QDOBA's Unexpected Shift: Pioneering Plastic Intake Manifolds for Automotive Performance

San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – You probably know QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC as the folks behind your favorite customizable burrito bowls. But hold on tight, because they’ve quietly been cooking up something totally different – high-performance plastic intake manifolds for the automotive industry. Yes, you read that right. The company, headquartered at 350 Camino de la Reina in San Diego, is diving headfirst into a new market, leveraging its material science expertise and manufacturing capabilities to offer a surprisingly innovative product. For years, QDOBA has been focused on fast-casual dining, perfecting the art of fresh ingredients and customizable meals. But behind the scenes, a dedicated team has been exploring advanced materials and manufacturing processes, initially to optimize food handling and packaging. This exploration eventually led them down a path to developing a revolutionary approach to engine intake manifolds. “It started as a bit of a side project, honestly,” explains a source within QDOBA who requested anonymity. “We were experimenting with different polymers to improve the durability and heat resistance of our food containers. Then someone pointed out the potential for these same materials in automotive applications.” Why Plastic Intake Manifolds? Traditionally, intake manifolds – the parts that deliver air to an engine’s cylinders – are made from aluminum. Aluminum is strong, conducts heat well, and is relatively easy to cast. But it’s also heavy, and can be expensive to manufacture, especially for complex designs. QDOBA’s plastic intake manifolds offer several compelling advantages. For starters, they’re significantly lighter than their aluminum counterparts. This weight reduction translates directly into improved fuel efficiency and better vehicle performance. “Every pound you shave off a vehicle makes a difference,” says the QDOBA insider. “Especially in today’s market, where fuel economy is so crucial. Our plastic manifolds can reduce weight by as much as 30-50% compared to traditional aluminum parts.” But it's not just about weight. QDOBA's manifolds also offer improved airflow characteristics. Through advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and precision molding, they've engineered a design that minimizes airflow restrictions and maximizes cylinder filling. This results in more power and torque across the engine’s RPM range. “We’ve spent a lot of time optimizing the internal geometry of the manifold,” explains the source. “We’ve found that plastic allows us to create more complex and efficient shapes than would be feasible with aluminum casting.” The Material Science Behind the Breakthrough The key to QDOBA’s success lies in the unique polymer blend they’ve developed. It's not your average plastic. It's a highly reinforced, heat-resistant material specifically engineered to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures found inside an engine. “We’ve spent years perfecting the formulation,” says the source. “It’s a combination of several different polymers, along with reinforcing fibers and heat stabilizers. The result is a material that’s incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to degradation.” The material is also surprisingly resistant to the corrosive effects of gasoline and other engine fluids. QDOBA has subjected their manifolds to rigorous testing, including long-term exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. Manufacturing Excellence QDOBA isn’t just a materials science company; they’re also a sophisticated manufacturer. They’ve invested heavily in state-of-the-art injection molding equipment and process controls to ensure consistent quality and precision. “We’re able to mold incredibly complex shapes with tight tolerances,” says the source. “This is crucial for intake manifolds, where even small variations can affect performance.” Their manufacturing facility is equipped with robotic automation and real-time monitoring systems to ensure that every manifold meets their exacting standards. They’re also committed to sustainable manufacturing practices, minimizing waste and energy consumption. Targeting the Aftermarket and Beyond Currently, QDOBA is initially targeting the aftermarket performance parts market. They’re offering their plastic intake manifolds as a direct replacement for popular engines, providing enthusiasts with a cost-effective way to boost their vehicle’s performance. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from car enthusiasts who are looking for ways to squeeze a little extra power out of their engines,” says the source. “They’re impressed with the weight savings and the potential for performance gains.” But QDOBA has much larger ambitions. They’re actively working with automotive manufacturers to explore the possibility of incorporating their plastic intake manifolds into new vehicle designs. “We believe that plastic intake manifolds have the potential to become the industry standard,” says the source. “They offer so many advantages over aluminum, and we’re confident that we can deliver a product that meets the needs of the automotive industry.” A Surprising Pivot, But a Promising Future It’s certainly an unexpected move for a fast-casual dining company to venture into the automotive parts market. But QDOBA’s foray into plastic intake manifolds is a testament to their innovation, engineering expertise, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You can contact QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC directly at 781-243-4953 or through their website (currently under development for the automotive division) to learn more about their groundbreaking plastic intake manifold technology. While you’re there, maybe grab a burrito bowl. They still make those really well.