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.
So soon after the Minagi concept was revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Mazda has come forth with details of the future production model. The Minagi was concocted as a preview version of the next CX model so the fact that the production model is called the CX-5 shouldn’t be too alarming to Mazda fans. The Mazda CX-5 will be the third model in the CX line-up, next to the CX-7 and CX-9, and will appropriately be the smallest one.
The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s new design theme, ’KODO - Soul of Motion’ that was revealed with the Shinari concept. This new design theme includes a prominent new front view with a bolder family face and dynamic styling that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility. The future SUV will also use the full range of breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including engines - both diesel and gasoline - transmissions, body, and chassis.
The future CX-5 will go on sale worldwide in 2012.
UPDATE 02/06/12: Mazda has finally unveiled the pricing details for the 2012 CX-5. Check out how much it costs after the jump!
Hit the jump to read more about the new Mazda CX-5.
Full story
Mazda is primed and ready to hit the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, the Minagi. This new concept car previews the next generation CX-5 SUV and now, the Japanese automaker has finally pulled the covers off of the new concept SUV .
As seen in the Shinari concept, the design of the Mazda Minagi takes its cues from the automaker’s new ’Kodo’ design language.
The SUV’s front end has the same large grille and sharp headlight configuration seen in the Shinari. The grille comes with an outlined chromed “signature wing” that goes all the way through the headlight and defines the Minagi’s sharp styling, dynamic profile, and overall aggressive look. Just like the headlight’s, the Minagi’s taillights features the same slit-shaped design, like a ferocious car ready to pounce on the competition.
In terms of designing the Minagi using the brand’s new Kodo styling cue, the Japanese automaker was able to translate the essence of the new design, successfully communicating pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape.
"I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture,” said Masashi Nakayama, the designer of the Minagi concept.
Inside the Minagi, the concept has plenty of high-end features that also taps into the Kodo’s seamless flowing design. The cockpit comes with four upright satin chrome struts that serves as a support to the vehicle’s dashboard. The seats have been dressed in leather and is complemented by red stitching. The touchscreen interface on both the center console and the dash are stacked with high-tech features that serve as multi-function infotainment systems. Likewise, the Minagi’s instrument panel has sporty touches that include the three-spoke steering wheel and clock-like meters that emit a calming and subdued blue-ish hue.
Unfortunately, Mazda didn’t go into specifics regarding the concept’s technical aspect, saying only that the Minagi will feature the company’s new SkyActiv engine and SkyActiv transmission fitted to a SkyActiv-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.
Check out gallery for all the new photos of the Mazda Minagi
We first heard about the CX-5 back in 2008 when Mazda began discussing its plans to expand their line and create a more well-rounded line-up. Two years later and those plans are finally being put to work as AutoCar reports that the new CX-5 is just about ready to be launched.
The new CX-5 is being designed after the Kazamai Concept that was unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in 2008. The concept looked like a cross between a sports car and an SUV and highlighted the direction Mazda was taking when producing their next small compact crossover. Straight out of Star Trek, the Kazamai Concept’s design language was all, but ordinary.
Not only will the Mazda CX-5 boast an extravagant design concept, but it will also be doing its part for the environment, being the first production Mazda to be powered by the Sky engine. The SKY-G engine is a next-generation direct injection gasoline engine with greatly improved fuel economy and output due to enhanced thermal efficiency. The engine will work with i-stop, regenerative braking, and lighter vehicles to provide the owner with a 30-percent increase in fuel economy. The Mazda CX-5 will be at least 100kg lighter than its competitors.
Mazda will also be shadowing the new Land Rover Evoque by creating both three- and five-door versions.
Mazda revealed at the Toronto Auto Show the 2010 CX-7. The SUV comes with a subtle facelift and also new engine: a a 161 hp, naturally aspirated 2.5 litre four-cylinder that is also found under the hood of the 2009 Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3.
The new engine comes with Front-Wheel Drive coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Continuing as the top engine option is the familiar MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo (direct injection DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder) engine. Output remains the same, 244 hp at 5,000 rpm with 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.
The exterior design of the 2010 CX-7 features revised front and rear fascias with the front adopting the larger five-point grille design similar in appearance to recently redesigned RX-8, MX-5 and Mazda3.
Press release after the jump.
Full story
