With the debut of the new Takeri Concept, Mazda has revealed the design language for their future Mazda6 sedan, but that isn’t the only new model the Japanese company has in their future plans. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Robert Davis - Mazda’s Senior Vice President of U.S. operations has announced that the company plans to unveil four redesigned models by 2014.
The first to arrive will be a major update for the CX-5 in the spring of 2012. It will be followed by a redesigned Mazda6 and redesigns of the Mazda3, MX-5 Miata, and CX-9 in 2013.
The big news is that these redesigned models will not only receive exterior and interior updates, but new lightweight platforms and new gasoline and diesel powertrains that boost power and fuel economy. By 2016, Mazda also plans to add stop-start, regenerative braking, and hybrid technologies.
The new platform developed for the four new models will be the first one developed solely by Mazda. The company has been using platforms shared with Ford Motor Co. for most of its vehicles, but since Ford sold its stake in Mazda in 2006, the Japanese company has announced it has no plans to share its new platforms and powertrain technologies for U.S. vehicles with Ford.
Mazda’s little compact car showed up to the 2011 New York Auto Show with a midcycle refresh that not only provides a refined exterior and interior, but also dishes out a new engine that utilizes Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies.
The new engine is the first application in North America of the SKYACTIV technology and improves the Mazda3’s fuel economy by 17%, allowing it to go up to an impressive 40 mpg on the highway.
"SKYACTIV is not just an engine; it is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency," said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "SKYACTIV embodies Mazda’s philosophy of engineering only vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own and environmentally responsible; and there is no better vehicle to start with than the Mazda3, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on the road."
The 2012 Mazda3 also features improved sporty driving dynamics, responsive handling, and comfortable cabin space.
UPDATE 04/27/2011: Mazda has revealed four videos of the new 2012 Mazda3 - both sedan and hatchback - that shares details of the car’s design elements and shows them off in action! Check it out by clicking on the image above and remember to hit the arrow to see the rest!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Mazda3.
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There are numerous Mazdas being shown at the SEMA show in Las Vegas and some have unique body styles and neat paint jobs, but this Mazda does all its talking on the road.
The Mazda3 Turbo Sedan takes the normal sedan look, but adds some serious power to it for some driving excitement. It’s like adding ballistic missiles to a submarine, as normal subs are great, but a missile sub is even better and even more aggressive. While we are perfectly aware that the turbo is by no means a nuclear weapon, it’s still pretty neat.
To create this vehicle, Mazda let its team have a little fun with some parts. The team took its knowledge of the Mazda parts bin and its close relationships with MAZDASPEED Motorsports suppliers, looked in the mirror, and decided to build a fast version of the Mazda3. We should work at Mazda.
Hit the jump to read on.
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As rumors go, this one is somewhere in the middle. Not quite as crazy as it could be, but not really a sure thing. Mazda U.S VP of product development, Robert Davis, made a comment that a diesel engine could be in the next Mazdaspeed3. That’s about all the information we have at this time.
We wouldn’t be opposed to this, but it seems odd that Mazda would put a diesel in the performance model and not the economy based standard Mazda3. That being said, if Mazda had boosted the new diesel Sky engine for performance, the new hot hatch could be something special.
There are many issues with this rumor though. We all know that the normal Mazdaspeed3 has issues with torque steer, so imagine how much there would be with a diesel motor. Not to mention a performance tuned Sky diesel will likely have to forgo efficiency for performance.
We would expect to see a diesel in the base Mazda3 way before we see one in the hot 3.
In the event you have a 2007-2009MY Mazda3 or Mazda5 – manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008 - sitting idly in your driveway, you might want to hold off using them for the time being.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these specific models of the Mazda3 and Mazda5 are in line for a recall after it was discovered that a problem with the car’s steering could lead to serious accidents.
Turns out, there’s some sort of defect with these cars that results in the loss of power assist with the vehicle’s steering wheels that could, in turn, seriously hamper the way these cars can be driven. The problem becomes even more profound when the cars are being driven at gradual speeds.
Yet despite the announcement, the recall won’t come into effect at least until owner notifications are done. And with repair parts in short supply, the recall probably won’t happen for another few months.
In any case, if you do own any one of these vehicles, it is highly advisable to give Mazda’s customer service department a ring at 1-800-222-5500. Find out how the recall will happen and follow every appropriate measure to ensure that you don’t find yourself in any unfortunate – and avoidable – situations.
