The two latest automakers to climb into bed together are Mazda and Fiat and their love child promises to be one impressive performance machine.

Having signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, the Japanese and Italian automakers have agreed to examine the development and manufacturing of a roadster model for the Alfa Romeo brand based on Mazda’s upcoming next-generation MX-5 Miata platform.

Distinguishing the two machines won’t just be the unique styling but, but also engines unique to each brand.

According to a joint release, production of both vehicles would occur at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant starting in 2015.

“Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognized as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO.

The partnership will also allow Mazda to take advantage of economies of scale, helping reduce its costs in building the Miata.

“This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognized leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship.” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

With the new Miata-based roadster, Alfa Romeo will have another exciting new product to offer when it returns to the North American market.

The Mazda CX-5 is now launching in worldwide markets, and the company is taunting producers of EVs with some tongue-in-cheek roadsigns. 

The CX-5 has great fuel economy, rated at 26/35 mpg for the manual front-drive model and 26/32 for the automatic. This gave the company ammunition to place road side signs up that read “EV drivers hitchhiking,” and “Abandoned EVs ahead” in the Scottish highland area where the launch of the CX-5 was taking place.

It seems Mazda is very confident with its fuel saving SkyActiv technology, but is also investigating the possibility of putting hybrid engines into its vehicles, making the signs a tad bit hypocritical.

[Source: The Charging Point]

The partnership between Mazda and the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) that started in 2001 will officially continue into 2016.

“We first fell in love with this track and the Monterey peninsula as fans in the 1970s and ‘80s when Mazda was new to the U.S. and we were establishing our name with the American public and race fans,” Jay Amestoy, vice president, public affairs and motorsports for Mazda, said.

Since officially taking the track over, Mazda has supported the facility by contributing financial support. It also uses the track as a testing facility for its new models, something Amestoy said has been integral to new model development for the company.

World renowned as one of the most significant tracks in motorsports, especially for its corkscrew turn, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has been a proving ground for both motorcycle and car racing for more than 50 years.

“I can’t begin to say enough about our partnership with Mazda. Through the support of Mazda North American Operations, and its dedicated management who share our passion for motor racing, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is able to attract world-class racing to California’s Central Coast. It is one of the primary economic engines for the Monterey Peninsula,” said Gill Campbell, CEO and general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. “A dozen years of working together has raced by, and we are looking forward to what will hopefully be another dozen.”

Every car, whether it has a big V8 engine or an electric motor powering the wheels, is being equipped with fuel saving technologies.

Recall variable-valve timing. Introduced on the Acura NSX, and at one time a revolutionary technology, now practically all cars have some form of VVT. Now more technologies are being introduced as innovations for saving fuel. Let’s take a look at some of the more important and popular features being introduced on new models; many of which will soon be as prevalent as variable valve timing.

1. Start-Stop systems:

You might think that an idling car isn’t too big of a deal, especially when it’s just for a stop-light, but all those seconds add up. After making a big splash with hybrid vehicles, idle start-stop systems are starting to show up everywhere.

There are a few different kinds of start-stop systems, and for different kinds of vehicles. In mild hybrids, start-stop systems consist of a gas engine, an electric starter/generator and a beefy battery. When the car is braking, regenerative brakes store the energy from the deceleration of the car in the battery. When the car is stopped, the generator shuts off the gas engine. When you need to get moving again, the car uses the energy stored in the battery from the regenerative brakes to work the electric starter and start the engine. Items like your car radio still work thanks to the stronger battery used in this system. If the stop is prolonged, however, the gasoline engine may come on.

In some vehicles, there isn’t a need for all that complicated technology. Rather than requiring heavy and expensive electrical components Mazda uses a start-stop technology called i-stop that puts a piston in the best position to restart the fastest when the engine turns off. That piston would already have air and fuel ready to be ignited, so that when the car needs to start again, it doesn’t require much time or power. This allows the car to start in as quick as 0.35 of a second. Other car companies like Mercedes-Benz are using technology like this in its big cars too. Mazda states that its start-stop system results in about 10% better fuel economy and while no Mazda vehicle is available with the feature in North America, look for it to arrive soon.

Currently government fuel economy testing methods don’t take into account start-stop systems, so for cars that do come equipped with them, like the 2012 Kia Rio, real world fuel economy numbers could be better than advertised. If and when government testing does take into account the benefits of start-stop systems, look for this new feature to go mainstream.

2. Variable Displacement/Active Cylinder Deactivation:

Another way to help improve fuel economy is to shut off unnecessary cylinders. Mercedes-Benz uses a cylinder deactivation system that deactivates half the cylinders in its V8 and V12 engines, essentially turning them into more frugal 4, or 6 cylinder engines. GM has a system that’s present in quite a few of its trucks that shuts off half the cylinders in the engine when cruising. This is also present in sportier cars like the automatic transmission equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Chrysler’s version of cylinder deactivation is present on its HEMI V8s. In Chrysler products the system will shut off half the cylinders at speeds above 18 mph during moderate rpm. Chrysler says that thanks to cylinder deactivation technology its vehicles have 10-20% better fuel economy.

Honda also offers a cylinder deactivation technology called variable cylinder management (VCM) that shuts off two or three cylinders in V6 models like the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

3. Direct Injection:

Fuel efficiency might mean frugalness to some people, but it also means getting the most out of your engine. Direct-Injection means that the gasoline is injected right into the cylinder chamber of each cylinder in the engine, and at such a high pressure that the liquid gas is actually a gaseous gas, mixing better with the air and improving combustion. This improved combustion means more power is being generated, and as a result fewer emissions remain.

James hope, Kia Product Communications Manager explained that due to direct-injection, along with other key technologies, the Kia Optima is able to achieve best-in-class highway fuel consumption with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, and tons of power from its relatively small 2.0-liter turbo.

4. Smart Alternator:

Hyundai has been boasting its smart alternator technology, which is in all of its U.S. Models. The major function of this alternator is that it chooses the best time to recharge the car’s battery. For example, when you’re decelerating, the system will kick in to charge the battery, as opposed to when you’re accelerating, and likely want all of the cars available power. “It allows us to cut the alternator drag,” said Derek Joyce from Hyundai Public Relations. “It basically recoups energy that would probably be wasted anyways.” Joyce also said that the technology helps improve fuel economy by around 1.5 to 2 per cent.

5. Electric Power Steering:

Furthermore, many companies are switching to electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic steering systems. Rather than powering a hydraulic pump and keeping up system pressure at all times, the electric system only needs to engage when steering is required. Not only does the system save fuel by not being a drag on the engine at all times, it also helps cut weight by removing all the hydraulic components. The new Chevrolet Malibu Eco features this electric power steering and Chevy says it can help improve fuel economy by up to 2.5%.

Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager said “Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers.” He added that “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power steering.” Electric power steering is also making its way into BMW models, as well, as part of its EfficientDynamics philosophy and can be found on everything from Ford and Dodges to Hondas and Hyundais.

6. Eco Button:

Your next car may also feature a little button somewhere on the dash that helps get your more miles per gallon. “When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent,” said Chris Martin, from Honda Public relations, about what the ECON mode button does in the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

He added that “With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency.” He explained that ECON Mode affects more than just your throttle though. “ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.”

Many other automakers, from Chevrolet to Hyundai use an “eco mode” that puts the transmission on a short leash, making the vehicle shift sooner into higher gears when accelerating to reduce engine rpm and save gas.

7. Low Rolling Resistance Tires:

Finally, more and more companies are including low rolling resistance tires on their vehicles. Martin says “[Honda] has had great success working with the tire manufacturers to develop all-season tires that provide handling expected and appropriate for each vehicle while significantly reducing rolling resistance.”

Low rolling resistance tires minimize energy wasted from friction between the tire and the road. Traditionally used only on hybrids, these tires are now being used on a wide variety of models. Mazda recently started including low rolling resistance tires on its Skyactiv Mazda3. These can result in pretty significant fuel savings, up to five per cent. However, there are certain compromises when having low rolling resistance tires. They tend to not be as grippy as traditional tires, and can even be less comfortable.

With automakers still wanting to offer a wide range of vehicles by combining several of these seven new fuel-saving technologies it’s possible to make a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, without having to make due with a smaller engine or switch to a hybrid powerplant.

Patrick Dempsey, known for his acting role on the medical drama television show Grey’s Anatomy, is set to compete in his first American Le Mans Series race this weekend at Laguna Seca raceway.

Dempsey is already a well known racer on the Grand-Am GT circuit where he runs modified Mazda RX-8s, and now he will compete in an LMP2 prototype car, which is quite a change up from what he is used to. ”It feels familiar but so much more intense, the braking, the acceleration, cornering and power, it is all on a much more dynamic level than the GT cars I have driven,” said Dempsey.

The actor owns and runs his own race team, called Dempsey racing, along with co-driver and business partner Joe Foster. This season the team is competing in a handful of races to test the cars and ready themselves, as next season Demspey racing is planning a full season run for the championship.

In testing the Dempsey Racing Lola-Judd prototype had the third fastest time in its class and fifth overall.

Watch the race this weekend on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 13.

Thanks to data from automotive research firm Polk, we were able to compile a list of the top 10 most popular automakers for buyers aged 18 to 34 – roughly the Gen Y set.

There are quite a few surprises on the list, most notably that Scion is missing. The Toyota spin-off brand was designed to target specifically that age group but weren’t even on the top 10 that were most successful at targeting young buyers last year. Also, you may be surprised by the differences between the top cars for teens and the automakers that made it onto this list.

Starting off the top 10 is MINI, the British automaker known to make fun and compact, yet functional cars. The Cooper models has a near cult following in the automotive community and with just over 10 percent of its buyers between 18 and 34 years old, it’s obvious that the younger Gen Y embrace what MINI is all about.

Present-day fans of Mazda‘s rotary engine probably have two cars come immediately to mind: the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8. Both feature the Wankel found in the brand’s cars since the lat 60′s.

Just in case a 1974 RX-4 isn’t the car you’ve been boning up on in your spare time, here are a few fast facts. Only sold from 1974-78, the RX-4 was seen as a significant improvement over the RX-3. It had a more efficient version of the rotary engine, which made 110 hp and got better fuel consumption than its predecessor.

The wagon model, seen here, was said to suffer during braking because it was somewhat heavier than the sedan model. According according to the car’s owner, this particular RX-4 has been well-maintained in California and only put through two owners (including its present one).

In this case the car isn’t stock, but doesn’t seem to have been heavily modified either — an auto journalist’s dream. Sure, there are some questionable-looking wheels and an aftermarket exhaust, but for the most part the car looks unmolested.

It also has a rebuilt and upgraded engine that the owner says makes a lot of power. There’s a big tuning community centered around rotaries, though he also says the car hasn’t ever been raced and doesn’t list power figures.

With a little bit of time, this could end up being an interesting piece to keep in a garage, either restored or just completed with a headliner and trim. If you’re interested, click here to go to the auction.

A diesel-powered Mazda CX-9 featuring the brand’s 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D engine could be on the horizon soon.

While we know that Mazda is moving to scrap its V6 to use its SkyActiv technology, North Americans have been more-or-less in the dark about the diesel variant making it into a production car.

The automaker has been strongly hinting that the next-generation Mazda6, based on the Takeri concept, will be available with a diesel engine but official confirmation is still missing.

The larger CX-9, which is popular in the U.S., currently uses a 3.7-liter V6, but the diesel engine could offer a reasonable alternative with 310 lb-ft of torque and much improved fuel economy.

Still, the news of a diesel CX-9 refers to the large crossover moving into the European market where diesels account for a much larger market share than the U.S. The SkyActiv-D is also currently available in overseas versions of the CX-5, yet absent in our market.

[Source: AutoExpress]

At the end of last year, Mazda decided to pull the RX-8 off its North American showroom floors and announced that a limited edition model will be produced for 2012, but just for the local Japanese market.

Initially, Mazda was only going to produce 1000 examples of the RX-8 Spirit R edition, but due to overwhelming demand, Mazda has decided to produce an extra 1000 examples of this model, again just aimed for the Japanese market.

While the Spirit R did not have any extra power, it sported special badging, red brake calipers and sport-tuned suspension. This model is also only offered with the six-speed manual gearbox.

This extended lease on life will see the RX-8 in production until the end of June, and while after its demise there won’t be any rotary powered new cars on the global market, Mazda has kept assuring its fans that the rotary engine is not dead and to expect a new model with an all-new rotary engine in the showrooms within a few years.

Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long.

The 2013 Mazda6 is going to debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and when it does there will be no V6 engines in the product lineup.

The new Mazda6 is the second car in the Japanese automakers lineup that will fully embrace Skyactiv technologies, the first one being the CX-5. This means that there will be no V6 options for the Mazda6, at least initially, as a Mazda spokesman has said that maybe a new Skyactiv V6 is a possibility. Instead, the same 2.0 liter engine that powers the CX-5 will likely be the base motor for the new Mazda6, netting the car 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda has also announced that a diesel engine will be coming to North America, and they previewed this engine to us in the Takeri concept, which the new Mazda6 will be based on. Though the company did not confirm that the 6 will run with the Skyactiv-D engine, it is very likely.

[Source: Autoweek]

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 debuted as a crossover for enthusiast drivers and turned out to be a pleasant surprise when we got behind the wheel.

It appears the Japanese automaker will take a lot of what its learned from the CX-5 development to introduce a next-generation CX-9 to the market by late 2013. The all-new CX-9 will be built from the ground up using Mazda’s new SkyActiv technologies, just like the new CX-5 model and every other new vehicle it’s releasing save the scarcely-used rotary engine.

The seven-seater SUV will feature a lightweight chassis and American buyers will probably see a turbocharged four-cylinder of some sort underneath the hood. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that it isn’t working on a new SkyActiv six-cylinder, which makes it doubtful that we’ll see another 3.7-liter V6 in the CX-9.

In the UK, the new CX-9 will be powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel, and there’s a possibility that Mazda may introduce that powerplant in the U.S. with the redesigned CX-9. By shaving off some weight, the 173 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque 2.2-liter could be more than enough to blend performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability for the American market, should it cross the pond.

[Source: Auto Express UK]

For years now the decline of the V8 engine in traditional passenger cars has been well documented. Even sports cars are moving away from the hulking powerplants. But could the V6 see a similar fate?

It certainly will at Mazda, confirms Robert Davis, the brand’s US boss, commenting in a recent interview that the company has no plans to build new V6 engine using the brand’s new Skyactiv engineering philosophy.

Introduced in the 2012 Mazda3, Mazda’s first Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine makes use of numerous fuel saving technologies from lighter components and lower friction surfaces, to direct injection, variable valve timing and an ultra-high compression ratio.

In the past, only the Mazda6 and CX-9 were available with a V6 powerplant. Mazda has been quiet on plans to build a turbocharged 4-cylinder, although it’s likely one is in the works. Another possibility is a hybrid 4-cylinder that could deliver V6 power with exceptional fuel economy. Plus, there’s the strong possibility that Mazda will offer a Mazda6 diesel, as previewed in the Takeri concept (above).

In addition, Davis did confirm Mazda is currently exploring the future of the Rotary powerplant, both for conventional use and also as a rang extender to help charge a battery pack for an electric motor.

[Source: Car & Driver]