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Mazda Lineup to Become More Fuel Efficient by 2015
Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it is setting its sights on reducing the fuel consumption of Mazda vehicles sold globally by an average 30 percent by 2015. This determined commitment will entail a holistic approach which includes using lightweight technologies, the upgrade of almost all of Mazda’s gasoline engines, introducing a Smart Idle Stop System, a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines worldwide. By 2015, Mazda will have renewed almost its entire powertrain lineup and, from 2011, through steadily developing safe, lightweight, new generation platforms aims to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 100 kilograms or more.
Certainly, much of Mazda’s work will lie in the form of powertrain enhancements. By 2011, every gasoline motor offered in a Mazda will utilize direct-injection fuel delivery, in an aim to boost power by 15 percent and improve fuel economy by 20 percent. At the same time, Mazda also plans on launching a new family of turbo-diesel engines, intended to be sold in global markets.
One new engine may be of particular note to enthusiasts – a revised rotary. Mazda says work on the next-generation Wankel motor – codenamed 16X – is currently underway. Few details have surfaced as of yet, but Mazda does note the next motor, likely slated for the RX-8′s successor, will also make use of direct-injection.
Mazda is driven by its long-term vision to provide all its customers with first-rate environmental and safety features as well as driving pleasure. This means that Mazda owners are assured of driving cars that continue to provide the fun-to-drive feeling that will keep them coming back for more, while still having the peace of mind that their Mazda is environmentally-friendly and safe to drive.
Mazda is also making itself known in the area of carbon neutral bioplastics. Developed in collaboration with government, industry and academia, Mazda intends to expand the applications of this new source of eco-friendly material. Already, bioplastics are used in the new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and, in June 2008, Mazda commenced the Mazda Bioplastic Project to develop a bioplastic made from non-food-based cellulosic biomass. The project aims to have the bioplastic ready for use in vehicles by 2013.
The Next-Generation Mazda MX-5
We have some new details for you on the new next-generation Mazda MX-5. This will be the last car – except for the new 5 – to carry the Nagare design language and it should hit dealers around 2012.
The current MX-5 has gained a bit of weight since its creation in 1989, but Mazda is putting the sports car on a diet. The company’s engineers are worried that the MX-5 is getting a tad too fat, so they will focus on reducing the car’s weight for the next-generation model.
Mazda has set a target weight of 2,200 pounds for the next MX-5. That is roughly 300 pounds off of the current car’s weight. The car will also drop the 2.0-liter motor in favor of a 1.6-liter and an optional 1.8-liter.
The standard gearbox will be a six-speed manual, but buyers who don’t want to use this car to it’s full potential can get a dual-clutch semi-automatic. We aren’t sure if a hardtop version will be available, but there will most likely be one. We can’t wait.
Mazda MX-5 Black & Matte Special Edition
Mazda has just rolled out the MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition at the 21st annual Salon du Cabriolet, Coupé & SUV in Paris. Ostensibly to celebrate the Miata’s 20th birthday in France. Mazda just wanted to prove that its sportscar looks pretty darn good in the automotive equivalent of the little black dress.
The special edition car was designed in partnership with fashion designer Laure Kczekotowska. Other highlights in addition to the matte black paintwork are darkened windows, black rims and different accessories crafted by jewelers.
Matte Black has obscured some tires and tinted windows. Mazda MX5 Black Mate is powered by a 2.0-liter engine is mated to a gear automatic.
Mazda 3 i Four-Door 2010
The five-speed manual is one of the best of its kind, with good pickup of the gears and a truly interactive feeling. The shifter–and by extension, the transmission–becomes one with your hand, arm and brain. It’s as if the Mazda is tapping into your nerve endings.
The horsepower output is actually pretty weak, but the car’s lightweight body and again, the manual, make it feel faster than it probably is. It’s a pretty decent powerplant, quiet at idle and returning nice response during downshifts, particularly on the expressway.
The chassis offers a fairly stiff ride, but not so much so that it’s uncomfortable. It’s just subtle and sporty, which is what this car is in a nutshell. The steering is also part of the fun, and it feels well calibrated for the car’s size and demeanor.
The outside looks fine. It’s sporty, and there are some nice styling touches. It’s a good update over its predecessor.
Overall, this is fun-to-drive bargain. Oh, and nice fuel economy.
Mazda MX-5 Miata SV 2009
The MX-5 Miata receives a refresh of its exterior design for the 2009 model year. Changes include a new front grill and revised rear fender bulges. However, it still features three convertible top options. The 2009 Mazda MX-5 offers the choice of a manually-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window, or a power-folding hardtop. The lineup begins with the soft-top only SV model, and ascends through Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, which are available with either top. All use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 167 hp with manual transmission, 158 with automatic. The body is a conventional, but light, uni body or monocoque construction, with a (detachable) rear sub frame. SV is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. A sport suspension is available on manual-transmission Tourings and Grand Tourings.
The styling of the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been significantly refreshed for 2009 as well. There are newly designed headlights, tail lights, front and rear fascias and sharpened wheel designs. Add in the extra horsepower, transmission options, enhanced fuel efficiency and a firmer suspension system and you have a new Miata that is turning heads and making owners very enthusiastic. Click here to read more…