Mazda unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the freshened Mazda MX-5 and Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. The MX-5 facelift will be introduced on the European market in early spring 2009.
The powertrain has been enhanced to enable the driver to enjoy the full potential of the engine’s performance (a key “fun to drive” aspect of the MX-5). Specifically, the speed at which the engine delivers maximum power has been raised from 6,700 rpm to 7,000 rpm (2.0-litre M/T version) and the rev limit has been raised from 7,000 rpm to 7,500 rpm (all 2.0-litre versions).
With the six-speed manual transmission, the meshing surfaces of the 1st–4th triple-cone synchronizers are now carbon coated, and the 3rd–4th synchronizer diameter has been increased. These improvements enable smoother shifts up to the engine’s heightened rev limit of 7,500 rpm.
A six-speed Activematic automatic transmission that’s newly available with the MX-5 for Europe incorporates two new control technologies. One is Direct Activematic (DAM), which allows the driver to quickly change gears using paddles on the steering wheel while still driving in the “D” range.
Press release after the jump.
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The Paris Auto Show is just a few days away, but this doesn’t mean we can’t get information and images about what we will see there. Although we got to see the first official image earlier this month, here are some new pics of the facelifted 2009 Mazda MX-5.
The facelift features only minor changes: new grille, restyled bumper, new fog light inserts and headlights. Nothing impressive under the hood either: the engine line-up remains unchanged: there will be the 126 hp 1.8-liter (Europe only) or the 160 hp 2.0-liter. The engines will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
It won’t be 2012 until there will be an all-new MX-5, which company executives promise will have "more balls".
More pics after the jump.
Mazda’s AZ-Wagon mostly dominated the mini-mpv class of the automotive market in Japan because of its practicality and innovative use of space. The car was introduced in 1994 and was called the AZ-Wagon in reference to Mazda’s Autozam spin off marque. It was originally powered by a 3-cylinder 657 cc engine which was upgraded a year later to a 658 cc with optional DOHC or SOHC layout. A remodeled version of the AZ-Wagon was released in October 2003 which offered turbo and all-wheel drive variants.
Mazda Motors Corporation is releasing a fully-redesigned third generation of the AZ-Wagon. Flaunting a sportier exterior and upgraded cabin, the mighty mini-mpv will be sold starting today at dealerships all over Japan. Enhancements to the car include a longer wheelbase courtesy of a new platform; larger, more comfortable seats; and a wider rear liftgate for easy loading and unloading. Also offered on some model grades are steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, Autolight system, and four-wheel drive.
With swept-back headlights, the standard AZ-Wagon exudes a more aggressive character compared to its predecessor. The engine is a 660 cc VVT DOHC mated to either a 4-speed automatic or CVT. Weekend racers masquerading as soccer moms can opt for the turbocharged power plant of the XT grade.
Mazda also re-introduces the AZ-Wagon Custom Style. This variant has loads of premium features such as an aero kit, door mirror-mounted LED turn indicators, fog lamps, and pearl body colors. A high-quality black instrument panel with silver trim, and leather-wrapped steering wheel graces the interior of the mini-mpv. The XT and XT-L grade of the Custom Style feature a 7-speed CVT with paddle-shift manual mode.
The DOHC VVT does a commendable 55 MPG while the turbocharged DOHC, a not-too-shabby 50 MPG. What about emissions? According to AZ-Wagon specifications, the naturally-aspirated engines qualify as Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (SU-LEV, i.e., exhaust emissions are 75 percent or more cleaner than the levels specified by the Japanese government’s 2005 exhaust emissions regulations). Furthermore, the turbocharged variants qualify as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (U-LEV, i.e., exhaust emissions are 50 percent or more cleaner than the levels specified by the Japanese government’s 2005 exhaust emissions regulations).
Could the Mazda AZ-Wagon soon be making its U.S. debut? During these troubled times of rising fuel prices, who knows? The mini-mpv might not be a bad idea at all.
To show its commitment to social responsibility, the Mazda Motor Corporation will be participating in the 35th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (HCR) in Tokyo, Japan. The company will be showcasing its special needs cars at the event. Although the vehicles will initially be available in Japan, there is that possibility that they will eventually make it to American shores.
Three special needs vehicles by Mazda will be showcased at the event.
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Why? Because they consider it might hurt the Mazda3 sales. Auto dealers have been clamoring for the Mazda2, a popular small car in Japan and Europe, as North American drivers dump big vehicles in favor of fuel-efficient rides. If brought, the Mazda2 will compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.
"The Mazda2 is a very good product, and we’ve received very strong requests from dealers. But it is still under study," Mazda President Hisakazu Imaki said about a possible North American debut. "But I must also say that I don’t regret that we haven’t been able to supply the car thus far.
"One of the biggest factors the decision hasn’t been made is that the Mazda3 is still enjoying strong sales," Imaki said here. Also, demand for the Mazda2 might recede if gasoline prices moderate, he said.
Mazda will unveil the next generation MX-5 in 2012; until then there will be a redesigned version of it set to be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show, and here’s the first official image. The facelift features only minor changes: new grille, restyled bumper, new fog light inserts and headlights. There is no news about the mechanical changes, the only thing we know is that the MazdaSpeed version will be dropped.
Now that the embargo has been broken, the official details are soon to follow.
Mazda may just be pulling a trick on General Motors. While GM gets the spotlight and the pressure associated with its new Volt, Mazda may be working on a sneak attack. What makes the Volt unique is that it’s a purely electric car. Whenever the gas engine is needed, it is only used to generate power for the electric motor. Autocar is now reporting that Mazda is working on a similar type of car, using a rotary engine to charge the electric motor. Furthermore, Mazda seems to already be utilizing the technology in a test car that looks like a Mazda 5.
No word yet on what kind of batteries are being used or what kind of body Mazda will use for the new system. This may be where GM has the advantage. Much of the project resources of the Volt are being used to develop long range and lightweight lithium-ion batteries for the car. Also a lot of attention is being used to develop an original body for the car, so that it will have the least amount of wind resistance possible.
Mazda is preparing to launch the next generation MX-5, a model that will feature a radical rethink. “The next MX-5 needs to be a big step,” said Mazda’s Chief designer Lauren Van den Acker. “The last one was too conservative and we can’t do another car like that. We need to make it more dramatic and give it some balls.”
The next MX-5 will make its debut in 2012, and Mazda wants it to be a no-nonsense small rear-drive roadster. Expect the new one to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than the current model.
For the 2008 Paris Auto Show Mazda is preparing a small facelift of current MX-5. The MazdaSpeed version will be dropped.
Mazda today officially unveiled the Kazamai Concept at the Moscow Motor Show. The concept gives a strong hint at where Mazda might be going with a compact crossover SUV. Small, lightweight with dynamic styling, low-consumption, a next-generation Mazda powertrain, it is meant to appeal to young, upwardly-mobile Russians with a strong sense of style and urban lifestyle demands.
Kazamai means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, and was chosen to express the powerful yet nimble character of this crossover. Kazamai is part of the new flowing lines of Mazda concept cars like the Furai.
Mazda Kazamai will feature a DISI engine based on the current Mazda CX-7, with advanced technologies to minimize energy loss and vastly improved thermal efficiency. Mazda’s next generation 2.0-liter DISI engine also has combustion control technology and variable valve control that deliver strong torque throughout the rev-range for good engine response and fuel economy. A next-generation catalyst is used for good emissions performance.
Press release after the jump.
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Is not the first time you head that Mazda is working on a successor for the RX-8. But now, new info suggests that the future model use a rotary engine capable on running on gas or hydrogen power. The new cars is expected to be called the RX-9 and should take styling cues from the Taiki concept. It will offered with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions running the rear wheels. By the time the car goes on sale in 2012, Mazda believes it will have made the hydrogen engine 20 percent more efficient than anything else it is testing now.
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