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 Mazda KAAN won the Los Angeles Design Competition and it represents a race car from 2025. KAAN took first place for how well it integrated a high level of innovation and technology into the design, as well as its truly unique styling.
Mazda’s patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions.
The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.
Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.
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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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.
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After announcing that the Mazda3 sedan will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, here is a new spy shot of the Mazdaspeed3 testing at the Nurburgring. World debut for this special edition will be made in January at the Detroit Auto Show.
The modifications over the normal Mazda3 include, a massive hood scoop, larger alloy wheels, side skirts, dual exhaust and rear roof spoiler. Like the previous generation Mazdaspeed3, it will likely be available as a five-door only. Powering the car will possibly be the 300hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbo from the European Ford Focus RS.
The MAZDA KAAN is an electric race car designed to compete in the E1 races, the pinnacle of international motorsports in terms of technology and popularity. In 2025, California freeways have been resurfaced with a sub-level electro-conductive polymer that powers the electric cars of the modern world. MAZDA’s patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions!
The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.
Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.
Mazda is preparing to have more to say on the auto market: the company will add a new city car, a fresh compact SUV and more variants of its existing models. According to AutoCar, Mazda wants to become a "more aspirational brand that will be an alternative to the premium manufacturers."
The city car will be based on the Kiyora concept revealed at the Paris Auto Show. It will be named Mazda1 and is set to be revealed in 2011. It will compete with the Volkswagen Up! family and the Toyota iQ.
A new Mazda RX-7 is also in the works. Although it is yet to be officially confirmed for production, a modern version of the rotary-engined icon would form an ideal halo model to a more premium Mazda range.
Mazda’s RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicle will see action for the first time today outside of Japan. The car will be participating in Norway’s national hydrogen project, HyNor (Hydrogen Road Norway), which was initiated to establish a clean energy transport system. As agreed upon between Mazda and the Norwegian government in 2007, a total of 30 RX-8s will take part in the project by 2009.
HyNor runs from Oslo to Stavanger, covering a distance of 580 kilometers. It is a unique initiative of the Kingdom of Norway in its efforts to establish a hydrogen energy infrastructure. Several filling stations are being built along this highway to serve the various hydrogen-powered vehicles that will eventually use it. The program was initiated in August 2006.
“We are pleased to be a part of the establishment of a society based on hydrogen energy in Norway. Mazda plans to use the wealth of data and experience that will result from this project for the further development of hydrogen vehicles,” says Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda’s program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development.
The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE dual hydrogen/gasoline concept was first unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The company started leasing production models of it in Japan in 2006.
The first hydrogen-powered Mazda was delivered to Norway in advance so that a pre-evaluation could be done. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will also be showcased in various environmental events where customers can lease the vehicle.
Mazda Motor Corporation, through its Corporate Communications Division, released today its official statement regarding the alleged offering of a third of Ford Motors’ stake in the Japanese company. The document was short and to the point, stating that:
“On October 11, there was media coverage that Ford may sell its Mazda shares. This is speculation and nothing has been announced in this regard. There is nothing to disclose.
If we have something to announce, it will be disclosed at an appropriate time.”
News of the planned sale broke out late last week amidst the continued uninspiring performance of the auto industry. The move was seen by analysts as a desperate attempt by Ford to keep itself afloat after almost depleting its cash reserves. Executives of the Dearborn, Mich.-based company explained however that the news was speculative adding that, despite numerous joint ventures, the two companies remain operationally independent.
Industry insiders have mentioned Japanese trading houses Itochu and Sumitomo expressing interest in acquiring Ford’s Mazda shares. Media sources reveal Indian truck builder Tata Motors as a prospective buyer as well, although the company officially denies this. Still other sources reported that Mazda itself would be buying back a portion of its shares.
The sale appears to be just hearsay, something to keep investors at the edge of their seats; as if the current automotive crisis wasn’t enough but with its official press release, Mazda has, at least, put to rest this particular issue.
The idea is simple: when in real trouble do whatever it takes to survive. That may be what’s shaping up at Ford as reports indicate that its one-third stake in Mazda is for sale. Ford has not indicated that a final decision to sell controlling interest in the Japanese carmaker, but it is not doing much to deny the rumor either. "Our relationship with Mazda has not changed," Ford said. "Any important decision will be disclosed."
Selling Mazda may be trickier that other brands. Unlike the also-for-sale Volvo, Mazda is an integral part of Ford’s operations. Currently the Ford Focus, Fusion and Ranger (and their variations) as well as Duratec line of engines are intertwined with Mazda. If Ford were to sell its interest, it would need to make sure the buyer was both friendly to Ford’s business and likely not also in the car business.
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