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During the second weekend of June, more than 200 Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadsters of all sorts of colors and types took part at the model's 20th anniversary birthday party, which was organized in cooperation with MX-5 clubs around Europe, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Our French friends from Supervroum2 participated in the event following the huge convoy of Miata roadsters to the Le Mans circuit. Watch the video after the jump.
As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, you might as well join them. Following Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi's 180 degree turn on the embracement of hybrid technologies that came at the New York Auto Show in April, the company's Executive Vice President Philip Spender announced new details on Mazda's future hybrid plans during the Japanese launch event of the 2010 Axela (Mazda3). "We've started to talk a lot more about it lately, in part because everybody else is," Spender said. "Mazda is responding partly to new government incentives and emissions rules," he added.
Spender revealed that Mazda will not develop a standalone hybrid model but instead the firm will offer gasoline-electric drivetrains as an option on existing models in its portfolio with the first cars expected in the "20-teens".
The Mazda executive did not disclose details on which models would get a hybrid drivetrain option, but we gather that the Mazda3 and Mazda6 as well as the firm's SUV/Crossover models will be among the first in line. And how about Mazda's sportscars like the MX-5 / Miata roadster? Your guess is as good as ours, but feel free to state your thoughts in the comment section below.
Via: Autonews (Sub. Req.)
Mazda has announced the domestic market launch of its all-new Axela which is known elsewhere as the Mazda3. In Japan, the newest version of the '3' is offered with two body styles, a four door sedan and a five-door hatchback powered by 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engines that can be hooked up to a CVT or 4/5-speed automatic transmissions (depending on the version). Nothing exciting here, but unlike Western markets where the Mazda3 is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, Japanese buyers can opt for an all-wheel drive system. 
At the top of the range is the Japanese equivalent of the MazdaSpeed3 (Mazda3 MPS for Europeans), called the MazdaSpeed Axela. It comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four with power being transferred to the front-wheels (no AWD option here) through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Japanese automaker said that suggested retail prices including sales tax for the new Axela range from 1,660,000 to 2,678,000 yen or about $17k to $27.5k at today's exchange rates. Mazda's target sales volume for the Japanese market is around 2,000 units per month.
The latest gossip from the Japanese front is that Mazda is working on a new two-seater roadster model based on the underpinnings of the current generation Mazda2 supermini (see gallery after the jump) which is sold in Japan as the Demio. If true, the roadster would fit right under the MX-5 / Miata in Mazda's sports car range competing in Europe against the likes of the forthcoming Renault Twingo CC, the Opel Tigra and the Peugeot 207 CC. 
No word on the roadster's top, but we gather that a retractable metal roof is the most obvious choice for a model of this sort.
The proposed two-seater is said to use the same front-wheel drive layout as the Ford Fiesta-sized Mazda2 with power coming from a similar engine line-up that in Europe includes 1.3-and 1.5-liter gasoline units as well as 1.4- and 1.6-liter turbo diesels.
Japan's Best Car magazine also came up with a preliminary computer generated rendering of the proposed roadster model which looks quite interesting sans the quirky headlight arrangement.
And while we have no way of confirming the report from Best Car, we believe that a roadster version of the Mazda2 is not only plausible but it also makes sense for Mazda to add such a version in its range.
Via: Best Car
Mazda has announced the domestic market launch of a special edition version of its AZ Wagon kei car, which is based on the Suzuki Wagon R. Like many other models of the sort, the term 'Special Edition' translates to upgraded standard equipment and a few unique details. In the case of the AZ Wagon XS, this means colored door mirrors with embedded LED turn signals, chrome trim in the interior a fully automatic climate control system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, just to mention a few. The so-called 'Violet Purple' color that seems to be catching on lately, is among the five available colors being offered on the AZ-Wagon XS, the other four being Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Luna Gray Pearl Metallic.
It's been 20 years since Mazda blew the covers off the MX-5 / Miata roadster at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989 and to celebrate, Mazda's European arm is holding a special birthday party at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that takes place on 13 and 14 June. A total of 200 MX-5s from all over Europe will meet at the race track with Mazda promising to give owners and fans of the car a special treat. The package that Mazda has readied for MX-5 owners includes a place for their car, an anniversary polo shirt, a rally plate, dinner and breakfast and of course, the chance to experience the race live at a special Mazda Camp reserved for them bordering the circuit.A "Best of Show" competition will also be held during the event with a special award going to the most beautiful MX-5. Those that wish to participate can contact their national MX-5 club or visit the Mazda France website www.mazda.fr for more detailed information on how to sign up for the event that costs €100 (about $140 US).
The Japanese market Mazda RX-8 sportscar has been updated for 2009 with new standard features and two additional exterior body colors that appear for the first time and are called 'Aluminum Metallic' and 'Metropolitan Gray'. The equipment upgrades for the JDM RX-8 include rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-light system, water-repellent coating on the front door windows and door mirrors and Mazda's keyless entry and engine start system that now come as standard on all model grades. 
Even in its latest form, the Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadster has more retro-style charm than a pair of classic Rayban sunglasses, but if you're still not satisfied, you could always opt for an outfit in the likes of MonoCraft's MH1. The Japanese company offers a full makeover for the roadster with a new front fascia complete with uniquely styled hood, bumper and fenders. The result brings to mind several cars including the previous Lotus Elise and the Toyota MR-2. MonoCraft also overhauls the rear end that gains a new bumper, an integrated boot spoiler and a specific fascia with Lotus Elise-like tail lamps.
Customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs while the company also offers numerous interior upgrades including a full leather treatment. Now, whether or not MonoCraft's proposal is worth the fuss (and the money), is something we'll leave for you to decide.
As commonly seen in pre-motorshow press releases, Mazda was quite spartan disclosing any information till the opening of the show. Just for a tease though, they released a 3/4 front view picture which reveals a few, insignificant design elements that are specific to the European model. They include mirror mounted signal lights and chromed wrapped fog lights with additional daylights. (US version on the left hand side)
Technorati: Mazda+CX-7, European, 2007, 2008, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles
Technorati Tags: Mazda+MX-5, Miata, Roadster+Coupe, videos, clips, TV, adds, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,
Since it looks like it’s an Auzzie day today, I thought I’d check around the web and see what those folks “down-under” have to give us when it comes to terms of “wheels” and I stumbled upon this “freak”! This, ladies and gentleman, is the Auzzie made, AMX07 which is a rebodied 2nd generation Mazda Miata / MX-5 Roadster! The AMX07, which is available as a kit or as a completed vehicle completely transforms a standard, 1989-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA series) into a wanna-have an Aston Martin for the poor
Technorati Tags: AMX07, Mazda+MX-5, Miata, Aston+Martin, Australia, tune, tuning+news, Images, pictures, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,
This has to be a first: a roadster available with soft top and retractable hardtop versions. Only a year after Mazda presented its third generation MX-5 / Miata, it decided to debut yet another version of its popular roadster with an electronically folding two piece hardtop.
Unlike other Coupe-Cabrios, the MX-5’s two piece roof doesn’t stow away in the compartment area but instead it folds –just like its soft top sibling- behind the seats, thus allowing the boot to remain intact (150 litres). Mazda’s new MX-5 Roadster-Coupe will be available with two engines, 1.8 and 2.0 litres.
Created jointly with Prodrive to deliver greater driver involvement. Only 800 examples available Mazda is introducing an even more ‘focused’ version of its highest performance, four-door, sports coupé. On sale in the
Based on the 231ps high-power version of Mazda RX-8 with leather trim, the PZ has been further developed by Mazda jointly with leading motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing. Mazda’s brief to Prodrive was to build on the remarkable attributes of the standard Mazda RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car’s passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car.
Ensuring a touch of exclusivity, just 800 examples of the Mazda RX-8 PZ will be available, priced at £25,995 on-the-road with an insurance rating of 17E compared to 16E for the standard RX-8 231ps model.
Distinguishing features include a choice of two colours Brilliant Black (solid) or Galaxy Grey (metallic), unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels, rear silencer and aerodynamic rear spoiler, lowered suspension, sporty door mirrors, grille mesh inserts on front and rear bumpers as well as ‘PZ’ and 'Prodrive' badging. Additionally, inside RX-8 PZ features the black leather seat trim, plus black leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand‑brake lever that features as standard on all RX-8 231ps models.
The final specification derived by Prodrive for the Mazda RX-8 PZ sees the ride height lowered by 15mm all round, while the car is equipped with top-quality components from three companies at the leading edge of world-class motorsport.
To reduce roll and pitch, and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, special Bilstein dampers and Eibach coil springs, made to Prodrive specifications, are fitted. The spring rates are increased by over 60 per cent, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control, yet maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road. The front bump stop is changed for a new Bilstein item, (10mm shorter than standard), to achieve enhanced handling. The suspension geometry has also been revised to optimise the steering and handling. The anti-roll bars, rear bump stops and tyres are to the standard RX-8 specification to maintain rear passenger ride comfort.
The RX-8 PZ is also fitted with uniquely designed 10-spoke, 18-inch diameter lightweight alloy wheels, finished in dark silver with carbon fibre centre caps, branded with Prodrive and OZ logos. The OZ Racing wheels are just one ingredient of the subtle visual makeover given to the PZ. The standard boot lid spoiler is removed and replaced with an aerodynamic spoiler developed in the MIRA wind tunnel. Specially created for the RX-8 PZ by Prodrive, the spoiler is designed to generate down-force and enhance high-speed stability, while also endowing the PZ with a more pronounced appearance.
Black mesh grilles are fitted to the outer and central front air intakes and to the rear bumper vent. Lower-drag sporty door mirrors (similar to those used on the RX-8 Evolve) are also featured. Branding is applied to the front wings alongside the air vents, the rear spoiler, the twin chrome exhaust tailpipe surrounds and the wheel centres.
The PZ also sounds different from other RX-8s. An upgraded rear silencer was developed to give a sportier sound inside and outside the car.
In terms of acceleration and top speed, the Mazda RX-8 PZ performance matches that of the standard 231ps model, with a 0 to 62mph time of just 6.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph. However, the spring, damper and aerodynamic changes result in a significantly more focused car, with greatly enhanced appeal for drivers wanting to fully exploit the car’s dynamics including better cornering ability and a more precise steering feel.
The changes embodied in PZ will inspire driver confidence and make the Mazda RX-8 range even more attractive to motorists in search of a seriously capable sports car with the unique ability to take the family for an exciting drive.
MAZDA RX-8 PZ – AT A GLANCE
Performance
Lowered ride height
Upgraded coil springs and dampers
Unique 18-inch OZ alloy wheels
Unique aerodynamic rear spoiler
Unique upgraded twin rear silencers
Appearance
Exterior colours, Brilliant Black (480 units) or Galaxy Grey (320 units)
Front and rear mesh grilles
Sporty door mirrors
PZ side badges
PZ and Prodrive branded rear spoiler
Prodrive and OZ branded wheel centre caps
Prodrive branded silencer surrounds
Technorati Tags: Mazda+RX-8, Prodrive, RX-8+PZ, auto, automotive, automobile, auto+news, cars, press+release, , images, pictures, tuning
THESE ads of the new generation Miata / MX-5 roadster are said to have been cut by Mazda officials. Both follow Mazda’s parent Ford, SportKa ads in philosophy, showing the bad side of the Japanese roadsters character. Enjoy!
Technorati Tags: Mazda+Miata, Mazda+MX-5, commercials, video, Bad+Attitude, ads, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars,
Mazda released more information and pictures in its new seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle CX-9. Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007, the CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for PRESS RELEASE: SPACE TO STRETCH
The Mazda CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, providing easy access to its three-row seating. To ease accommodations for all drivers, the driver’s seat and steering column move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment.
The 60-40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading in numbers and real comfort. Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, eclipsing many large sedan trunks. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats.
Extra thought is invested in small details, such as how the CX-9’s seat releases are configured. For example, releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third row requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Likewise, a clever strap attached behind the third row seat’s backrest serves as both a release for folding the seat and a means of pulling it back erect again.
EXTERIOR STYLING A PRIORITY
Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. CX-9’s front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.
INTERIOR STYLING STANDS OUT
Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting also is embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the center panel, door trim and seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the same harmony present in fine furniture.
Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer’s fine eye for detail.
ENERGETIC AND REFINED POWERTRAIN
The CX-9 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 with a preliminary rating of 250-horsepower. Advanced features include dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a high compression ratio and electronic throttle control. While six-speed automatic transmissions have until now been exclusive to premium-priced SUVs, the CX-9 provides that desirable feature as standard equipment. The direct benefits to Mazda customers are optimum acceleration and passing performance, coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency.
Drive is either through the front wheels or via Mazda’s advanced
SURE-FOOTED CHASSIS & BODY
The stiff unibody of the Mazda CX-9 provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling. Computer-aided-engineering analysis was used to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight.
In front, the perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-type suspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during assertive driving.
Twenty-inch, V-rated, low-profile radial tires (P245/50R-20) are standard equipment on the top Grand Touring model while Sports and Touring editions roll on P245/60R-18 tires. As a result, CX-9 looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and is the clear class leader for driving pleasure.
SAFETY WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The Mazda CX-9’s safety features are highlighted by an advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system that uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary. A momentary torque reduction, combined with an automatic brake application, assists in restoring the CX-9 to an even keel.
Four-wheel disc ventilated brakes include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use. When excessive wheel slippage is detected, a Traction Control System (TCS) automatically reduces driveline torque to help restore traction. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or more brakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers. Additional protection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags which extend from the first to the third row.
TRIM AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
CX-9 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. More detail on specific model content will be available closer to launch, but standard features on all trims include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted as standard with DSC, RSC and ABS with brakeforce distribution. An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold.
Features available in models and packages include leather interior trim, power adjustment for front seats, high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic-on, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn indicators and driver’s-seat memory.
| PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS MAZDA CX-9 |
| Dimension | Overall length | 199.6 inches (5,071 mm) |
| Overall width | 76.2 inches (1,936 mm) | |
| Overall height w/ 18 inch tires | 68.1 inches (1,729 mm) | |
| w/ 20 inch tires | 68.3 inches (1,734 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 inches (2,875 mm) | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passenger | |
| Engine | Type | MZI 3.5L V6 DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max. power | 250 hp | |
| Max. torque | 240 lb-ft | |
| Transmission | Type | 6-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual shift mode |
| Steering | Type | Rack-and-pinion |
| Suspension | Type (front/ rear) | Macpherson Strut/ Multilink |
| Brake | Type (front & rear) | Ventilated Discs |
| Tires and wheels | Tires (front & rear) | 18”: P245/60R18 20”: P245/50R20 |
| Wheels (front & rear) | 18”: 18 x 7.5J 20”: 20 x 7.5J |
Technorati Tags: Mazda+CX-9, New+York+International+Auto+Show, autos, auto+news, automotive, press+release, cars, pictures, images
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