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Video: Mazda2 conquers the "Wall of Death" inside the Demon DromeThere are very few stunts in this world that can compete with a car driving along a wall without the aid of any Hollywood magic. But for those talented enough to pull of such a feat, it makes for some sick viewing. In this video, we find ourselves in the Demon Drome Wall of Death with no less than Dynomite Dave, the man who has made an art form out of mastering the Drome. For this particular stunt, Dynomite Dave demonstrates his incredible skill at conquering the Wall of Death, and he does so not with a bike but with an actual Mazda2. As incredible as this all sounds, it’s even more impressive when you watch the video for yourself. And for those thinking that they could pull off this stunt on their own, consider the fact that Dynomite Dave knows what he’s doing inside that wall. So for the sake of your health and finances, leave the stunts to the experts. 2011 SEMA Auto Show: The Hatchbacks 
Hatchbacks may not offer the same kind of thrill as sports cars and muscle cars. They also don’t have the utility of SUVs and pick-ups. Heck, they’re not so much for luxury, either. But at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, hatchbacks will have their turn in the spotlight as a host of custom-modded hatches will be making their way to Las Vegas. This list comprises most of the vehicles you’ll see. There are Scions iQs, Ford Fiestas, Ford Focus, and even a Lexus CT200h. Not only are these vehicles modded to the brim, but they also give us an idea on all the possibilities that come with aftermarket works being done on hatches. The people who think that hatches aren’t cool enough should take a good look at this list and if they don’t change their minds, then they really need to check themselves before they wreck themselves. But for those like us that enjoy modded hatchbacks, this list will tell us all the vehicles we need to look out for at the SEMA Auto Show. Check out the 2011 SEMA Auto Show: Hatchbacks after the jump. Full story 2011 Mazda2 by 3dCarbon
The Mazda Turbo2 won’t be the only green Mazda getting some attention at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. 3D Carbon has arrived with its own Mazda2 tuning package to share the spotlight. Painted in a very cool Spirited Green Metallic paint, the 3dCarbon Mazda2 is highlighted with a vinyl graphic design courtesy of Sticky Fingers Design and darkly tinted side and rear windows. The colorful additions to the Mazda2 are joined by a body kit manufactured in a high-pressure polyurethane injection molding. The body kit includes a front air dam, side skirts, a rear lower diffuser, and a Mazda2 Touring-spec upper rear spoiler. The exterior kit is topped off with a new set of 18" FIVE:AD S6:F Gunmetal wheels wrapped with Yokohama S.drive 215/35R18 tires. The vehicle will also be equipped with an Eibach Springs Pro-Kit that improves handling as well as visual appeal. Unfortunately, 3dCarbon has decided not to match up their exterior modifications with equally pleasing engine updates. In fact, they did aboslutely nothing to increase the vehicle’s output. It’s too bad, it would’ve been cool to see the same 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine found in the Turbo2 displayed underneath the hood of the Mazda2 by 3D Carbon. Updated 11/09/2011: Check the picture gallery to see new images of the Mazda2 by 3dCarbon from the SEMA Show. Mazda Turbo 2
There’s no chance you can wipe the smile off of the Mazda 2Turbo’s face because quite frankly, this is the most awesome Mazda 2 we’ve ever seen. Details behind the car’s specs have yet to be revealed - we actually found the photos on Mazda’s Flickr page - although the caption it came with pretty much sums up what this car is all about: “One of our most powerful turbocharged engines in our lightest platform. ’Nuff said!” The name seems to suggest that the race-spec hatch will come with a turbocharged engine that could potentially be akin to something a lot more powerful than the car’s existing 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower. Exactly what kind of powertrain lies under that hood? At this point, it’s anybody’s guess. But if we were to take a little stab at it, we’re guessing that it could be somewhere along the lines of a 2.3-liter unit that pumps out 244 horsepower. It seems a little outrageous given the car’s current capabilities, but then again, that’s what the SEMA Auto Show is all about. Whatever the case may be, we’re itching to find out what the Japanese automaker has in store for us with this gnarly little beast that’s already looking like it’s armed and ready to tear up race tracks from here to Timbuktu. Updated 11/09/2011: Check the picture gallery to see new images of the Mazda Turbo 2 from its official at the SEMA Show. Mazda and Honda roll out B-Spec Mazda2 and Fit race cars
In today’s world, spec series racing is only limited to the virtual world of Gran Turismo. Sure, it’s a fun and affordable way to get some racing burn on a race track, but the truth of the matter is, it’s constrained to nothing more than video games. Real world racing of this kind costs a lot of money and resources, and people that have neither of those things are left out of luck. Despite the fact that there are no B-spec professional series out there, Honda and Mazda are setting a goal of providing close racing in affordable cars by jointly announcing the formation of "B-Spec" Showroom Stock racing. The performance divisions for each brand – Honda Performance Development and MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development – recently unveiled their entries for a proposed new low-cost B-Spec series, using the Honda Fit and the MAZDA2 as their respective platforms. As one of the fastest-growing segments in the entire automotive industry, B-segment vehicles have grown in popularity because they’re affordable and, more importantly, have enjoyed a tremendous following from younger demographics. That success has translated into the idea of producing cheap(er) B-Spec racers with the Fit and Mazda2 being two of among a number of other hatchbacks that would fit into this category. Other vehicles include the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Aveo. Continued after the jump. Full story 2010 Mazda 2 Evil TrackSmall cars don’t have to be boring, just ask owners of the legendary Mazda MX-5. This car doesn’t have the power of a sports car or the size of a supercar, but it sure is fun to drive, more so than some of its larger car counterparts. Mazda has been known to be small car lovers over the years, as they take these tiny chassis and make them fun to drive. Take the MazdaSpeed 3 for instance. It wasn’t large and it wasn’t as powerful as a Ford Mustang, but it had to be one of the best driving vehicles on the road. Mazda hopes that their new Mazda 2 Evil Track will continue this small sporty car theme, as it takes the base 2 and adds a touch of speed to it. Imagine what would happen if the cute little green Mazda went to prison and you get the idea of what this Evil Track is all about. Full story Mazda Are Aiming High With The Next Mazda2
Talk about a bold claim from Mazda, as the Japanese automaker has said its next Mazda2 subcompact would get 70 miles per gallon, making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline car on the road. The vehicle will go on sale in Japan next year and it will be the first vehicle to get Mazda’s new engine and transmission technology, called SKYACTIV. Mazda hopes that this new setup will improve fuel economy on its cars by 30 percent by 2015. The company hopes to introduce the new SKYACTIV system on all of its cars by 2016. The company also plans on building hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and an electric vehicle, using their current technology, by 2015. Currently, Mazda has no hybrid system of their own, but we don’t doubt that they have the ability to develop one. The current Mazda2 manages 29/35 miles per gallon city/highway, which is decent, but not good enough to compete with the new B- and C-segment vehicles. 2011 2011 Mazda2 goes on sale at Paris Auto Show in October
Mazda’s lightweight, entry level hatchback will be getting an upgrade for 2011 with the same focus on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions as other models in the lineup. This focus is thanks to the Euro 5 standards for cars that have many automakers changing things up to progressively move forward. The Mazda2 will be unveiled at this year’s Paris Auto Show and will come with a bit of a facelift. The facelift Mazda2 will get new front styling featuring Mazda’s unique family face, a new interior, upgraded Euro V compliant powertrain line-up, and an upgraded chassis for even better ride comfort. An automatic transmission will also be offered for the very first time. Next to the Mazda2, the Japanese company will also be unveiling a Mazda3 and Mazda5, both powered by a a new, more economical MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine with 115 HP. The new engine will be mated to a new lightweight 6-speed manual transmission and will come with a 15 percent CO2 emissions reduction in comparison to previous 2.0-liter diesel. It also has a fuel consumption of only 4.4 l/100km. Press release after the jump. Full story
Tiny Green Fun: 2010 Mazda 2 Review In the world of automotive journalism, it can be difficult to really love a car. We sit behind computers, making assumptions on new products that we have yet to drive. It’s easy to love a car or hate a car from a chair, but will we feel the same way when we actually get a go? This was our dilemma with the Mazda 2. We have been praising this little car for its quirky looks ever since it debuted in 2007. We were as excited as a child with a new toy for the chance to get to take one out on the road for the first time. The Mazda will be hitting showrooms soon, but it wasn’t that long ago when the future of this machine was still up in the air. We hoped and prayed that we would finally get a good small car. So, does the little Mazda fulfill our every desire? At first glance the Mazda seems to have kept its slender figure. Where as most cars gain weight when they make the trip to the U.S – as do most humans – the Mazda2 has kept its figure. Sure, there are larger reinforcements to help the car pass U.S safety standards, but, all in all, this is the same machine we saw during its debut. Hit the jump to continue reading. Full story . 2010 Mazda Demio/Mazda2 13C-V HID EDITION
Mazda has chosen to celebrate its 90th anniversary in a subtle way by bringing out a special edition that will only be available in the Japanese market. Going on sale today, the Mazda Demio 13C-V HID EDITION will feature high intensity discharge headlights and fog lights and will be available in eleven exterior paint colors including Copper Red Mica. This particular color will be exclusive to this special edition. The Mazda Demio compact car features a 1.3L DOHC Miller cycle engine mated to a CVT transmission. It can produce 90 hp at 6000 rpm and 91 lb-ft at 3500 rpm and can travel up to 23.0 kilometers per liter. Pricing for this special edition Demio/Mazda2 is 1,330,000 yen with tax and 1,266,667 yen without tax. The price jumps up by 31,500 yen if the customer opts for the Crystal White Pearl Mica exterior paint color. Hit the jump for the press release. Full story | Mazda 2 latest reviews:Mazda 2 tuning:
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