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2012 Mazda’s Future Plans Revealed  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 celebrates 2 millionth Mazda6 built
We all know that Mazda’s meal ticket in the auto industry is the new MX-5 Roadster, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the Mazda3, not the MX-5, is the brand’s fastest-selling vehicle of all time. Coming in second is the Mazda6, which is quite a seller itself. Maybe not to the level of the Mazda3, but in-demand enough that the brand recently celebrated the 2 millionth Mazda6 ever built by the company. What’s more impressive? The company took only eight-and-something years to achieve the milestone number. The car was launched back in 2002 at the company’s Hofu Plant No. 2 in Japan, and after a little under nine years, car number 2 million left the production block late last month. Accoding to Seita Kanai, the company’s senior managing executive officer and head of R&D and Program Management, the Mazda6 was instrumental in bringing global recognition to a Japanese brand that, for the longest time, found it difficult to move out of the shadow cast by its more prominent Japanese peers, Toyota and Honda. "The Mazda6 is one of the core models which helped establish Mazda’s brand image globally,” he said. “I was the first generation model’s development program manager, and I still have a special fondness for this terrific car. I’m grateful to the two million-plus customers around the world who have purchased a Mazda6. I would like to say thank you to each and every customer." Congratulations to Mazda for achieving quite a milestone. Here’s to hoping that car number three million will come a lot sooner. From A Boy To A Man: The 2010 Mazda6
There are cars out there that come out and you know, right off the bat, they are going to be the golden child. Then there are cars that are produced and people shrug their shoulders and say, "That’s average." Those "average" cars have to work hard and strive to become the automotive men that everyone vehicle hopes to be. The 2010 Mazda6 fits into the average category. The 6 started out as a nothing, a lowborn family sedan that came from the same platform as the rest of the sedans created by Ford’s legion of minions. After years of hard work things have begun to look up. How things have changed for the 6. No longer a nobody, the midsize Mazda has grown up and moved away. Ford has cut its stake in Mazda to 13% and my, what it has done. This is no reflection on Ford, they make fantastic cars, but now that Mazda is free to create and produce what they please, the 6 has become a man. The base model Mazda6 is nicely equipped with loads of power stuff and standard stability control; pretty much the usual things you’ll find on most midsize sedans. The price is even highly competitive at $19,220. Who wants base though, it’s like settling for second best. We chose the i Grand Touring, a seemingly luxury sedan with so many different options on it that it would take a while to describe them all. Hope you have time to spare. Our Mazda6 came with proximity-sensing keyless entry and push-button start; 17-inch alloy wheels; rain-sensing windshield wipers; auto-dimming heated outside mirrors with "puddle" lights; automatic Xenon headlights and LED taillights; leather upholstery; and a blind-spot monitoring system. Add the optional moon roof/navigation/Bose audio package and tax and title and you’re looking at one pricey ride. It’s Mazda’s version of a Lexus, without the dull looks. Hit the jump to read the rest of the review. Full story 2010 Mazda Takuya Special Edition exclusive for the UK
A few days ago, Mazda pulled the covers off of their latest special edition range – the Takuya – that will be exclusively distributed in the UK. Following in the success of the special edition Tamura range that was sold in the past, Mazda’s new Takuya range – the word ‘Takuya’ is a Japanese translation for ‘pioneer’ - will likewise feature variations for a number of Mazda models, including the Mazda 2, Mazda 3, and Mazda 6. The entry-level Mazda 2 five-door Takuya Edition will come with a 1.3-liter engine with a number of special edition features, including a set of 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights, and a sports styling kit that comes with a spoiler, sports bumpers, and side skirts. As for the interior, the Mazda 2 Takuya Edition will come with a black sports trim, trip computer, leather steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel remote audio controls, and a Parrot Bluetooth hands-free kit. Continued after the jump Full story 2010 Mazda6When launched in 2001, Mazda put lots of hopes in the Mazda6 sedan. But things weren’t quite as they have expected: during its life time there were only around 80,000 units sold, while its competitors went easily over 100.000 units. So Mazda had to do something about that. And in 2009 they have revealed a new Mazda6. It came with a new design, new engines with improved fuel economy and better performance. In just a few words it offers all the standards in its class.  The 2010 Mazda6 is offered in two different versions: i and s, with prices ranging from $18,450 to $28,390. Under the hood Mazda placed a range of two engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 272 hp at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The engines are mated to either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive ratios for the top two gears. Full details after the jump. Full story Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca safety cars: Mazda6, CX-7 and RX-8
Here at Top Speed we love anything and everything that goes fast, so during our weekend on the Monterey peninsula we had to make a stop at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. Once there we were pleasantly surprised when the track staff offered us the opportunity to take a ride around the prestigious racing circuit aboard one of Mazda’s modified safety cars. The lineup of matte black and white pace cars included an RX-8 four door sports coupe, a CX-7 crossover and the all new Mazda 6. At first we were a little disappointed not to see a Miata wearing the pace car livery, equipped with the fancy amber light bar and beefier tires allowing the trio of Mazdas to corner like champions and stay ahead of the two wheeled racers. However, after a quick trip in the CX-7 and Mazda 6, we were absolutely convinced that the Miata’s fun to drive DNA runs rich throughout the entire automaker’s lineup.  When the track marshall told me to get into the CX-7, our thoughts were limited to, “what a bummer, we come all the way to California and we get stuck riding in the cow of the group", boy were we wrong. Inside the crossover everything was stock except for a circuit board to control the flashing lights and a roll bar that gave the bright blue Scroth 4 point racing harnesses a place to secure themselves to while we were strapped in tight to the leather wrapped seat. The only modification to the drive train of the Euro-spec CX-7 were a set of Brembo brakes and a set of plus sized forged TE-37 wheels from Volk Racing wrapped in sticky rubber.  Nevertheless, it seems that these basic modifications were enough to turn the CX-7 into a track day special. It was amazing how well the sports inspired crossover handled on the track. We were instantaneously blown away by how fast this little Sport-Utility could lap the circuit, and especially the way that the driver was able to tame the infamous corkscrew. We were surprised to find ourselves on the heels of the other safety cars, the driver was really hammering it. Truning in sharply, pumping the steering wheel like mad, clipping the apexes, pushing the CX-7 to its limit. The car did an amazing job of staying on track. Mazda has truly figured out a way to incorporate their zoom-zoom high performance attitude into even the most unlikely of products. Check the gallery for more photos and details about each of the cars. Full story Five EuroNCAP stars for 2009 Mazda6
The 2009 Mazda6 (Euro specs) is one of the safest cars in the world: five-stars rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme.  For 2009, Euro NCAP has implemented a more stringent evaluation system that awards a single overall vehicle safety rating combining the scores achieved in four areas of assessment: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. The Mazda6 was in the first group of vehicles tested under the new framework. Mazda models in Europe that received the highest possible five stars for Adult Occupant Protection under the previous Euro NCAP rating system include the Mazda5 (Mazda Premacy) in September 2005 and the Mazda2 (Mazda Demio) in December 2007. Press release after the jump. Full story 2009 Mazda6 Circuit Trial
We got a preview of the Mazda RX-8 Circuit Trial last month, but just in case you need to hide your track car’s origins in something a little more sedate, Mazda will offer the Circuit Trial package for the 6 sedan.  The car includes unique aerodynamic parts, racing decals, sport seats and bigger wheels. The Circuit Trail seems to pay special attention to the suspension with a stiffer setup and high-performance brake pads. Mazda has been tight-lipped about the details of the car, but that should change once the Tokyo Motor Salon opens this weekend. Just like the RX-8 Circuit Trial, the U.S. has not yet been named a recipient of this car. 2009 Mazda6 by Troy Lee Design
Mazda has enlisted the help of graphic design house Troy Lee Designs multiple times, but that was usually for its trucks and sport utes. But with the new Mazda6 on the way, the company went to the racing design house for a little work on its new sedan for the SEMA show.  The customized Mazda6 features custom paint by Troy Lee Designs, with paint prep and detailing by L&G Enterprises, paint material by PPG and body modifications by Funktion USA, to create an exterior design that is part chameleon and part racer.  To add to the racer look and feel, 18” Momo Strike wheels and Hoosier tires were added. Other mods includes a suspension by Eibach Springs, 6-piston big brake kit by Wilwood Engineering, and custom brake fabrication by JD Performance. Since this car isn’t exactly straight out of Mazda’s accessories catalogue, don’t expect this NASCAR-like Mazda6 in the showroom anytime soon. Press release after the jump. Full story Mazda6 production begins
Mazda today begun North American production for the all new 2009 Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market with handling and comfort being optimized for North American road conditions. Two spirited engines will be available: the newly developed 2.5-liter direct injection I-4 that drives the European and Japanese versions of the all-new Mazda6 and –for extra performance– the 3.7-liter V6 that powers the Mazda CX-9, the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Full story | Mazda 6 latest reviews:
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