The 2009 Mazda Miata, or MX-5 as it is known around the world, is a great car if you have one thing in mind, fun. You won’t be able to pick up a friend from the airport after their month long European vacation; there simply isn’t the room. When it comes to bringing someone along for the ride, you will have to choose between your girlfriend (or boyfriend) or your dog. You will have to keep a beanie in the glove box for cold days, because driving with the top up is just unacceptable.
However if you are the type of driver who looks forward to getting behind the wheel, like to compete in autocross events or just want to play Mario Andretti on your commute to work, the Mazda Miata is what you are looking for. Sure there are no big turbos or V8 rumble, instead you will find a reliable four cylinder engine that revs higher than the previous model, and although the 170 HP Miata won’t win any dyno competitions, it is more than enough power to motivate the 2,400 pound open air roadster to do things you would expect from a much more exotic, more expensive vehicle.
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Mazda is looking for some promotion during the 2009 Targa Tasmania by calling its entry "the only rotary-powered performance car in Australia". This Aussie race is something that we normally wouldn’t cover very heavily, and low-level news like an RX-8 entering the competition would usually only be posted on a very slow day, but then something interesting caught our eye in the press release.
As it turns out this RX-8 will be allowed to compete with a turbocharger. The rotary cars from Mazda haven’t been turbocharged since the RX-7, which was discontinued in 2002 (1995 in the U.S.)
Mazda didn’t release performance figures on the car it’s calling the RX-8 SP. We’re betting there is a significant increase to the 232 hp and at least a second shaved off the standard car’s 0 to 60 time of six seconds.
Press release after the jump.
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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.
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Mazda has revealed the first official images of the new MazdaSpeed3 (AKA Mazda3 MPS, AKA Mazdaspeed Axela) ahead of its official debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show. This is the car that puts extra performance behind the Cheshire Cat grin.
The second generation will MazdaSpeed3 use the same 2.3-liter turbo four cylinder engine of the current model. Mazda did not release details on the power figures, but we do know that the engine now meets stringent Euro 5 emissions standards. What we expect from the next generation of the hottest Mazda3 is at least the same 263 hp and front-wheel drive fun. For the rest of the details, we’ll just have to wait for Geneva.
Press release after the jump.
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The Mazda3 is one of Mazda’s core products, with more than two million units of the first generation produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while still being fun to drive.
The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup. It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12 percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top-class fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car that will exceed customer expectations.
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.
The Mazda RX-8 is a hit with those who love high-revving engines, but after five years on the vine, it may be growing a little stale. Now Mazda is doing some heavy breathing on the rotary-power car with the introduction of a special edition RX-8 called the "Circuit Trial" at the Tokyo Auto Salon (January 9 to 11).
The exact specifications of what Mazdaspeed has applied to the RX-8 for the Circuit Trial upgrade was not announced, but we expect modified suspension, brake, and engine components. We do know that it will offer Recaro bucket seats, large diameter tires, new alloy wheels, and a body kit.
The Circuit Trial treatment will also be applied to Atenza (AKA Mazda6) and Demio (Mazda2 in Europe, nothing in the U.S.)
There has been no announcement to offer RX-8 Circuit Trial in the U.S., which means Mazda’s fanboys over here are probably figuring out how to get parts (or whole cars) on container ships.
Limited to only 400 units, the Mazda2 "Fit for Fun" special edition adds a more sportier look to Mazda’s small model. The special edition is available in Germany and is priced at 15,800 euro.
It is powered by a 1.3-liter MZR engine that delivers 86 hp. The sporty kit adds: dark headlamps, a front apron, rear wing, painted grille, side skirts and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipments include: automatic climate control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control (TCS), on-board computer and rain sensor. The special edition is available in white or black.
Mazda will unveil the new generation Mazda3 five-doors version on December 3rd at the Bologna Motor Show. The second generation mazda3 will follow the same design lines as the sedan version revealed few days ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Under the hood Mazda placed the newly launched 2,2 liter turbo-diesel engine next to the engines from the current model: a 1,6 and 2,0 gasoline engien and a 1,6 turbo-diesel.
The new 2,2 liter engine will be offered in two different versions: 150 and 185 hp.
All gasoline engine versions of the new Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.
Press release after the jump.
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The last generation 3 shared a platform with the Ford Focus, and so now that the (European) Focus has upgraded its chassis, so will the 3. The new look of the 3 takes cues from the Mazda6, and continues what Mazda says will be the base of its future design language.
On the North American market, the new Mazda3 will be launched as a sedan only, with the hatchback version arriving at a later date.
2010 Mazda3 is offered with two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 148 hp at 6500 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; and Mazda3 s powered by a MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 167 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The i version gets a five-speed manual transmission while the s version gets a six-speed stick-shift transmission.
The Mazda3 i achieves 25 mpg in city driving with the manual transmission and 24 mpg with the automatic. The highway mileage with the 2.0-liter engine is 33 mpg with either transmission. The Mazda3 s also tops 20 mpg in all conditions. Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, its city rating is 21 mpg, rising to 22 mpg with the 5-speed automatic. The highway rating is 29 mpg with either transmission.
Press release after the jump.
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