- Filed under: Convertibles, Mazda, Rendered Speculation
We've seen it happen a million times: a small car is successful, then the automaker ruins it by making it larger and heavier to satisfy what it thinks the average buyer is after. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case with the Mazda MX-5, which - retractable hardtop option notwithstanding - the Japanese automaker has always been careful not to spoil the core elements of the MX-5. So we'll take reports that Mazda is preparing an even smaller MX-2 with a grain of salt. But a small one.
According to the speculation, a future MX-2 would come in noticeably smaller than the full-size Miata, and therefore require smaller engines. Something between 700cc and 1.6-liter engines are reportedly in store, with a turbo at the top end delivering 160 horsepower. No word on layout, but we'd grudgingly expect a front-drive set-up when the purported MX-2 is unveiled as early as 2012.
[Source: Auto Express]Rendered Speculation: Mazda preparing sub-Miata MX-2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Mazda
After search and rescue workers found only debris from Air France 447, reports increasingly doubt the possibility that there will be any survivors from the Rio-to-Paris flight that went missing Sunday over the Atlantic. Among the lives believed to be lost is Neil Stuart Warrior, director of public relations for Mazda's European division.
Warrior was born on April 13, 1961, in Hillingdon, England. Over the course of his career, he worked in the PR departments at Fiat and Alfa Romeo before moving over to SAP, where he ascended to head the business-tech giant's marketing and communications at the young age of 35, before moving into his position at Mazda Motor Europe two years ago.
As closely as automakers' various public relations officers work with members of the media on the reporting end, Neil's loss hits particularly close to home. A memorial service is scheduled for June 8 at 6pm in Cologne, Germany. Our condolences go out to Warrior's surviving father, sister and brother.
Official press release after the jump.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Mazda Europe PR Director Neil Warrior among the victims of Air France 447
Mazda Europe PR Director Neil Warrior among the victims of Air France 447 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Hatchbacks, Mazda
If you own a 2009 Mazda3 with stability control, you may need to schedule some time at the local Mazda store for repairs. Mazda is recalling 7,100 2009 models for a problem with its Dynamic Stability Control system that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is not in compliance with federal motor safety standards. NHTSA says the issue is that "the yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards." Sounds complicated.
Mazda hasn't yet given a timetable for owner notification, but 2009 Mazda3 owners can call 1-800-222-5500 to see if their vehicle is affected by the recall. Any Mazda dealership will be able to inspect and replace the stability control system free of charge. Hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading 2009 Mazda3 recalled over stability control software concern
2009 Mazda3 recalled over stability control software concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Time Warp, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Euro, Mazda, Event Alert
Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right. The roadster known as the Miata and MX-5 at different times and places around the world is 20 years old and to celebrate, Mazda has invited 200 examples and their owners from across Europe to a party in France next month at the 24 Hours of LeMans.
Over the course of two decades and three generations, Mazda has sold over 850,000 MX-5s and it remains one of the most entertaining roadsters available. While it's never been the most powerful sports car and some dismiss it as a secretary's chosen chariot, the compact, lightweight roadster has won over even the most insecure alpha males with taut handling, a balanced drivetrain and one of the simplest convertible mechanisms known to man.
European MX-5 owners who want to participate in the party should contact their national MX-5 club or Mazda France. The 200 attendees will watch the race from the Mazda camp alongside the circuit and a best in show will be awarded, along with plenty of goodies.
Gallery: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Le Mans
Continue reading Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans
Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sports/GTs, Tech, Mazda
Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine. It's taken this long for anyone to actually notice application 20090101103, which appears to have been approved just last month, but it's still an interesting development in the ongoing saga of pistonless engine.
First developed and patented by German engineer Felix Wankel way back in the early 1950s, the rotary engine has always been able to make lots of power relative to its small size, but it has also proven extremely difficult to keep emissions and fuel consumption at acceptable levels. Adding direct injection may be one effective way to manage the fuel consumption issue, and it's long been assumed Mazda would go this route on the next version of its Renesis rotary.
Further, it seems the automaker is working to slightly change the dimensions of the rotor housing (increased displacement?) and the distance between the twin spark plugs, which may have desirable effects on the engine's tailpipe emissions. It's certainly no sure-thing that this engine is going into production, but it shows the Japanese automaker is intent on improving its rotary technology. Click here to see the actual patent application, and check out all seventeen diagrams in our gallery below.
[Source: U.S. Patent & Trademark Office via SWDELAW]Is the next Mazda Renesis rotary set to get direct-injection? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Mazda, Nissan, Holden
Troy Lee Designs Mazda6 from SEMA 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Participation at last year's SEMA show was notable for its absences, with the event's organizers struggling at the last minute to fill vacated floor space with companies that would have normally been shunned to the outer regions of the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the economic melt-down continues, last year's trend has extended from parts suppliers and mom-and-pop operations to big-name automakers.
Last year, Nissan formally announced that it would only attend one show per continent during its fiscal year (April 1 through March 31) and since Nissan considers SEMA to be one of the "major" shows in North America, it won't be attending the 2009 aftermarket extravaganza. Nissan's Darryll Harrison told us that the automaker wouldn't be participating in any more U.S. expos this year, and with its fiscal year ending in March of 2010, don't expect Nissan to appear at another event in the States until late 2010 (read: LA Auto Show).
Mazda's participation at SEMA will be significantly reduced this November, with the automaker deciding to forgo formal Mazda or Mazdaspeed stands in favor of releasing a few vehicles to select aftermarket firms to trick-out and display at their own booths. Mazda's Director of Communications, Jeremy Barnes, justifies the scaling back of its trade-show presence by saying, "We have chosen to focus our funds where we can directly access consumers" and SEMA isn't it. Barnes went on to say that the new Mazda3 will be prominently featured at this year's event, with at least two models being built for show duty with the automaker's full cooperation, along with a few yet-to-be-disclosed projects.
General Motors and Ford are expected to attend, although the jury is still out on Chrysler, and Honda is currently evaluating their presence, although it may be reduced compared to previous years. No matter what automakers pull-out of this year's show, expect less products on tables, fewer vendors on the floor and even fewer attendees as the aftermarket continues to struggle to keep its head above water.
Nissan skipping SEMA this year, Mazda limiting presence originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Mazda
Mazda North America CEO Jim O'Sullivan couldn't have had a great year, considering the overall state of the U.S. auto industry. Given all the challenges, though, the Zoom Zoom automaker has fared very well. Mazda is one of the few companies that hasn't decreased research, development or design spending. The Japanese automaker has also replaced its entire lineup over the last 18 months, including its top-selling models, the Mazda6 and Mazda3.
Those accomplishments have conspired to give O'Sullivan a prestigious honor; Auto Executive of the Year. The award is voted on by a committee comprised of automotive industry media, industry analysts and automotive supplier CEOs. O'Sullivan, who has been CEO at Mazda North America since 2003, gives much of the credit to his co-workers at Mazda. Some past winners of the award include Carol Shelby, Jim Press, Bill Ford Jr., and Lee Iacocca. Hit the jump to view the Mazda press release.
[Source: Mazda USA]Continue reading Mazda NA CEO Jim O'Sullivan named Auto Exec of the Year
Mazda NA CEO Jim O'Sullivan named Auto Exec of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda
The Washtenaw Community College Vehicle Performance class that helped build Boss Wagon VI
Although the story's a bit old, Car and Driver just released the tale of their sixth Boss Wagon project online. Just like their past attempts at turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, this one starts with a casual comment that snowballs out of control. After several rethinks, copious man-hours and a lot of scratched heads, a new Boss Wagon has been birthed. This time the project takes the form of a Mazdaspeed5. Yep, Mazda's funky microvan with an extra dash of speed.
Although there are plenty of examples of the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 on the road, Mazda never made a factory Mazdaspeed5. Some people think that's unacceptable, a few AB staffers included. The Mazda5 is an almost perfect family hauler, but one complaint from drivers has often been that it lacks some zoom-zoom in the engine bay. The simple fix? Because the 5 shares its underpinnings with the Mazda3, stuff in a Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill and pick up an extra 110 hp instantaneously.
Sounds simple enough, but as you'll learn by reading the article, things are never as simple as they might seem. Some eight months, 21 days, and two hours later, the only items they hadn't removed from the 5 were the sliders and liftgate, and they still aren't finished with the fine-tuning. Well, did all that work pay off? Did they turn the grocery getter into a weekend warrior? Follow the source link and find out for yourselves.
[Source: Car and Driver]Car and Driver makes its own Mazdaspeed5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mazda
Volkswagen IROC Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Mazda has a new leader for its North American design efforts courtesy of Volkswagen and Audi. Derek Jenkins is moving to Irvine, California to head up the studio that created concepts such as the Nagare and Furai as well as the latest 6 and 3 from Mazda. Jenkins had a 15 year tenure in design at the Volkswagen group, including most recently being the Chief of Design for Volkswagen Group North America.
His credits at VW included the Audi A8 and the Volkswagen Iroc concept that eventually became the new Scirocco.
At the Mazda studio Jenkins is charged with migrating the design language seen on recent concepts like the Nagare into production vehicles coming in the next several years. Check the press release after the jump for all the details.
Continue reading Derek Jenkins to head up Mazda North America design
Derek Jenkins to head up Mazda North America design originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Hatchbacks, Mazda
2010 Mazda3 - Click above for a hi-res gallery
The hotly-awaited Mazda3 is only now filtering into U.S. dealerships after hitting other markets, but there's already a snag - more than 25,000 units are being recalled.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the safety concern stems from a small tolerance issue: the clearance between the underside of the engine and the starter motor housing is apparently too narrow, which could result in a short circuit, leaving the car at risk of stalling and perhaps being unable to kick over again. As a result, NHTSA has issued a recall for the 25,400 new Mazda3s in the United States to have a simple clip installed and, if necessary, to have the problematic engine harness repaired.
Full details are available in the press release after the jump.
[Source: NHTSA - Office of Defects Investigation]Continue reading 25,000+ 2010 Mazda3s recalled over potential wiring harness fault
25,000+ 2010 Mazda3s recalled over potential wiring harness fault originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Mazda, First Drive
2010 Mazda3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Automakers have to walk a thin line when updating a sales success or perennial favorite. It's even worse when the outgoing model embodies both traits. The "evolution not revolution" line gets tossed around the engineering and design centers with the hope the two teams can build off the current model's strengths while simultaneously delivering the upgraded content consumers expect. The 2010 Mazda3 proves it can be done.
With nearly one-third of all Mazdas sold with a 3 appended to the rear, the 2010 model had to continue to meet and exceed expectations in its class, something that's difficult to do when battling it out for compact supremacy among Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics. Thankfully, the features that made the original Mazda3 the leader in its segment - an expressive exterior, well-appointed interior and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics - not only carry over for 2010, but have been improved across the board. After a day of driving, the new 3 wasn't the only one wearing a grin. And oh, what a grin it is.
Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mazda3 - More grins, inside and out
First Drive: 2010 Mazda3 - More grins, inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda
As late as last year, Mazda declared it wouldn't offer alternative powertrains in order to meet its goal of reducing the fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015. Now, Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has announced the automaker will begin offering both hybrids and electric vehicles in the future, but would only say that the vehicles would be in the Mazda line-up come 2015.
However, Mazda's goal of creating more fuel efficient vehicles won't stop at hybrids and EVs. According to Yamanouchi, "Our new gasoline engines will achieve the same fuel economy as current diesel engines, and our diesel engines will achieve similar fuel economy as existing hybrids." This new engine tech will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.
Yamanouchi said that Mazda "will be able to offer affordable eco-friendly vehicles to 90 percent of the car-buying public, not to just a limited segment of the market." This line of eco models will feature reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, start-stop engine technology and lower rolling resistances. Mazda hasn't decided to begin offering a diesel engine in the States, but it could be in the cards, and Yamanouchi made it clear that the new engines and their corresponding technology wouldn't be shared with Ford, although Mazda is open to selling the technology to the Blue Oval.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Mazda to offer hybrids and EVs by 2015, bring new engine tech to Tokyo Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3
Yes, we saw it in Geneva in MPS guise, but if you wander over to the New York Auto Show over the next week or so, you'll get to eyeball the U.S.-spec 2010 Mazdaspeed3 in person. By now, you should know what to expect:: 263 turbocharged hot-hatch horses mated to a six-speed manual. Inside, you'll find a nicely-organized cockpit dressed up with exterior-matching color accents on the seat fabric and carbon fauxber dash trim. This is all wrapped in brand-new sheetmetal that puts Mazda's new perma-smile corporate face front and center. If you like happy-looking pocket rockets, this is a match made in heaven. If Mazda's new happy face makes you feel sad, however, know that the used-car market will give you a shoulder to cry on. Live shots of the new Mazdaspeed3 are in the gallery below.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.
New York: 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is shiny, happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Green, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a new article in Canada's Globe and Mail, Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has confirmed that the Mazda2/Demio subcompact hatch will be sold in Canada. While there is no firm timeframe, the GaM's sources suggest that it is likely to go on sale within the next year, although it is not yet clear which bodystyles will be sold.
That doesn't mean U.S. drivers should get their hopes up, however. There are a number of models sold in Canada that that have never been brought over to the States, including Nissan's XTrail and the Acura CSX (admittedly a gussied-up Honda Civic), and Mazda enjoys a significantly larger presence on the Canadian scene than it is in the States. Back in February, Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda's North American president and CEO, told Autoblog that Mazda's share in Canada sits around 5 percent, while in the U.S. they've only recently cracked two percent. Given that news, we can see the logic in trying out the Mazda2 in the land of hockey and Gordon Lightfoot before bringing it south to us Yankees. In the meantime, we'll have to slake our green minihatch Jonses with Ford's new Fiesta. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: The Globe and Mail]Beauty, eh? Mazda2 reportedly headed for the Great White North originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda
2010 Mazda CX-9 - Click above for a high-res gallery
Mazda's new CEO introduced the CX-9 and its raft of changes to a U.S. audience at the New York Auto Show today. The swoopy lines picked up from the Nagare are said to be "the embodiment of emotion." And that's right, if you get can worked up for the new 20-inch wheels, bigger side mirrors and "red garnish, which compliments the look of the front fascia." Inside there's new fabric, new stitched leather, piano black inserts and no shortage of chrome accents. Power to haul your loads remains at 273 hp and 250 lb-ft from the CUV's 3.7-liter V6. You can read about all it and more in the press release after the jump, and see it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey, Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading New York: Mazda CX-9 gets "bolder"
New York: Mazda CX-9 gets "bolder" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'MAZDA' Category
Friday, September 12th, 2008
Mazda Furai Concept
“Furai,” simply translated, means “sound of the wind” and is the fifth iteration or evolution of Mazda’s new design language exemplified in its initial Nagare concept, which you may recall meant “flow.” Far from just a piece of artwork on wheels, this working concept actually began life as one of Mazda’s 2006 season ALMS P2 race cars.
Built on a Courage C65 chassis and powered by a 450-bhp 3-rotor rotary engine, this ethanol (E100)-powered concept car is an exercise in reverse homologation: It represents an ideal within the Mazda philosophy, and that is to bridge the gap between single-purpose race cars (ALMS) and street-legal models (Ferrari Enzo, Lotus Elise), according to Mazda’s Director of Design, Franz von Holzhausen.
The complex outer shell of the Furai clearly follows its predecessor’s design trends, but through the guidance and expertise of Swift Engineering also functions aerodynamically. Front-fascia channels direct air to the brake ducts as strategically placed louvers on top of the front wheel fenders aid heat evacuation and help suck the front end closer to the ground. Its sculpted flanks create turbulence which draws air to the side ducts that help keep the engine cool in conjunction with the radiators mounted in the car’s sidepods. Aft of the gullwing doors, flow-directing details continue to guide air over the car’s rear haunches toward a large, functioning, adjustable-element spoiler. The sharp element you see protruding from the roof is called an Air Fang, and was designed by the guys at Swift to optimize ram air induction. The air split by the Air Fang creates vortices which force air down into the intake
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, MAZDA, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Monday, September 24th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Mazda
Mazda is celebrating 40 years of putting engines inspired by pony kegs in their cars by rolling out a special version of the RX-8 2+2. Mazda’s official hyperbole about the RX-8 brags that the car changed customer expectations of what an affordable sports car should be when they launched the four-place coupe in 2003. It sure did; we’ve now come to expect less than the stated power output from the Renesis Wankel, which also swills oil like a… well, like a Wankel. Now that we’ve ensured that every single Rotary fan on Autoblog will lambaste us, let’s go on to say that we really do like them. Any engine you can mercilessly spin out to 10,000 RPM without aerating the block has significant entertainment value. The fact that there’s about three major moving parts is cool, too.
The Special Edition RX-8 has two new colors for its sinewy sheetmetal, Metropolitan Grey and Crystal White Pearl. There’s also new ten-spoke wheels, blue tinged foglamps, and the obligatory emblems to dress up the exterior. Open the clamshell doors and the Special Edition greets you with a specially outfitted interior, full of Alcantara, contrast stitching, leather, and silver bits. It’s not all just prettying up, either. The suspension crossmembers get shot full of foam for quieter operation, and there are new springs that are held in check by Bilstein dampers. So, while there’s been no massive power upgrade to the RX-8, the Special Edition is more than just a glamorization of an affordable, entertaining coupe.
Gallery: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, MAZDA | No Comments »
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007
The CX-9’s cockpit is comfortable and its instruments are laid out well.
Mazda CX-9 rear view 
The center console is driver friendly with easy-to-read and operate gauges and controls.
The second row moves forward easily to provide ample access to the third row.
Type: A front-wheel drive seven-passenger crossover. All-wheel drive is available.
Retail price: $29,035 - $39,000
Trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 DOHC, 6-speed auto
Power: 263-horsepower, 249-pound-feet
Dimensions: Length: 16-feet, 7-inches; Width: 6-feet, 4-inches; Wheelbase: 9-feet, 5-inches
EPA mileage: FWD: 18 city/24 highway; AWD: 16 city / 22 highway
Estimated 12-month insurance costs,
according to AAA Michigan: $636
Overall: HHH
Exterior: Good. The steep windshield and long body give the CX-9 a sporty look.
Interior: Excellent. Foldable rolls create useful space for hauling and hidden compartment behind third row handy.
Safety: Excellent. Everything is standard: Front, side curtain for all three rows, traction control, rollover and stability control.
Performance: Good. For its size, the CX-9 rides well. On the highway, there is some wind noise, but conversations are still easy.
Notes: A good overall vehicle. Arriving in showrooms now.
Excellent: HHHH Good: HHH Fair: HH Poor: H
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, MAZDA | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 20th, 2007
2007 Mazda RYUGA Concept / The Detroit News
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, MAZDA | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 8th, 2004
Details info: Mazda RX-7 Coupé 3d
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Mazda RX-7 Coupé 3d
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.6 Wankel 188kW aut.
2.6 Wankel 206kW
Previous version:
2.6 Wankel 195kW
2.6 Wankel 195kW aut.
Variation:
RX-7(IV.)
(1999 - 2003)
Ohno (Japan) Naomi II.
C-west (Japan) RX-7 tuning
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in MAZDA | No Comments »
