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.

Times are changing, however, and so is the definition of what a classic car is. Increasingly the vehicles that come to mind for a younger generation of auto buffs are early, race-bred Japanese classics, like the Toyota 2000GT, Datsun 240z or Mazda RX3.

Don’t laugh at the suggestion. According to classic Japanese car enthusiast Ryan Rudd, prices for Japanese classic cars are steadily rising.

“I believe the Japanese classics will reach the prestige and price of the American and European cars, in fact, in many places, they already have. For instance, a 1970 Nissan Skyline GTR can go for well over $100,000 in Japan.” Rudd said. “In the U.S., the following of classic Japanese cars is growing at a very high rate as well.”

Rudd works at one of a popular Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) restoration shops in Utah. JDM Legends was “born out of passion for JDM cars” and is a go-to place for restored (and modified) classic Japanese cars.

For a long time Japanese cars have been thought of as too common and too cheap to become serious collector material. It seems those ideas are changing.

“As the younger crowd takes its place in the car world, they are going to have the desire to own the cars they loved in their childhood years,” Rudd said, “It is easy to see the different generations, and which cars they loved.”

Traditional outlets for classic cars seem to be oblivious to the changing attitudes. A representative from Barett-Jackson even told us that they “haven’t seen much in the way of Japanese classics at their auctions.”

Rudd, however, does see the trend. “It seems as if the generation that is now starting to have some extra spending money for a classic car, really appreciate the racing heritage of many of these classic Japanese cars, as well as the designs which were coming out of Japan in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.”

A recent example of a Japanese classic reaching the prestige of its American and European counterparts is a 1967 Toyota 2000GT, that was sold for $375,000.

The 2000GT is valuable thanks to its racing heritage. Back in the ‘60s the 2000GT set FIA records for speed and endurance in a 72-hours test. Additionally, a pair of 2000GTs competed against the likes of Porsche 911s and Lotus Elans in races sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America.

The success of the cars was not without a strong American connection, however, with the team being run by none other than the legendary Carroll Shelby. Thanks to his expertise, the pair finished the series in second and third place, even though they had less power than their rivals.

Rudd believes that cars like the 2000GT will reach the highest value when it comes to Japanese collectors. He specifically pointed out the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Celica, Datsun 240z, Datsun 510, Honda S600/800 and Mazda RX3. “These seem to be the cars which have the largest followings, and we have seen the price of them begin to climb over the following years,” he said.

Rudd has a specific formula for guessing which cars will be most popular: “I think what really determines which classic Japanese cars will have a high value in the future is, racing heritage, the very low production numbers in comparison to many of the classic American cars, and simply the general styling of the cars.” He explained.

There are other opinions about what makes a desirable classic Japanese car.

“JDM cars can be interesting for rarity, but a very clean or well restored USA-spec car can have a more nostalgic and emotional connection to the Japanese cars we remember from when they were new,” said Randy Nonnenberg from Bringatrailer.com, a site that aims to connect vintage car enthusiasts with the vehicle of their dreams.

“Up and coming classics like period Japanese racing cars and rare models that were not offered in the USA are getting the attention of collectors,” he says.

Nonnenberg sees many cars posted at his site, but mentions “The Japanese vehicles on bringatrailer.com bring just as much response from our readers as the European and American cars.”

He explained that there’s a changing trend in terms of vintage car enthusiasts, which helps with Japanese collector cars.
“The vast majority of our readers have hands on experience with Japanese cars, which isn’t always the case with exotics and more expensive Euro models. The connection to the marques of Japan is often based on real seat-time instead of just posters on your wall as a kid,” Said Nonnenberg.

When asked which cars are likely to reach the prestige of European and American classics, Nonnenberg’s list was exactly the same as Rudd’s.

Generally, all the cars they mentioned have similar design cues, many of which are still vaguely present in cars today. In fact, Toyota looked to the design of the 2000GT as inspiration for its latest car, the Scion FR-S/Toyota GT 86. With companies like Toyota looking back to their roots to draw inspiration for more modern machines, these older machines are certain to soon achieve both full fledged classic car status, and value.

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.

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.

With that in mind, we’re especially curious about a post Kia put up on its PR Facebook page asking if any of its fans would drive a diesel. The post was in response to a speculative piece published by EfficientAutomobiles.com, that suggested a North American diesel Optima was likely in the future.

While that post doesn’t seem to be based on much more than guesswork, the company’s response at the very least acknowledges it.

Offering a diesel engine could actually make sense for the brand, given that we already know some of its key competitors plan to do the same very soon. A diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze is on the way, and we’re expecting Mazda to start offering its SkyActiv-D engine in the new Mazda6 which we already saw as the Takeri concept.

Historically, oil-burners have struggled to catch on in the U.S. with low horsepower ratings and rpm limits that were outshone by gas competitors with relative ease. Despite that, preferences are shifting quickly to favor more efficient engines.

At the moment, European customers are only offered the 1.7-liter diesel Optima with 134 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, which would be a good engine candidate for American sale. With its chunky curb weight around 3,300 lbs, however, a diesel Optima might not appeal to U.S. customers, but the same power in the upcoming Forte could make a good mix or torque and efficiency.

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.”

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 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]

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.