The next-generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to be losing plenty of weight to make it sporty and efficient. According to AutoCar, the next MX-5 will also gain a turbocharger to ensure plenty of power.
Mazda is reportedly aiming to cut the MX-5’s weight down to about 1,764 pounds. To do this, without sacrificing safety, the MX-5 will receive a smaller engine, lighter transmission, and even a heavily revised suspension system that reduces weight.
The Mazda3 has just been named one of the 2011 “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” by Kelley Blue Book. This accolade marks the Mazda3’s eighth consecutive year making the list, a feat well worth celebrating. Kelley Blue Book selects vehicles for the list based on whether the vehicle is fun to drive, fun to own, and has that ever-important ‘cool factor’ – all while remaining under $18,000.
Like all automakers, Mazda is quickly developing technologies that improve fuel economy as well as the brand’s eco credentials. However, Mazda is far smaller than some of its Japanese rivals, and doesn’t have the means to introduce advanced vehicles like the Prius, or vehicles to take on the latest slew of hybrids from Korea.
While a smaller firm like Mazda may appear to be falling behind when it comes to electric technology, the automaker is launching SKYACTIV technology to help its lineup stay green.
Mazda’s stunning Shinari concept car will make its debut down under during the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne from July 1–10.
The Shinari Concept has already traveled to Shanghai, Los Angeles and Geneva, it’s now the turn of the Australian public to get close to Shinari, which embodies design elements that will make their way into future Mazda vehicles.
For drivers who like to burn rubber without burning through all their cash, Forbes magazine recently posted its list of the 10 fastest cars available on the market with MSRPs of under $30,000. And while a low sticker price didn’t translate into low 0-60 times for very many automakers, Mazda landed two different cars on the Forbes list: The Mazdaspeed3 and the Mazda6.
A report from Motor Trend suggests that the next rotary-powered RX from Mazda could be a hybrid. Since Mazda and Toyota signed an agreement in 2010 that allows Mazda to license the same technology found within the Prius, a potential hybrid RX could also receive Toyota-tech. Read the rest of this entry »
This week, Mazda officially unveiled its all-new direct-injected 1.3-liter four-cylinder at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan. The engine will be an important unit in the automaker’s suite of SKYACTIV technologies.
The SKYACTIV -G 1.3-liter engine features a compression ratio of 14.0:1 and has been engineered to be highly efficient, even under high load at low rpm. Compact combustion chambers were designed with a longer stroke which also improves efficiency. Read the rest of this entry »
As Mazda debates what do to with its Flat Rock, Michigan assembly facility, some have called into question whether the automaker will discontinue the Mazda6 sedan, which is built at the facility. However, Mazda has since confirmed that the Mazda6 is a crucial product in the lineup and will continue to be so in the future.
“This is consistent with what we were told during a recent conversation with Mazda’s U.S. CEO Jim O’Sullivan,” Car and Driver writes, “who indicated that the present generation of 6 would be around for the next several years.” Read the rest of this entry »
While there is an ever-growing number of three-row crossovers on the road today, only one of them “keeps the sport in sport/utility vehicle” while at the same time being “the best truck here,” according to the team at Motortrend magazine. And unsurprisingly, that vehicle—the 2011 Mazda CX-9—also bested the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in one of the publication’s recent comparison test. Read the rest of this entry »
While there is an ever-growing number of three-row crossovers on the road today, only one of them “keeps the sport in sport/utility vehicle” while at the same time being “the best truck here,” according to the team at Motortrend magazine. And unsurprisingly, that vehicle—the 2011 Mazda CX-9—also bested the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in one of the publication’s recent comparison test. Read the rest of this entry »