Tag: mazda

Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Mazda, Electric

2011 Mazda2

2011 Mazda2 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda is preparing a fleet of electric vehicles that will be available for lease in Japan. Based on the Demio/Mazda2, these EVs will utilize the automaker’s new SKYACTIV powertrain technology. Mazda is shooting for a 200-kilometer driving range (about 124 miles) and plans to begin the leasing program in the spring of 2012.

The target audience for the vehicle will be local government groups and fleet customers. Mazda’s ultimate goal of the program is to refine its knowledge of electric vehicles by collecting data on EV requirements and powertrain technology. For the full details, follow the jump for the automaker’s brief press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2: Review

2011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda2

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mazda]

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Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mazda Minagi Concept headed to Geneva

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda Minagi Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has dropped the official details on the company’s Minagi Concept. The sleek CUV is intended to give us all a little taste of exactly where Mazda’s design is headed in the near future as well as show off the company’s new Skyactiv drivetrain technologies. Mazda isn’t telling us exactly what’s under that sculpted hood other than to say that the Minagi gets its power from a Skyactiv engine and puts it to the ground via a Skyactiv transmission. In addition to those fuel-saving components, Mazda claims that the Minagi also uses a host of weight-saving tricks to boost fuel economy.

The concept wears the new Mazda design theme called Kodo, or soul of motion. From what we can see from the renderings, the look is a full galaxy ahead of the all smiles design the Japanese automaker is currently employing. We’ll be interested to see how the lines translate to the real world when the concept shows up at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Mazda Minagi Concept

[Source: Mazda]

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Officially Official: Mazda Minagi Concept headed to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Drift battle pits Mazda RX7 against Kawasaki ZX10

Drifting Mazda RX-7 and a drifting Kawasaki ZX10

The bike vs car debate extends into the drifting arena – Click above to watch video after the jump

Regardless of where you stand on the “drifting is/isn’t a form of motorsports” debate, it’s fun to watch a car being piloted on full opposite lock. But is it possible on a motorcycle? Icon Motorsports rider Nick Brocha answers with a fat sideways-smoking yes.

Icon may be know for providing gear for maniacs fans of two-wheeled transportation, but they also sponsor a team of skilled bikers. Brocha is one of those riders and he pits his modded Kawasaki ZX10 against Jim Guthrie and his Corvette-powered Mazda RX-7 drift machine. Add in some cameras and a prime location and we have ourselves an entertaining video, which you can watch after the jump.

[Source: Icon Motorsports via Hell for Leather]

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Video: Drift battle pits Mazda RX7 against Kawasaki ZX10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda, Mazda, Racing

Mazda and Honda B-Spec racers

Racing is a rich man’s sport, no question about it. Sure, there are some ways to get into a bit of wheel-to-wheel that cost less than others, such as the 24 Hours of LeMons, but even that is more expensive than you might think. But regardless of the cost, some people still need to scratch that racing itch. One way to keep costs down is to get into spec racing – everyone uses the same type of car and they are typically kept showroom stock minus the addition of safety features such as a roll cage, harness and racing bucket. Mazda and Honda understand this and the two automakers have decided to roll out a B-Spec racing series that utilizes the Mazda2 and Honda Fit.

If the thought of tossing either of these two cars around a track doesn’t sound fun, then you clearly have never driven either one. Though they are both down on power, they offer high levels of tossable excitement. Turn them into race-ready hoon machines and the volume knob twists to 11.

A spec series presents an even playing field for the competitors because the engines and chassis remain stock for all cars. Driving skill is what will win in an event like this, and every ounce of that behind-the-wheel prowess will be tested in these low-powered hatchbacks. Hop the jump to read the full press release.

[Sources: Mazda, Honda]

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Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mazda

Mazda Small CUV

Mystery Mazda small CUV spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has, on more than one occasion, discussed its plans to expand its model range in the next couple of years, including the addition of a small crossover in the near term. According to an earlier report from Autocar, Mazda had said that its “new small SUV” would debut sometime in 2011, with the first sales taking place before we turn the calendar over to 2012. Now, we have our first glimpse at what appears to be a mule for Mazda’s new small crossover, a model we’ll call CX-5.

This mule may be a chopped and cropped version of the larger CX-7, but the new CX-5 is understood to be based on the smaller Mazda3 platform. Expect power to come from Mazda’s new line of Sky G and Sky D engines and transmissions, tailored for the specific demands of customers in different world markets. The CX-5 will likely be produced in Japan, and we wouldn’t be shocked to learn that it’s coming to the United States and Europe, as well. See it for yourself in the high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mazda Small CUV

Mazda Small CUV spy shotsMazda Small CUV spy shotsMazda Small CUV spy shotsMazda Small CUV spy shotsMazda Small CUV spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Mazda celebrates 90 years, looks back at past logos

Mazda celebrates 90 years and we look at its changing logo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda turns 90 years old this year, and during the Japanese automaker’s near-century of building cars, it has stayed true to the Zoom-Zoom ethos that defined it. One thing that has changed over the years, however, is its logo. In 1936, Mazda entered the world of automobile manufacturing and hit the ground running with not one, but two logos: a simple “Mazda” written in script and a triple “M” symbol that was said to be both a tie to its headquarters – home of Hiroshima City and the sense of speed and agility that Mazda puts into its cars. That triple M also served to stand for Mazda Motor Manufacturer.

Over the course of Mazda’s 90 years, its logo would be changed four more times. Today, The stylized M more closely resembles outstretched wings and the Laguna Seca Blue font below it shows just how dedicated Mazda is to making cars that are, at their core, fun to drive.

Take a look through the gallery below and travel through a timeline of Mazda logos.

Gallery: Mazda Celebrates 90 Years, Looks Back at Past Logos

Mazda Logo 1936 #1Mazda Logo 1936 #2Mazda Logo 1959Mazda Logo 1975Mazda Logo 1992

[Source: Mazda]

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Mazda celebrates turning 90, looks back at logos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda’s current Nagare design language starts with smiling faces and moves back into wavy body panels. It’s hit and miss on the automaker’s existing lineup of cars. The Mazda Shinari Concept, which we previously saw in Milan and now makes its North American Debut here at the 2010 LA Auto Show, aims to change that.

The flowing lines are present, but they appear to be more organic, almost as if they were shaped by the wind itself flowing over the body of the car. The Shinari is the brainchild of Mazda’s Global Head of Design, Ikuo Maeda and it represents an entire new design philosophy known as KODO.

Described by Mazda with terms such as speed, tension and alluring, the KODO design language shows us a future filled with much more stoically aggressive vehicles. Gone is the O HAI THERE! happy face, and in it’s place is a visage that appears ready to tackle the road while the wind flows over the swoops, creases and curves.

Unfortunately, as you might expect, we will never see the Shinari enter production. However, if Mazda can glean some new designs from Maeda’s gorgeous styling exercise, then we could be in for some very good looking vehicles from the Japanese automaker.

Gallery: LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mazda looking to double U.S. volume and go upscale

Filed under: Car Buying, Mazda

Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi

Mazda has its eye on moving on up. According to Automotive News, the company will look to double its sales figures in just five years. At the heart of that effort is the company’s new line of super-efficient gasoline engines and lightweight platforms sailing under the SkyActiv banner. Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi says that most of the company’s products will benefit from the fuel-saving technologies by 2015, and that those changes may actually help Mazda command higher prices in the U.S. market.

Part of Mazda’s growth banks on the assumption that car sales in our neck of the woods will continue to slowly improve until they reach the same levels as what was seen in 2000. The company believes that small cars and crossovers are going to be essential to the automotive market’s growth in the coming years. Since its portfolio is already packed with fuel-savvy options, Mazda should be poised to do well if and when buyers start pouring into showrooms again.

Even so, things are hardly right as rain for the Japanese company. Ford has been making waves about finally cutting the last of its ties with Mazda, which could lead to an uncertain future, and the brand’s growth hasn’t quite kept pace with the rest of the industry.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req. | Image: Itsuo Inouye/AP]

Report: Mazda looking to double U.S. volume and go upscale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mazda rotary reportedly at least a year behind schedule, but work continues

Filed under: Technology, Mazda

Mazda Renesis rotary engine

Renesis rotary engine in 2009 Mazda RX-8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

“We will never give up,” says Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of Mazda’s powertrain division, referring to the automaker’s long-running investment into the rotary engine. This vote of confidence in Felix Wankel’s replacement for displacement will surely come as welcome news to rotor-heads the world over, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t problems in World of Wankel.

Apparently, the so-called 16X engine, which is the latest take on the pony-keg-sized engine that spins into the stratosphere, is failing to meet emissions requirements set by the engineering team at Mazda, despite the fact that it is 30 percent more fuel efficient than the previous Renesis rotary. Impressively, Hitomi stated that the 1.6-liter 16X is slightly more fuel efficient than the automaker’s standard 2.0-liter gas engine.

It would seem that the rotary’s well-known thirst for fuel has at least partly been quenched, but until the 16X is tuned to hit its emissions targets we can expect it to stay in the engineering department and off the showroom floor. So, when might we see a new rotary-powered machine from Mazda? “Maybe within two years we can tell you when we will introduce it to the market,” responds Hitomi.

Now, let the debate continue as to what kind of body and platform that engine will be featured in…

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d]

Report: Mazda rotary reportedly at least a year behind schedule, but work continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda shows off new BT-50 pickup in Australia

Filed under: Truck, Work, Mazda, Off-Road

2011 Mazda BT-50

2011 Mazda BT-50 – Click above for high-res image gallery


Now that the global Ford Ranger has received its debut, Mazda has taken the time to show off its take on the mid-sized pickup at the Australian International Motor Show. The Japanese automaker calls its version the BT-50, and it wears plenty of the company’s Nagare design language. Along with the swept nose and headlights, Mazda has thrown in similarly fluid taillights out back that remind us of the units on the CX-9 crossover. Mazda says that the company was going for a “sophisticated beast” look. We’ve certainly heard stranger marketing claims, but it the image of sasquatch in a suit does make us chuckle.

And what, pray tell, is under that shapely hood? Mazda isn’t saying at the moment, but we’d be surprised if the company didn’t plan to share power plants with the 2011 Ranger. If that’s the case, buyers can expect to choose between a thrifty 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque and larger displacement diesel and gasoline options backed by six-speed gearboxes.

Sadly, it looks like you can forget about seeing the BT-50 in the States. Just like the Ranger, this pickup won’t be gracing our shores in any official capacity. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda BT-50

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda shows off new BT-50 pickup in Australia

Mazda shows off new BT-50 pickup in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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