’s team saw an opportunity. They believed advanced plastics could offer several advantages: Weight Reduction: Plastic is significantly lighter than aluminum. Reducing weight, even by a few pounds, can improve fuel economy and handling. Cost Savings: Manufacturing complex plastic parts can be more cost-effective than machining aluminum, especially for intricate designs. Design Freedom: Plastics allow for more complex geometries and integrated features that are difficult or impossible to achieve with metal. This opens the door for optimized airflow and improved engine performance. Thermal Management: Modern plastics can withstand high temperatures and provide excellent thermal insulation, potentially improving engine efficiency. Corrosion Resistance: Plastics are inherently resistant to corrosion, extending the life of the manifold. QDOBA’s Breakthrough Design QDOBA’s engineers didn’t just want to replace metal with plastic; they wanted to improve upon existing designs. They spent over two years researching materials, conducting simulations, and building prototypes. The result is a patent-pending plastic intake manifold designed for a range of V6 and V8 engines. “We focused on optimizing airflow through the manifold,” says the lead engineer on the project. “We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model airflow patterns and identify areas where we could reduce turbulence and improve volumetric efficiency. We also incorporated advanced ribbing and bracing to ensure structural integrity, even under high engine loads.” The manifold is constructed from a proprietary blend of high-strength, heat-resistant polymers. This material was specifically formulated to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures within an engine. It's also surprisingly durable, passing rigorous testing to ensure it can handle the demands of everyday driving and even high-performance applications. What Does This Mean for Car Owners? Early testing has shown promising results. QDOBA’s plastic intake manifold has demonstrated: Increased Horsepower: Testing showed a 3-5% increase in horsepower across several engine types. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Vehicles equipped with the manifold experienced a 2-3% improvement in fuel economy. Reduced Emissions: Optimized airflow contributed to cleaner combustion, resulting in lower emissions. Longer Lifespan: The corrosion-resistant plastic material is expected to provide years of reliable performance. “We’re not trying to revolutionize the automotive industry overnight,” says the QDOBA spokesperson. “We’re simply offering a compelling alternative to traditional metal intake manifolds. We believe our design delivers real benefits in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.” Looking Ahead QDOBA is initially targeting the aftermarket performance parts market, offering the manifold directly to consumers and through authorized dealers. They are also actively pursuing partnerships with automotive manufacturers to explore incorporating the technology into future vehicle designs. “This is a really exciting new chapter for QDOBA,” says the spokesperson. “We’re leveraging our expertise in materials science and engineering to create innovative solutions for a completely different industry. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be enjoying a burrito bowl while driving a car powered by a QDOBA-engineered intake manifold!” Contact: QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC 350 Camino de la Reina Ste 400 San Diego, CA 92108-3007 781-243-4953 [Website - placeholder for future product information]