Picture a classic car in your head: likely it’s an American icon like a late ‘60s Mustang or even earlier like a ‘50s Fairlane. Maybe your taste is a bit more exotic and you’re imagining a classic Ferrari or even a British sports car like an MG or Triumph.
Delivery of diverse diesel passenger car lines in the U.S. isn’t an uncertainty anymore, but rather a waiting game. There’s almost no question that the world’s automakers will soon offer more diesel cars to Americans, it’s just a question of when.
The partnership between Mazda and the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) that started in 2001 will officially continue into 2016.
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.
A diesel-powered Mazda CX-9 featuring the brand’s 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D engine could be on the horizon soon.
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.
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.
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]
Ward’s Auto has released its top 10 picks for best interior in 2012 today, though in no particular order. Here they are with brief notes on each car’s engine specs and starting price.
The 2012 Mazda CX-5 crossover is powered by 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline four cylinder that makes 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque with a starting MSRP of $20,695 with front-wheel drive.
Owning high profile sports teams when you’re losing money hand over fist would seem like a poor choice to most, but apparently Mazda doesn’t count itself among the masses.
Raising controversy and more than a few sets of eyebrows, the only Japanese automaker that is currently losing money has considerable and some would say frivolous assets.
Believe it or not, those assets aren’t things like extra corporate jets or padded expense accounts. Think bigger, like owning professional baseball and soccer teams, a hospital and $5 billion in land. More surprising than that, the company still offered to sponsor July’s All-Star baseball game despite selling $1.8 billion in new stock to recover lost capital.
“This comes at the worst time,” said Kazuyuki Terao, chief investment officer at Allianz unit RCM Japan to Automotive News . “People might think if they don’t cut spending on baseball, they may also not worry about other expenses.”
Those expenses are starting to look serious too considering Mazda forecasted this year to be it’s biggest annual loss in 11 years.
Serious as they may be, things can get a while lot worse, and quickly if the automaker isn’t careful. A tumultuous stock market combined with irresponsible spending might be enough to scare people away from putting money into the company.
A series of unfortunate events starting in 2008, when Ford dumped its stake in the company from 33 percent to 3.5 percent to deal with its own money problems, lead to financial suffering in the company.
Other companies in similar positions have been quick to dump cut fat, but Mazda seems reluctant, which could ultimately hurt the company and those invested in it.
[Source: Automotive News]
At the 2012 New York International Auto Show, Mazda has announced that the production version of the new Mazda6 will be on display at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.
Today marks the North American debut of the Takeri concept car at the New York Auto Show, and it seems this is more than just a meaningless design, as Mazda revealed that this might be very close to the production Mazda6. Seeing how the production CX-5 looks very similar to its concept version, they could be onto something here.
The new Mazda6, will feature all the latest SKYACTIV technologies, from the engine to the gearbox, and its innovative chassis which is both light and very rigid. However, while Mazda is developing new SKYACTIV diesel engines, North America will only see the petrol variants of this car, at least in the start. We hope Mazda will start offering diesel models in North America soon.
The new Mazda6 will start arriving in North American showrooms sometime next year as 2014 models. No prices have been mentioned yet, but expect them to be similar to the current model.
For what seems like forever, North America has been left behind when it comes to diesel cars. Sure there are a few options, but nowhere near as many as our friends in Europe. In fact, according to the Automotive Industry Data Newsletter, 52% of all new car sales last year in Western Europe were diesel powered.
Diesel engines offer unique advantages, with plenty of torque making tiny power plants more useable in small cars, while making modest size engines a functional alternative to much larger gasoline ones in SUVs. Towing, after all, is not something hybrids are known for. Additionally, diesel engines can provide fuel economy closer to that of a hybrid, without any of the worries surrounding new technology; plus, there’s no battery pack compromising passenger or storage space.
With those advantages, not to mention a push by automakers to meet increasingly strict corporate average fuel economy standards, a slew of diesel models are set to arrive on our shores in the near future. If you’re considering the switch to diesel power, here are a few options you’ll soon be able to consider.
The popular Xbox racing simulator Forza Motorsport 4 has had monthly add-ons ever since it came out in October 2011. For April though they’ve released another car-pack featuring 10 very different and very interesting cars to play with.
The Aplinestars Pack features a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, fully decked out in racing livery. Gamers should be happy to note that 9 other interesting vehicles are included in the pack. For 560 Microsoft Points (about $7) you’ll get access to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz #35 Black Falcon SLS AMG GT3, 2011 Aston Martin #009 Aston Martin Racing AMR One, 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, 1995 BMW M5, 2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, 2012 Scion tC and 1997 Volvo 850 R.
Turn10 studio, the company behind Forza Motorsport 4 has provided a cool trailer for the upcoming add-on, which will be available April 3. Check it out below.
Mazda announced that it will field its iconic MX-5 roadster for its first year in the British GT Championship.
Last year, the Mazda MX-5 GT first ran a campaign in the Britcar Production GTN Championship as a developmental year. Demonstrating its strength instantly, the MX-5 battled hard during the final race of the season at Brands Hatch. Placing fifth overall, the tiny Mazda traded places with more powerful Porsches, Ferraris, and Lotus through the race.
For 2012, the Mazda MX-5 GT is ready to move up to the British GT Championship GT4 class, fully prepared to race against the likes of Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta, and Nissan. In terms of hardware, the Mazda MX-5 GT packs a 2.0-liter engine producing 315 hp, mated to a paddle shift sequential six-speed Hewland gearbox.
A package weighting just over 2,200 lbs, carrying about 330 lbs of ballast, the Mazda MX-5 GT is capable of running from 0-60 mph in three seconds and to achieve a top speed of 160 mph. While it isn’t as powerful as its rivals, the MX-5 is a favorite among drivers thanks to its handling and stability under all loads, its fuel efficiency, and its mercy on tires. This keeps the MX-5 racing through the field rather than spend time in the pits for refuel and tire change.
“We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning,” Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson says. “Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling too best exploit those strengths. We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.”
The British GT Championship series holds nine rounds over seven weekends. The first race will be held at Oulton Park of Cheshire on Easter weekend, April 7 and 9.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 is shaping up to be an attractive crossover option for buyers (read our review here) and those who placed their orders will be happy to know it was just named a Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating (highest possible) on all four tests conducted by the IIHS: front, side and rear impact crash tests, and a roof strength test.
The Mazda CX-5 Sport starts at $20,695 and boasts an EPA rating of 26-mpg city, 35-mpg highway. Standard is a Skyactiv six-speed manual transmission, though an automatic is available as an option. The CX-5 is built on the Japanese automaker’s new Skyactiv-Body and Skyactiv-Chassis, helping ensure it has a reinforced vehicle structure that is as quiet as it is rigid and secure.
Other standard safety equipment includes six airbags, four-wheel disk brakes, ABS, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, fold-away brake pedal assembly, front and rear crumple zones, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Earning a ‘Top Safety Pick’ distinction from the IIHS further exemplifies Mazda’s dedication for creating products that offer the best of everything that consumers want: fuel economy, performance, handling and, most importantly, safety,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations.
Watch the Mazda CX-5 earn a “Good” on its 40-mph frontal offset test after the break.
Rumors have been brewing on the 2014 Mazda MX-5 for some time now. What we do know from last year, is that the Japanese automaker plans on going back to the basics, lightening the weight, and throwing in a more potent powerplant.
It appears that Mazda still hasn’t settled on which engine will make its way into the next-generation MX-5. Apparently a naturally aspirated 1.5L four-cylinder with Skyactiv technology didn’t cut it, and neither did a version of their current 2.0L four-cylinder. The 1.5L didn’t meet Mazda’s performance requirements while the 2.0L didn’t have the fuel efficiency they wanted in the new MX-5.
So a compromise could come in the form of a 1.8L Skyactiv four-cylinder, or either a 1.3L or 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. Back in December of last year, we reported that the front-runner for the MX-5 would be a 1.3L turbo, but it appears a final decision still hasn’t been made.
Regardless, the automaker plans on having around 150-hp and a 10-percent increase in fuel economy compared to the current MX-5 which has 22/28 city/highway mpg. Combine that with the fact that their weight goal is 2,200 lbs and the next-generation MX-5 should be loads of fun.
Mazda hopes to keep the 2014 Mazda MX-5 priced under $25,000.
[Source: Road & Track]
Good news Android users and Mazda owners – you can now download Mazda’s MyMazda app.
The MyMazda app had previously only been available for iPhone users, but now Android smartphone users can use this app to get real-time information about their vehicle. This free app updates you as to service offers personalized to your car, scheduled maintenance reminders, factory maintenance schedules and other information.
Using the MyMazda app, you’ll be able to scan vehicle identification numbers (VINs) when you want to add new vehicles to the application. You can also update your contact information and upload personal vehicle photos for each vehicle you register.
If you’ve forgotten where you’ve parked your car in a busy parking lot, use the vehicle locator feature – it uses GPS to find out when you left your vehicle. As well, the “MyMazda” app is linked with the “Mazda Assist” app, so you can get hooked up with immediate roadside assistance should you need it using only the app on your smartphone, no 911 call necessary.
The MyMazda app for Android is available for free download at the Google Play Store.
Mazda has a lot riding on its new CX-5, discontinuing the CX-7 to make way for it. But according to the Japanese automaker’s president, Takashi Yamanouchi, initial demand for the model is strong and he even went so far as to “hope to sell near 200,000 units.”
According to Mazda, it received 8,000 CX-5 orders in Japan where the target was a mere 1,000 units. Russian consumers already ordered 5,000 units and even in America, where dealers tend to have larger inventories, a few orders have been placed. It’s worth noting that American dealerships just began receiving CX-5s to their dealerships a few weeks ago, while other global markets have had it on sale for a few months.
The CX-5 actually proved to be a decent performance machine, as crossovers go, during out review which took place partially on Mazda’s Laguna Seca Raceway. With a class-leading 35 mpg highway when mated to the six-speed manual transmission, it seems likely that the CX-5 will catch on in the U.S. too.
It would have been easy to write rotary engines off the speculative books at Mazda — poor milage and questionable long-term reliability made traditional piston engines seem favorable to many.
Yet against the odds, the Japanese automaker seems to have found a formula to keep the smooth-spinning screamer alive in its lineup.
Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of powertrain development at Mazda recently said that the company plans to complete development of such an engine that will also meet future fuel-economy and emissions standards.
“We think we’ve found a way to improve the rotary’s fuel economy to be truly equal to that of conventional piston engines and, if so, we believe we can reintroduce the rotary to the market,” Hitomi recently told Ward’s Auto.
Much of the new technological breakthrough came in changing the shape of the troichoid housing so that the seals remained flush to the housing. Better sealing means better fuel economy and overall performance. Since the early days of rotary engines, its seals and its “sealability” have always been an issue, dating back to the mid-1960s. “Even with our current 1.3L Renesis rotary, gaps can develop between the apex seal and troichoid housing in light-load operation when imbalances in centrifugal force and gas pressure occur,” Himoti said.
The next engineering enhancement for the new rotary engine will be a focus on ignition. Unfortunately the engineer couldn’t explain on how the Japanese automaker plans on addressing that problem.
Regardless of the improvements made in the next-generation rotary engine, we expect to see it being used for extended-range electric vehicles and Mazda’s Skyactiv technology to be incorporated.
[Source: Wards Auto]
The new Mazda CX-5 will replace the CX-7, at least in the American market according to Mazda USA. Even though the CX-5 is slightly smaller than the outgoing CX-7, it has more cargo capacity and overall interior volume.
“[The] CX-5 has a clearer competitive set, unlike CX-7, which was in the middle of two segments,” said Mazda product communications specialist Beverly Braga.
The new CX-5 also sports Mazda’s new 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine (155-hp) that has much better fuel economy than the 2.5L four-cylinder (161-hp) found in the CX-7. The CX-5 boasts 26/32 mpg city/highway compared to the CX-7′s 20/28 mpg city/highway. In 2007, CX-7 sales peaked at 41,653 units but in 2009 the Japanese automaker only sold 20,583. Updates were scarce through the vehicle’s production, with a front-end redesign being the only major change.
The CX-7 will be discontinued in America after the current 2012 model year as the company plans to refocus its goals to better compete with Honda and Ford.
[Source: Motor Trend]
A few years ago, Italian auto giant Fiat was very close to partnering up with General Motors. However, that deal went sour at the last minute and a few years after that, Fiat bought a big chunk of Chrysler in its quest to have a large slice of the American market.
More recently, the company was in the news announcing that Fiat is looking to partner up with Mazda or Suzuki, which would not only help expand Fiat’s reach into the Asian market, but also co-develop future small car platforms and technologies together.
Not content with sitting idling by, waiting for deals to happen, Fiat/Chrysler are constantly seeking alliances to further its growth.
The latest round of news from the 2012 Geneva Auto Show is that Fiat is “open to Volvo talks.” Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne expressed that he is “interested in talking to everyone that wants to talk with me.”
Volvo, which is now owned by the Chinese auto firm Geely, wants to expand itself in the small car segment in developing markets which makes Fiat an good fit because it already has plenty of small cars in its line-up. This tie-up could prove very beneficial for Volvo, to offer a new small car, without going through the expense of designing and engineering a complete new vehicle itself.
Fiat will benefit by finding a route into the Chinese market, which is currently the fastest growing economy in the world.
As for future drive-train technologies, Marchionne says; “There’s still lots of unexplored technology with combustion. Future drive-trains need to be cheaper and more cost effective.”
While Fiat is to introduce its first electric car later this year, the 500e (shown above), it only did so because it pooled technology from a host of companies already in the electric car field and thus saved cost of developing a complete new system themselves.
When asked if Fiat was in talks with PSA Peugeot Citroen, Marchionne denied the claim saying, “I would not like to be GM. The integration for the cost does not go far enough and would not have met our requirements.”
Fiat was at one point in talks with GM to take over Opel-Vauxhall and Saab, and Marchionne confidently said he could have “found a solution for the brands.”
Will Fiat and Volvo become partners or will they form an alliance with Mazda or Suzuki? Only time will tell.
[Source: Autocar]
Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is open to the possibility of a partnership with another automaker to help Chrysler-Fiat’s ailing sales in Europe, with Suzuki and Mazda being cited by the CEO as viable options.
Speaking about the possibility of new partners, Marchionne said, ”We’re not looking, but we are open [to offers],” at a discussion with reporters at the Geneva Motor Show,”We talk to everyone,” he added. The recent GM-Peugeot partnership in Europe leaves Fiat scrambling for viable European partners, and demonstrates that others are joining in on the idea of teaming up to turn a profit in financially unstable Europe. Marchionne is still hopeful that the Peugoet, GM alliance won’t prevent him from making deals with either company in the future, saying ”All [auto makers] could join Fiat to help it in Europe.”
Marchionne went on to say that Suzuki and Mazda seem to be like minded companies to Fiat, and either would make a fine partner to help the brand expand into Asia. Fiat has already struck up deals with Tata Motors in India, and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. in China, but needs more distribution possibilities to help grow the brand.
Exporting European built vehicles is high on the list for Marchionne as a way to shave off some excess inventory, and a new joint venture with an Asian based company might help Fiat open up some new dealerships who could take these extra cars off the companies hands.
The only company Fiat-Chrysler CEO said would not be compatible as a business partner was Germany’s Volkswagen AG.
[Source: Market Watch]
Subaru replaced Honda as the top-rated automaker by Consumer Reports today, in a bit of an upset.
Not only did the Japanese automaker known best for its efficient all-wheel drives take the top spot, but did so while the previous champion fell by several points over last year’s ratings.
The victory, then, is due not only to an improved Subaru line, but also to declining quality on Honda’s part. According to Consumer Reports, Subaru’s overall standing improved after all their vehicles met or exceeded average reliability ratings, something that saw a boost with improvements to the Impreza WRX models. At the same time, the Honda Odyssey and Civic both fell short of their predecessors, costing the company points in their standings.
In fact, Honda didn’t even take second place this year — Mazda managed to win that spot with similarly improved models.
Honda loyalists may bemoan the latest results, but at least Toyota stoics can take solace in the fact their perennial list-finalist still won five of the top 10 picks.
Finally it’s also worth mentioning that despite coming in last place, Chrysler improved eight points this year, compared to Subaru’s two-point climb to victory.
In celebration of the smaller company emerging victorious, click through our gallery of the pugnacious Impreza WRX below.
