You Know You Want One

Your grip on the steering wheel tightens. Your eyes fixate on the yellow line. Your brain screams about the trees just beyond the shoulder. Wait for it… wait for it… ok, NOW! You pounce on the clutch as your right foot stabs the accelerator. A wrist-flick completes the downshift. Feather the brake, turn into the corner and scrub off some speed; the radius decreases slightly. You nail the apex, tires howling like a bloodhound on the trail. You roll back on the throttle for a speedy exit and dive into the next corner.

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Expected to enter production soon for a debut later this year as a 2014 model, the next-generation of MINI Cooper will bring with it a series of changes to kick off what will be a revamping of the entire brand.

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The new Mazda6 will be the star of the Japanese automaker’s booth at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, with three modified concept versions already confirmed.

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Clearly there’s plenty of excitement surrounding the next-generation Mazda MX-5 model, to the point that the rumors are starting to become hard to keep track of.

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Trying to appeal to a wider customer base, Mazda is planning on offering a high level of customization when it brings the next generation MX-5 Miata to market. 

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Known for making some genuinely engaging cars in the past, with its new SkyActiv technology Mazda is looking to hang its hat on combining fun-to-drive with fuel-efficiency.

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It’s Saturday morning and that means it’s time for the AutoGuide most shopped new cars of the week list.

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No big surprise here, but Mazda has given its popular MX-5 Miata sports car a refresh for the 2013 model year, which is now on sale over in Japan.

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Rumors have been flying on what will power the next-generation Mazda MX-5, and while the use of a turbo seems to be the front runner, the Japanese automaker might throw a curveball with a supercharged engine.

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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]

Mazda will debut its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show, a limited-production model of just 450 units. The special edition MX-5 will feature a black-only power retractable hard top.

Other features exclusive to the special edition model includes two new exterior colors, 17-inch gunmetal wheels, black exterior accents, heated black leather seats and piano black interior finishes. The debut of this Special Edition MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show also pays tribute to the Miata’s global debut at the same show back in 1989. It’s since gone on to become the world’s best-selling roadster with more than 900,000 produced.

The limited edition model will be available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The special edition model is based on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring model. Both the Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the Special Edition which includes Bluetooth, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda will also have their Turbo2, Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car, a 1990 Miata and the Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car at their booth for the Chicago Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

To go with the supposed 1.3L turbocharged powerplant the next-generation MX-5 will be getting, Mazda‘s MX-5 development boss Hirotaka Kanazawa also revealed that the 2014 MX-5 will go to a back-to-basics approach towards being a fun sportscar, just like the 1989 original model.

“We will return to the original. It will be lightweight and the cost will be lightweight too. It will be easy to handle and fun to drive,” he said in an interview with What Car?

The next-generation convertible will also utilize Mazda’s new Skyactiv technologies and as we reported before, it’ll shed some weight – though now it’s a more believable figure of 2,200-lbs. Originally Mazda hoped to get it around 1,780-lbs but now it appears that the next-generation MX5 will be more in line of the original which weight 2,178-lbs.

Mazda is also exploring the idea of multiple models in order to appease all the MX-5 enthusiasts out there. Whether they want power or comfort, they’ll be able to make a choice rather than being alienated. Design boss Ikuo Maeda also hinted that the company’s new Kodo design language could find its way onto the MX-5′s design.

[Source: What Car?]

A while back, we reported that the next-generation Mazda MX-5 would be going on a major diet and could be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant rather than the 1.8L or 2.0L naturally aspirated motor used today. Now reports are coming in that the new MX-5 will likely sport a 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder, with Mazda’s SkyActive technology.

Scheduled to be released sometime in 2014, the 1.3L turbocharged motor will feature variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts and possibly a new exhaust manifold to achieve better exhaust gas evacuation. Mazda is also looking to lighten the load in the transmission as well as reducing the friction in order to make each shift short and snappy on the manual. For the automatic fanatics, Mazda will probably offer a paddle-shift, torque-converter auto with a lock-up clutch.

The next generation MX-5 has been confirmed to be built on a new rear-wheel-drive SkyActive platform called the S-platform, and Mazda engineers continue to work towards their goal of making the sports car weigh in at a scant 1,765-lbs or so.

[Source: Autocar]

During a press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda‘s global chief, Takashi Yamanouchi said that a rotary powered MX-5 is a possibility down the road; he also went onto say that the company might consider merging its two separate sports car lines [MX-5 and RX-8], into one.

“I have been saying everywhere that we will continue research on the rotary engine,” he declared. “We will not extinguish the flame of the rotary engine. That kind of product is iconic for our brand. So the current MX-5 or RX-8 we have decided in the future to maintain that type of [sports car] product.” Yet he went on to state that “I can’t say, however, that they will be separate … they may be merged into one.”

However many questions remain. If a single rotary powered sports car were to materialize (there’s speculation it could be a hardtop coupe/convertible in the idom of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, or possibly offered in both piston and rotary powered forms), it would be a ways off. Mazda has already said the next generation MX-5, slated to debut in 2013, will feature a conventional in-line ICE engine, incorporating Mazda’s SkyActiv technology.

As for the RX-8, when production ends next year, there’s currently no definite plans for a replacement, though from Yamanounchi- san’s comments it’s clear development on the rotary engine will continue. The question is, whether it will remain solely as an internal combustion unit or be used as a range extending hydrogen fueled generator (Mazda already has  such a prototype engine being evaluated by government agencies). Stay tuned for further developments.

[Source: caradvice.com.au]

Reports are coming in that Mazda is planning to overhaul four of its existing models by 2014. The four models up for redesigns are the Mazda3, Mazda6, MX-5 and CX-9. We’ve already seen the new patent drawings for the upcoming MX-5 refresh, which will hopefully come in 2013 along with a new Mazda3 and CX-9.

The big news, however, is an all-new Mazda6 that is expected to be introduced before the end of next year. There’s a strong possibility that the new Mazda6 will resemble the Takeri Concept. All of the upcoming new Mazdas will sport Skyactiv technologies and ride on lightweight platforms that are being developed in-house at Mazda.

Mazda also stated that they have plans to add stop-start, regenerative braking and hybrid technologies to their models by 2016.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

[Source: AutoNews]

One of the most famous sports cars in the world (as voted on by the people’s wallets) is the Mazda Miata. The next one will no doubt continue with this sales success, and with this leaked patent drawing, we can get a glimpse of what we’ll be seeing on the twisties.

Any change from its simple 2-seater RWD template is subject to the ire of the masses, so this next Miata has been speculated on with the fervor only dedicated fans can muster. Will it sport a rotary? Will it have a turbocharger, standard? Will it weigh less than 1700 lbs? Will Mazda bring back headrest speakers? While some of those things aren’t clear, the patent drawing leaked by a Japanese publication—intercepted on their way to the Tokyo Patent Office—shows us the most accurate view of its front end yet.

Mazda is ditching the “Nagare” styling theme (read: silly grins) on the rest of its lineup and going retro—all the way back to 1989, when big-haired women blasted “Like A Prayer” in their “hairdresser’s cars.” It gets vaguely Kabuki-esque stretched headlights that frame a big oval intake, which isn’t too much of a stretch from past and current Miatas. Sadly, pop-up headlights are still sequestered (by various governments, anyway) in the realm of lawn darts and asbestos, and won’t be making a comeback.

The next Miata will bow out as a concept car next year, before Mazda plans to debut the production version at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Expect plenty more fun, bizarre speculation (and plenty of loud opinions) for the next year and a half!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Thanks to the success of Mazda‘s MX-5 GT, which competes in the UK’s Britcar Production GTN championship, the Hiroshima company has decided to release a pair of special ‘Black Limited Edition’ Mazda models, inspired by the race car.

Interestingly, despite it’s name, the ‘Sport Black’ Edition MX-5, available at UK dealers from July, is offered in exterior hues of Crystal White Pearlescent, Spirited Green Metallic and Velocity Red mica; that said, the car does sport a ‘Brilliant Black’ finished retractable hardtop; black trimmed upholstery with sand stitching and a black finished steering wheel and deco panel, though the 17-inch alloy wheels are actually finished in dark gunmetal gray.

Special ‘Black Limited Edition’ badging, unique floormats and a full roster of comfort and entertainment options, including a premium Bose sound system, climate control, and Bluetooth hands free system are also included.

All ‘Black Limited Edition’ MX-5s are based on the Sport Tech model and are powered by the 2.-0-liter 160 metric horsepower twin-cam four, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Mazda2 based ‘Black Limited Edition’ follows a similar theme to its two-seater stablemate, offered in identical exterior colors, save for the red, which is a slightly different shade – True  Red. Other exterior touches include special black vinyl roof treatment, matte black finished 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and special rear bumper trim. Like the MX-5 version it boasts special exterior and interior badging, standard Bluetooth and special floormats.

Just 500 examples of the MX-5 Black edition will be produced, along with 618 of its Mazda2 counterpart. Priced at £22,995 and £12,815 respectively both cars represent quite a good buy by UK standards.

Mazda is looking to combine a turbocharged inline-four cylinder with its next generation MX-5, which is currently being overhauled to lose some significant weight. Working hard to make the MX-5 a well sought-after sports car once again, Mazda is not only looking towards overhauling the chassis to be nimble, hoping to shave off 720-lbs, but to bring life to the performance with a turbocharged powerplant.

Instead of having the 1.8- or 2.0-liter engine that has been powering current generation MX-5s, Mazda looks to replace it with an engine closer in size to a 1.5-liter. Features to this turbocharged powerplant will include variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold design, many of which are parts of Mazda’s SkyActive engineering campaign, aiming to improve the efficiency of their cars.

Mated to the turbocharged engine, we can expect a smaller and lighter six-speed manual transmission. An automatic option will probably be available with paddle-shift.

[Source: Autocar UK]

A report on Inside Line states that Mazda engineers have been saddled with the substantial task of shedding 720 pounds from the current curb weight of the Mazda MX-5, as development of the 4th generation car nears completion.

The current MX-5 weighs just under 2,500 pounds, and the new target of around 1,780 pounds would undercut even the first generation Mazda Miata, which weighed 2,178 pounds.

The report seemed to suggest that the weight target is more of a guideline than a hard target, but that Mazda would approach this task by using high-strength steel, smaller engines and more spartan equipment levels. Mazda is also looking to make the next generation car physically smaller than the current MX-5, but accomplishing this while also complying with safety standards may present a significant challenge.

[Source: Inside Line]

Mazda is planning to close down their assembly plants again, while stopping orders from dealers in the United States for their made-in-Japan vehicles.

The Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5, RX-8, CX-7, CX-9 are all affected. Only the Mazda6 and Tribute will remain in production at their American plants, although the situation could change in light of the parts suppliers affected by the earthquake. As of March 1st, the company had a 94-day supply of vehicles, but the automaker declined to comment on specifics.

In 2010, imported cars accounted for 83 percent of Mazda sales, a much higher number than other Japanese automakers, who build a significant proportion of their cars in North American plants. Mazda’s factories in Japan are located in Hiroshima and Hofu, at the opposite end of the country from where an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear incident are taking place.

[Source: Automotive News]

Mazda will resume production of vehicles on March 22nd, an encouraging sign for the Japanese auto industry as it battles a catastrophic series of events that has seen most automakers in the country suspend production.

With Mazda based in Hiroshima, hundreds of miles away from the earthquake, tsunami and on-going nuclear incidents, the company has fared better than other car companies, Mazda said it will resume production on March 22nd, with a focus on spare parts and vehicles using “in process” inventories. Mazda said that it will announced medium and long-term production in the near future, but is unable to decide at this point in time.

[Source: Left Lane News]

To celebrate the 900,000th Mazda MX-5 sold (as well as the 20th anniversary of Mazda’s most famous product), the company is introducing a Special Edition model for the North American market, set to debut at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday.

Based on the Grand Touring trim level, chrome accents adorn the interior, as well as gray leather trim and aluminum pedals. Every special edition will have a retractable hardtop, with the choice of gray or black exterior paint. Prices start at $30,925 for the 6-speed manual and $31,525 for the automatic.

Back in 2000, Guinness World Records officially confirmed the Mazda MX-5 Miata as the world’s best selling sports car. At that time Mazda had just hit the half-million mark for its tiny, fun-to-drive roadster.

Mazda is now celebrating its approach to the one million mark with news that the car has officially topped 900,000 units. That 900,000th car is a soft-top, six-speed (how classic) and will be delivered to a customer in Germany.

“Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades,” said Nobuhiro Yamamoto, MC program manager, MX-5.  ”Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from fans around the world, and I will strive to keep the MX-5′s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people.”

With the third generation of the car currently on sale, Mazda is expected to deliver a fourth-gen model soon, returning to the car’s roots with rumors of a smaller engine and a significant reduction in weight.

Groupon has quickly become a hit with consumers, offering group buy discounts online. In fact, it’s become such a hit that other major online players like Google and Facebook are launching competitive programs.

Earlier this week Facebook Deals expanded its reach outside of the U.S., to Canada and much of Europe and to help promote the new feature in the UK, the social networking site is offering quite a deal – 20% off a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

That’s right, if you live in the UK and are interested in buying one of the fun Japanese roadsters, just visit Facebook Deals, find the voucher, claim it, and then show it to the salesperson at your local Mazda dealer to redeem the deal.

Plus, Mazda is also giving away a five-month lease of a special edition Miyako MX-5 with a special voucher at Facebook Deals that must also be presented in a dealership.

Now if only Mazda would offer the same promo here.

[Source: 4WheelsNews]