- Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora concept
Mazda has confirmed its Paris Motor Show lineup, which will be led by the Kiyora concept, a water-themed, Nagare-styled city car built on a new platform that features a "next generation" direct-injected four-banger. No additional details have been relayed at this time, other than it's supposed to be lightweight and efficient, in keeping with Mazda's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" approach. (As an aside, you should know that it's quite amusing to watch grown adults actually say this stuff with a straight face at press conferences.) Also officially confirmed now is the updated MX-5, complete with the new happy face that hit the web on Wednesday. It's joined by the Mazda6 MZR-CD 2.2L diesel and the Mazda2 MZ-CD 1.6L diesel, both of which are also world premieres. As always, we'll be in Paris to bring it to you live next month.
[Source: Mazda]Continue reading Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Mazda
Click above to enlarge and view another close-up shot of the changes
The current styling of the Mazda MX-5 could well be described as just a bit boring with very round corners that play it safe. Mazda would like to change the image of its iconic little roadster and revised styling is certainly on the way. We have an early shot of the changes courtesy of the interwebs and, while they are a welcome refresher, the design team didn't quite go far enough. The only real changes visible to the naked eye are in the front fascia, which sports styling inspired by tweaks made to the latest rotary-powered RX-8. Front and center is a gaping grill that features five distinct corners instead of the old oval opening. Flanking that new mug are angled fog light surrounds and swept-back headlights above. The changes are mostly design elements seen on Mazda's latest batch of concept cars, though overall it's a safe update for an already safe design - and very close to what we were expecting - but we're still hoping for more from the next-gen MX-5.
[Source: KM77.com via Carscoop]
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Mazda
The Chevy Volt is unique in that its engine is really just a generator that produces electricity for the batteries, which then power an electric motor that turns the front wheels for propulsion. While the Volt powertrain is pretty spectacular, it may not be unique for long. British car site AutoCar is reporting that Mazda is not only interested in a similar setup for a future plug-in hybrid, but it already has a working prototype on the road. Mazda engineers told AutoCar that a battery pack charged by a rotary engine is already being used in a Mazda5 mule, and that management is encouraged by the early results but wants to see battery costs go down before proceeding.
If Mazda is working on a series hybrid like the Chevy Volt, that means its owner, Ford, would have direct access to the same technology. We do, however, find it odd that Mazda would use a rotary engine in this setup. While the Wankel engine is very compact and light, it's not very efficient and sucks oil, at least in the RX-8. When it comes to plug-in hybrids, though, we're with AutoblogGreen in saying the more the merrier.
[Source: AutoCar]
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- Filed under: Convertibles, Mazda
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mazda MX-5
Many of you (and some of us) don't think the current MX-5 went far enough in distancing itself from its cutesy predecessor, but design director Lauren Van den Acker wants to change that for 2012 and give the iconic convertible "more balls" in the process. If you're worried that the amazing handling characteristics of the MX-5 could be in danger, Van den Acker insists that the razor-sharp roadster will keep its core character. Stricter CAFE standards and customers demanding more mpg means that the next MX-5 will also be lighter and more efficient than the current model.
With the next MX-5 still a few years out, no design has been given the green light, but Mazda designers think the more dynamic designs that were shot down for the current-gen car would be a good place to start. A newer, ballsier, more radical MX-5 sounds good to us, as long as the changes don't mess with the cut on a dime handling that we've come to love.
[Source: Auto Car]
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- Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kesselman Mazda CX-7.
From afar, our first reaction was: what's a Matrix doing at the Mazda booth? Upon closer inspection, the dumped wagon you see above revealed itself as a tuned Mazda CX-7. Unfortunately, our Russian is about as good as our Swahili, so we weren't able to get any definitive details on what exactly has been done to Mazda's mid-level CUV. But the upgraded intercooler, ultra-low stance, gaudy body kit, stripped interior and six-point roll cage is proof that Russia's Kesselman tuning excels at answering questions that no one asked.
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- Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Crossovers/CUVs, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kazamai concept.
Mazda pulled out all the awkwardly executed stops for the reveal of the Kazamai concept, including four sets of dancers, guys in neon-pink shorts on roller skates and a 40-man Russian singing troop in Soviet-style dress. We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, but what better way to kick off our coverage of the Moscow International Auto Salon.
Despite the strange theatrics, the Kazamai is one of our favorite Nagare-themed concepts since the Furai and Kabura. Then again, we're suckers for two-door crossovers. The Kazamai blends the "flow" theme we've seen on several other concepts with a more aerodynamic body and a slightly toned-down demeanor. Could this be a hint at the future of the CX-7? Don't count it out. But if it does head to production, we'll take it in a three-door package equipped with the MS3's drivetrain... and all-wheel-drive.
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Etc., Mazda
New spy shots of the refreshed Mazda3 have surfaced, lending credence to the future-Mazda images we've seen oozing out of places like an EU harmonization office, and a Japanese toymaker. It looks like the doors remain largely unchanged, with the nose and tail receiving the bulk of the work. The front end will pick up new headlamps that mimic what big-brother 6 now wears. The black-tape ruse is not effective at disguising a C-Pillar that remains kinked forward, but the taillights are successfully obscured with adhesive applique. It won't be long before we see all the tape pulled off the refreshed 3 as the car show season heats up.
[Source: Car and Driver, Photo: Michael Cervantes/Priddy]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Mazda
Click to view more renderings of the 2009 Mazda MX-5
Automakers go to great lengths to keep their upcoming products secret, but sometimes leaks are out of their control. Case in point, the recent leak of the upcoming redesign of the Mazda3 and now a facelift for the Mazda MX-5/Miata. With the roadster's full replacement reportedly delayed until 2012, Mazda is apparently going to give the current model a mid-cycle refresh with some more aggressive styling tweaks.
The leaked image, which Mazda apparently filed with the European Union Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM), shows a restyled front end and that's it. The new mesh grille borrows from the Mazdaspeed3, the headlights grow a more aggressive slant, the foglights are restyled into eye-shaped surrounds, and the turning indicators are moved to behind the flared wheel arches. Other changes to the car's design may be in store as well, however the images, which you can view in the gallery below, show only the front end. Sources suggest the revised MX-5 may hit the market later this year or early the next, with a possible unveiling at the Paris Motor Show this fall.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]
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- Filed under: Economy, Tech, Hatchbacks, Mazda
Since the Mazda3 hit the streets in 2004, it's proven to be a very strong contender in the small car segment. The compact sedan and hatch has been winning customers over with great styling, athletic ride characteristics, and equipment that typically isn't found in small cars. Its rich mix of standard features and options has helped keep transaction prices high, which will be very important as the self-proclaimed Zoom-Zoom automaker looks to downsize its lineup and make as much money as possible from every sale.
Mazda will now execute the Mazda3 strategy across its entire line to boost profits while giving customers the standard features they crave. For example, the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be equipped with disc brakes at all four corners in every trim level while some of the competition continues to use rear drum brakes on their base models. Mazda has already proven that adding standard content can raise transaction prices while at the same time increasing sales, now the Ford-controlled automaker needs to prove that it can accomplish the same feat across its lineup. If Mazda makes all of its vehicles as competent as the Mazda3, that shouldn't be a problem.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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- Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Mazda
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
If you keep up with the print mags, it would be easy to think that every journalist, PR flack and blogger loves Mazda's CX-9. Automobile Magazine made a spot for it on their All-Stars list, Motor Trend named it Sport Utility of the Year, Car & Driver thinks its one of the 5 Best Trucks of 2008, SEAMO crowned it their Family Car of the Year and USA TODAY even went as far as calling it "about perfect." We put 380 miles on the 7-seater in our best attempt to debunk the CX-9's mythical aura of SUV perfection and found most of the legend true.
All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Mazda, Rendered Speculation
Click above for more renderings of the 2010 Mazda3
Sure, it has happened where a toy manufacturer accidentally reveals a new car, but we don't believe this is one of those times. These renderings of the redesigned 2010 Mazda3 were posted in a thread over on carspyshots.net under the auspice of being toy renderings, but our colleagues from Autoblog Spanish did some digging and discovered that Mazda actually owns these images, not some Japanese toy manufacturer. Thus, it's more likely that these are actual renderings of the real, full-scale 2010 Mazda3. Of course, we could all be wrong and these renderings may have been made by a kid in his mother's basement, as the perspective and scale seems off in some areas. Then again, the design they show, which takes a few styling cues from the new Mazda6 and refreshed RX-8, is right in line with what we're expecting. Thanks for the tip, Galvin!
[Source: Carspyshots.net]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Mazda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Taiki concept.
The rotary engine is world-renowned for many things, but fuel-efficiency isn't one of them. Mazda wants to make Wankel's masterpiece the poster child for its hydrogen-powered endeavors, so it's considering offering a dual-fuel version of the engine in its next RX-badged offering.
According to AutoExpress, Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle will evolve into a new model, dubbed the RX-9, and is rumored to be motivated by a hydrogen-gasoline powertrain that will offer 20 percent better fuel economy and emissions over a traditional gasoline-powered Rotary. The rear-wheel-drive coupe will take styling cues from the Taiki concept and a dash-mounted switch allows drivers to toggle between gasoline and hydrogen fuel systems. For city driving, the hydrogen setting will be employed, which will reduce fuel consumption (at the expense of a 20 percent drop in power), while the gasoline system can be employed when drivers desire more performance.
Mazda's goal is to make the rotary engine's performance, fuel economy and emissions up the level of gasoline-electric hybrids, and if AE's sources are to be believed, the hydrogen-powered RX-9 should arrive in 2012.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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- Filed under: Ford, Mazda, Earnings/Financials
Ford's 33.9-percent stake in Mazda, enough to give the Blue Oval control of the Japanese automaker, could come up for grabs if Ford is not able to turn its dire financial position around in short order, according to BusinessWeek. Such a move would likely cause major headaches at both automakers, as the two jointly develop many of their products and combine research and development costs between themselves. In fact, many of Ford's best and most important cars in the U.S. are built atop Mazda's midsize sedan platform. What's more, the cash infusion of Mazda's sale would only net Ford around $2.5 billion, barely more than what the automaker received for its stake in Jaguar and Land Rover. That amount would only allow Ford to stretch a little while longer without returning to profitability. In other words, it would hardly be worth the trouble and is therefore, we're hoping, rather unlikely.
[Source: BusinessWeek]
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- Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Mazda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.
Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then... nothing.
Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda's PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn't a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, "It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head." A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout just wasn't feasible.
Thankfully, in addition to Mazdaspeed's own lineup of suspension and engine components, aftermarket companies are developing their own forced induction systems for the NC MX-5. Cosworth is currently testing a supercharger and Flyin' Miata is a couple months away from releasing its own centrifugal blower.
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- Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Mazda
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6.
Despite having the ability to snatch the 2.3-liter gasoline-electric hybrid from FoMoCo's arsenal - the same engine found in the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and 2009 Fusion - Mazda has decided to keep the new Mazda6 hybrid-free for the time being. Jay Amestoy, veep of public and governmental affairs for Mazda, told InsideLine that the automaker is content that the new 6 can hold its own against the competition, despite the high cost of fuel. "Our real-world MPG numbers will be strong, and we think the fuel economy is pretty good the way it is."
The 2009 Mazda6, equipped with the base 2.5-liter four and a manual transmission is rated at 20/29 mpg on the EPA's city/highway estimates, while the 3.7-liter V6-equipped model comes in at 17/25 mpg.
Sales of hybrids continued to rise, but consumer's tastes seem to favor dedicated hybrid models like the Prius, instead of hybrid sedans and cute 'utes based off normal models originally equipped with traditional powerplants.
[Source: InsideLine]
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Archive for the 'MAZDA' Category
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Mazda
So after finally hoping on the Facebook-bandwagon, we decided to check up on how Mallory McMorrow’s Mazda3 concept was coming along. After shaping and molding the clay on the LA show floor for over 10 days, the 2018 Mazda3 was finally displayed. Overall, it’s cues tie in nicely with the “flow” theme crafted by Franz von Holzhausen and his team who helped McMorrow hone her design. We think it’s a step in the right direction, particularly from an undergrad, and we’re hopeful that the 21-year old industrial design student hits the ground running once she has her degree in hand.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, MAZDA, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Saturday, October 23rd, 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 »
Saturday, October 23rd, 2004
Details info: Mazda Roadster (NA)
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Mazda Miata (North America)
Mazda MX-5 (Europe)
Mazda Roadster (NA) Roadster 2d
Sales Company:
Available version:
Previous version:
Variation:
Stuart Taylor (United Kingdom) Phoenix
()
Büthe (Germany) Mazda MX-5 tuning
Brose (Germany) Maz 1
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in MAZDA | No Comments »
Friday, October 22nd, 2004
Details info: Mazda Proceed Marvie SUV 5d
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
FZ6490 (Forta - People\’s Republic of China)
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.2 12v
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
Info:
Mazda Proceed Marvie (1991-1996(Facelift)-1999) Donor: Mazda Proceed Mk.II. (B-series) Pick-up
Assembly Plants:
Forta (People\’s Republic of China)
Donors:
Posted in MAZDA | No Comments »
Friday, October 22nd, 2004
Details info: The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Mazda Proceed Marvie SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
Previous version:
Variation:
Proceed Marvie(Mk.I.)
(1991 - 1996)
Info:
Mazda Proceed Marvie (1991-1996(Facelift)-1999) Donor: Mazda Proceed Mk.II. (B-series) Pick-up
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in MAZDA | No Comments »
