The Mazda5 isn’t really the kind of vehicle that you’d associate running around the Laguna Seca Raceway so we were a little bit curious to her of one being made for that specific purpose - and be displayed at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. So consider us surprised to see the beloved minivan get a full-on racing treatment courtesy of Mazda Design.
The first thing that caught our eye about this piece of work of a Mazda5 is the custom graphics on its side that features a map of the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (MRLS) racing circuit complete with notes and descriptions of the locations of the bathrooms. The custom minivan also received an MRLS logo on the front doors, a striking orange line along the side skirts, lowering springs with height-adjustable perches, and a set of 19" Mazda RX-8 R3-spec forged aluminum wheels, complete with MRLS logo orange dots.
For a vehicle that seems to be as out of place on a race track as a heavyset bouncer is watching the new Twilight movie, the Mazda5 MLRS Support Vehicle does have some endearing and impressive qualities.
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.
The Japanese automaker Mazda will unveil at the next generation Mazda5 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Like all previous models, the new Mazda5 speaks the same Nagare design language and is powered by a fuel efficient direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies with sales slated to begin this fall. The new model will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.8 Liter gasoline engine mated to a six speed manual transmission and a 2.0 Liter engine with direct injection and i-stop.
Press release after the jump.
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Mazda’s multi-activity vehicle, the Mazda5, will hit showrooms in early 2008 in a facelifted version that is even more family friendly with enhanced comfort, convenience and safety, combined with lower driving costs.
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With the introduction of the new Mazda5, Mazda breathes new life into the European C-MAV segment with a stylish, flexible and fun to drive vehicle offering two spirited petrol powertrains and two derivatives of Mazda’s improved MZR-CD 2.0-litre common-rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine coupled to a new 6-speed manual transmission. Both diesel derivatives come standard with a diesel particulate filter system that is maintenance-free and Euro Stage IV compliant. Added to (...)
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