V12 Miata

Never underestimate what a man, money and a garage can do. For example: a first-gen Mazda Miata powered by a Jaguar V12. This guy gets a permanent slot in the Fiend hall of fame. There’s a full year in rebuilding the V12 alone, not to mention the unbelievable amount of fabrication that went into this thing. Custom firewall, timing gear, transmission bits, etc. You name it. Like any true hot rod, this sucker begs steals and borrows from all kinds of rides, no matter the make or model. There are two videos after the jump, a build diary detailing the trials and tribulations and a quick video of the thing jaunting down the street. Crank the volume and enjoy.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

V12 Miata

Never underestimate what a man, money and a garage can do. For example: a first-gen Mazda Miata powered by a Jaguar V12. This guy gets a permanent slot in the Fiend hall of fame. There’s a full year in rebuilding the V12 alone, not to mention the unbelievable amount of fabrication that went into this thing. Custom firewall, timing gear, transmission bits, etc. You name it. Like any true hot rod, this sucker begs steals and borrows from all kinds of rides, no matter the make or model. There are two videos after the jump, a build diary detailing the trials and tribulations and a quick video of the thing jaunting down the street. Crank the volume and enjoy.

[Source: YouTube via Jalopnik]

Mazda 2 Review 2011

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 Mazda 2

First it was no. Now it's go. The 2008 World Car of the Year is headed for America, promising high mpg and a "zoom-zoom" personality. But the Mazda 2 faces a tough fight in the subcompact-car arena, not least from corporate cousin Ford Fiesta.

What We Know About the 2011 Mazda 2
It's the subcompact car that rates 40 miles per gallon on the European combined driving cycle and is getting rave reviews. Indeed, it beat out the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to win 2008 World Car of the Year honors. Yet despite an admirable resume, the Mazda 2 wasn't slated for U.S. sale. Officials here said the car was too small and likely not profitable enough. But that was last year, before Americans were hit with record gas prices and started buying smaller, thriftier vehicles like nickel beer. Now those same officials have apparently decided they really do need to supplement their in-demand Mazda 3 compacts, so the 2 will come here after all as the "zoom-zoom" alternative to the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and other increasingly popular fuel-sipping minis. Sources expect it in 2010 as a 2011 model.

Mazda is the Japanese affiliate of Ford Motor Company, and the 2011 Mazda 2 will share a European-designed front-wheel-drive architecture with Ford's 2011 Fiesta subcompact. The original Mazda 2 was a Japanese design that appeared some years ago as a rather uninspired tall-body 4-door hatchback. The car coming Stateside is the much sleeker second-generation that launched in Japan, Europe, and other world markets during 2007 and added sporty 2-door versions in early '08. The new Fiesta is just rolling out in those same areas, but won't start U.S. sale until early 2010, probably several months before the Mazda. And where the Ford will also offer 4-door sedans, the 2 is strictly hatchbacks. In addition, the Mazda is sourced from Japan, while U.S.-market Fiestas will come from Ford's plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

The 2011 Mazda 2 also goes its own way in styling and powertrains. Where the similarly sized Fiesta gets a crisp "technical" look via Ford Europe's "kinetic design" language, the 2 is flowing and "organic," exemplifying the "flow" theme highlighted by recent Mazda concept models. Elements include a curved nose with a prominent five-sided Mazda grille, headlights pulled back into rounded fenders a la Mazda's RX-8 sports car, a rising window line, a prominent lower-body "swoosh," and a tail ending mere inches behind the rear wheels. The result, we think, is attractively purposeful. It should go down well with the "millennial" crowd.

Despite earning praise for a surprisingly spacious five-seat interior, the 2011 Mazda 2 stands 8.5 inches shorter and some 2 inches lower than the redesigned 2009 Honda Fit, while matching it for width and wheelbase. More importantly, a trim 2,100-lb curb weight should make it the lightest subcompact car on the U.S. market apart from the teeny two-seat Smart ForTwo. That's a good thing, as needless weight puts the hurt on fuel economy, carbon emissions, and acceleration. See "Notable Feature" below for details on the 2's weight-watcher development.

Speaking of efficiency, trade weekly Automotive News reports that Mazda plans to replace all its current gasoline engines within five years, substituting new powerplants that get better mileage via direct fuel injection and stop/start capability. The U.S.-market 2011 Mazda 2 could be an early outing for this technology.

The 2 is currently sold elsewhere with a quartet of existing Mazda-designed 4-cylinder engines: a gasoline 1.3-liter available in 74- and 83-horsepower tune; a 102-horsepower 1.5, and a 67-horsepower 1.4-liter turbodiesel. What's coming to America is unclear, but we see a new 1.6-liter gasoline four as the likely choice for performance, fuel economy, and emissions reasons. And as it could easily produce 120 horses and that many lb-ft of torque--our estimates, mind--the 2 would nicely trump Fit and other class rivals. That might include cousin Fiesta, which is slated for different, all-Ford engines. While the stop/start feature would technically make the 2 a "mild hybrid," we don't rule out a future "full hybrid" that can run short distances on electricity alone. We also think a turbodiesel option has a shot at U.S. sale, if only because Mazda is a feisty outfit that takes pride in solving engineering challenges.

Whatever the final engine or engines, the U.S.-market 2011 Mazda 2 will almost certainly have a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed option possible. The available automatic should be the conventional 5-speed unit already offered elsewhere. The rest of the car should also change little for Stateside duty. That means front-disc and rear-drum brakes with available ABS, electrically assisted power steering, 4-wheel independent suspension with front struts and a simple twist-beam rear axle, and front and curtain side airbags.

As for options, the 2011 Mazda 2 should list air conditioning, power windows, remote power locks, and other expected conveniences, but don't look for weighty items like motorized seats or a power sunroof that would detract from performance and fuel economy. Because the 2 will undoubtedly be pitched to younger first-time buyers, many options will be geared to that audience. That probably means things like alloy wheels, cloth upholstery mimicking sportswear fabrics, a thumping audio system, and connections for cell phones and MP3 players.

With all this, the 2011 Mazda 2 promises to be one of the more entertaining mini-misers on the U.S. scene, yet no less practical than most rivals. Assuming Mazda can deliver it at the right price and in sufficient numbers, it's hard to see how it can miss.
A Notable Feature of the 2011 Mazda 2

Automakers everywhere are being pressured to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; lightening up is one of the best ways to do both. It's the same with people. Losing pounds helps you look and feel better. But "adding lightness" to a car is no easier than dieting or working out. Not only does it cost money, it's at odds with crash safety requirements. That's one reason so many vehicles get larger and heavier with each redesign, a vicious cycle that certainly won't go on much longer.

The redesigned Mazda 2 has already changed course by weighing a substantial 220 lb less than the car it replaces, this despite little change in overall size. What's the secret? Call it a case of one thing leading to another. It starts with a unibody that uses 40-percent more high-strength steel than before. That allows structural members to be thinner and thus lighter versus regular steel without compromising rigidity or crash performance. Aiding the cause is a steel brace linking the front strut towers, an item usually reserved for pricey high-performance cars. Less mass, in turn, allows using lighter brakes, suspension components, and other underbody hardware. The new model's electric power steering, for instance, weighs less than a conventional hydraulic system. Analyzing the rest of the car enabled engineers to shave more pounds and in surprising places. For example, the redesign trimmed 6.4 lb via a shorter wiring loom and another 2.2 lb by substituting neodymium for ferrite in the stereo speakers.

Of course, there's a point of diminishing returns with any weight-watching regimen, but the new Mazda 2 doesn't go overboard, judging by European road tests. Indeed, it has earned high marks for quietness, ride comfort, and handling versus many competitors. It's also worth noting that Mazda's slimming program doesn't resort to expensive measures like aluminum body panels or carbon-fiber seat shells. After all, affordability is a must in the entry-level class, which is why small cars are typically so straightforward in materials and engineering.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Mazda 2

America's 2011 Mazda 2 will likely boast the same refinement, ride comfort, and handling that have won plaudits overseas. High fuel thrift should be another plus, though it remains to be seen whether U.S. models will match the excellent 40-mpg European rating. That will depend on the engine or engines available here. So, too, performance, though we expect that to be at least class-competitive; Mazda says the current 1.5-liter model does 0-60 mph in a little over 10 seconds. Jaunty "zoom-zoom" styling and hatchback practicality will also help seal the deal for some shoppers.

Still, it's always wise to consider alternatives, especially now that subcompact cars are breeding like mosquitoes in mileage-minded America. Besides the redesigned Honda Fit, buyers should also consider the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4, all of which rate Consumer Guide Best Buy status. Other fuel-thrifty prospects are the Nissan Versa, arguably the class "grown-up," and the Toyota Yaris, which appeals for its strong brand name. And then there are the new kids, such as a rumored U.S. version of the small VolkswagenPolo, a redesigned 2011 Chevrolet Aveo--and the Mazda 2's corporate cousin, the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

That's a lot of choice, and so maybe confusing, but Consumer Guide can help you sort out the field, both here online and in the pages of our Car and Truck Test magazines. One final point: Subcompacts often price for only a bit less than larger compact cars, and one of those might be a better solution, depending on your needs and budget. Needless to say, choices there are also multiplying.

2011 Mazda 2 Release Date: There's nothing official yet, but we'd look for sales to begin in the third or fourth quarter of 2010.

2011 Mazda 2 First Test Drive: Some U.S.-based journalists have already driven Euro-market Mazda 2s, but obviously not U.S.-market models. That opportunity probably won't come until spring or early summer of 2010.

2011 Mazda 2 Prices: Though it's too early to know for sure, the 2011 Mazda 2 may well price slightly above most class rivals. Much will depend on final U.S.-model manufacturing costs and standard equipment, plus interim developments in the world economy. All things considered, we'd look for stickers in the $14,500-$16,500 range.

Mazda 2 Review 2011

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 Mazda 2

First it was no. Now it's go. The 2008 World Car of the Year is headed for America, promising high mpg and a "zoom-zoom" personality. But the Mazda 2 faces a tough fight in the subcompact-car arena, not least from corporate cousin Ford Fiesta.

What We Know About the 2011 Mazda 2
It's the subcompact car that rates 40 miles per gallon on the European combined driving cycle and is getting rave reviews. Indeed, it beat out the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to win 2008 World Car of the Year honors. Yet despite an admirable resume, the Mazda 2 wasn't slated for U.S. sale. Officials here said the car was too small and likely not profitable enough. But that was last year, before Americans were hit with record gas prices and started buying smaller, thriftier vehicles like nickel beer. Now those same officials have apparently decided they really do need to supplement their in-demand Mazda 3 compacts, so the 2 will come here after all as the "zoom-zoom" alternative to the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and other increasingly popular fuel-sipping minis. Sources expect it in 2010 as a 2011 model.

Mazda is the Japanese affiliate of Ford Motor Company, and the 2011 Mazda 2 will share a European-designed front-wheel-drive architecture with Ford's 2011 Fiesta subcompact. The original Mazda 2 was a Japanese design that appeared some years ago as a rather uninspired tall-body 4-door hatchback. The car coming Stateside is the much sleeker second-generation that launched in Japan, Europe, and other world markets during 2007 and added sporty 2-door versions in early '08. The new Fiesta is just rolling out in those same areas, but won't start U.S. sale until early 2010, probably several months before the Mazda. And where the Ford will also offer 4-door sedans, the 2 is strictly hatchbacks. In addition, the Mazda is sourced from Japan, while U.S.-market Fiestas will come from Ford's plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

The 2011 Mazda 2 also goes its own way in styling and powertrains. Where the similarly sized Fiesta gets a crisp "technical" look via Ford Europe's "kinetic design" language, the 2 is flowing and "organic," exemplifying the "flow" theme highlighted by recent Mazda concept models. Elements include a curved nose with a prominent five-sided Mazda grille, headlights pulled back into rounded fenders a la Mazda's RX-8 sports car, a rising window line, a prominent lower-body "swoosh," and a tail ending mere inches behind the rear wheels. The result, we think, is attractively purposeful. It should go down well with the "millennial" crowd.

Despite earning praise for a surprisingly spacious five-seat interior, the 2011 Mazda 2 stands 8.5 inches shorter and some 2 inches lower than the redesigned 2009 Honda Fit, while matching it for width and wheelbase. More importantly, a trim 2,100-lb curb weight should make it the lightest subcompact car on the U.S. market apart from the teeny two-seat Smart ForTwo. That's a good thing, as needless weight puts the hurt on fuel economy, carbon emissions, and acceleration. See "Notable Feature" below for details on the 2's weight-watcher development.

Speaking of efficiency, trade weekly Automotive News reports that Mazda plans to replace all its current gasoline engines within five years, substituting new powerplants that get better mileage via direct fuel injection and stop/start capability. The U.S.-market 2011 Mazda 2 could be an early outing for this technology.

The 2 is currently sold elsewhere with a quartet of existing Mazda-designed 4-cylinder engines: a gasoline 1.3-liter available in 74- and 83-horsepower tune; a 102-horsepower 1.5, and a 67-horsepower 1.4-liter turbodiesel. What's coming to America is unclear, but we see a new 1.6-liter gasoline four as the likely choice for performance, fuel economy, and emissions reasons. And as it could easily produce 120 horses and that many lb-ft of torque--our estimates, mind--the 2 would nicely trump Fit and other class rivals. That might include cousin Fiesta, which is slated for different, all-Ford engines. While the stop/start feature would technically make the 2 a "mild hybrid," we don't rule out a future "full hybrid" that can run short distances on electricity alone. We also think a turbodiesel option has a shot at U.S. sale, if only because Mazda is a feisty outfit that takes pride in solving engineering challenges.

Whatever the final engine or engines, the U.S.-market 2011 Mazda 2 will almost certainly have a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed option possible. The available automatic should be the conventional 5-speed unit already offered elsewhere. The rest of the car should also change little for Stateside duty. That means front-disc and rear-drum brakes with available ABS, electrically assisted power steering, 4-wheel independent suspension with front struts and a simple twist-beam rear axle, and front and curtain side airbags.

As for options, the 2011 Mazda 2 should list air conditioning, power windows, remote power locks, and other expected conveniences, but don't look for weighty items like motorized seats or a power sunroof that would detract from performance and fuel economy. Because the 2 will undoubtedly be pitched to younger first-time buyers, many options will be geared to that audience. That probably means things like alloy wheels, cloth upholstery mimicking sportswear fabrics, a thumping audio system, and connections for cell phones and MP3 players.

With all this, the 2011 Mazda 2 promises to be one of the more entertaining mini-misers on the U.S. scene, yet no less practical than most rivals. Assuming Mazda can deliver it at the right price and in sufficient numbers, it's hard to see how it can miss.
A Notable Feature of the 2011 Mazda 2

Automakers everywhere are being pressured to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; lightening up is one of the best ways to do both. It's the same with people. Losing pounds helps you look and feel better. But "adding lightness" to a car is no easier than dieting or working out. Not only does it cost money, it's at odds with crash safety requirements. That's one reason so many vehicles get larger and heavier with each redesign, a vicious cycle that certainly won't go on much longer.

The redesigned Mazda 2 has already changed course by weighing a substantial 220 lb less than the car it replaces, this despite little change in overall size. What's the secret? Call it a case of one thing leading to another. It starts with a unibody that uses 40-percent more high-strength steel than before. That allows structural members to be thinner and thus lighter versus regular steel without compromising rigidity or crash performance. Aiding the cause is a steel brace linking the front strut towers, an item usually reserved for pricey high-performance cars. Less mass, in turn, allows using lighter brakes, suspension components, and other underbody hardware. The new model's electric power steering, for instance, weighs less than a conventional hydraulic system. Analyzing the rest of the car enabled engineers to shave more pounds and in surprising places. For example, the redesign trimmed 6.4 lb via a shorter wiring loom and another 2.2 lb by substituting neodymium for ferrite in the stereo speakers.

Of course, there's a point of diminishing returns with any weight-watching regimen, but the new Mazda 2 doesn't go overboard, judging by European road tests. Indeed, it has earned high marks for quietness, ride comfort, and handling versus many competitors. It's also worth noting that Mazda's slimming program doesn't resort to expensive measures like aluminum body panels or carbon-fiber seat shells. After all, affordability is a must in the entry-level class, which is why small cars are typically so straightforward in materials and engineering.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Mazda 2

America's 2011 Mazda 2 will likely boast the same refinement, ride comfort, and handling that have won plaudits overseas. High fuel thrift should be another plus, though it remains to be seen whether U.S. models will match the excellent 40-mpg European rating. That will depend on the engine or engines available here. So, too, performance, though we expect that to be at least class-competitive; Mazda says the current 1.5-liter model does 0-60 mph in a little over 10 seconds. Jaunty "zoom-zoom" styling and hatchback practicality will also help seal the deal for some shoppers.

Still, it's always wise to consider alternatives, especially now that subcompact cars are breeding like mosquitoes in mileage-minded America. Besides the redesigned Honda Fit, buyers should also consider the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Suzuki SX4, all of which rate Consumer Guide Best Buy status. Other fuel-thrifty prospects are the Nissan Versa, arguably the class "grown-up," and the Toyota Yaris, which appeals for its strong brand name. And then there are the new kids, such as a rumored U.S. version of the small VolkswagenPolo, a redesigned 2011 Chevrolet Aveo--and the Mazda 2's corporate cousin, the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

That's a lot of choice, and so maybe confusing, but Consumer Guide can help you sort out the field, both here online and in the pages of our Car and Truck Test magazines. One final point: Subcompacts often price for only a bit less than larger compact cars, and one of those might be a better solution, depending on your needs and budget. Needless to say, choices there are also multiplying.

2011 Mazda 2 Release Date: There's nothing official yet, but we'd look for sales to begin in the third or fourth quarter of 2010.

2011 Mazda 2 First Test Drive: Some U.S.-based journalists have already driven Euro-market Mazda 2s, but obviously not U.S.-market models. That opportunity probably won't come until spring or early summer of 2010.

2011 Mazda 2 Prices: Though it's too early to know for sure, the 2011 Mazda 2 may well price slightly above most class rivals. Much will depend on final U.S.-model manufacturing costs and standard equipment, plus interim developments in the world economy. All things considered, we'd look for stickers in the $14,500-$16,500 range.

2009 Mazda 2 upgrade

Mazda has released an upgrade for the popular Mazda2 (or Demio) in Japan today with several interior and exterior refinements aimed at extending the popular model’s appeal.

A freshened interior featuring a piano black center panel and revised seat and door trim fabrics (three in all), new alloy look gear knob, parking brake and door handles door trim and an illuminated gear shift (auto only) all of which compliment a new exterior colour, Aluminium Metallic, which brings the colour pallet to an even dozen.
The top shelf Genki model also picks up climate control air-conditioning with particle filter.

Australia will most likely see the revised model sometime in the first quarter of 2009.

2009 Mazda 2 upgrade

Mazda has released an upgrade for the popular Mazda2 (or Demio) in Japan today with several interior and exterior refinements aimed at extending the popular model’s appeal.

A freshened interior featuring a piano black center panel and revised seat and door trim fabrics (three in all), new alloy look gear knob, parking brake and door handles door trim and an illuminated gear shift (auto only) all of which compliment a new exterior colour, Aluminium Metallic, which brings the colour pallet to an even dozen.
The top shelf Genki model also picks up climate control air-conditioning with particle filter.

Australia will most likely see the revised model sometime in the first quarter of 2009.

Mazda implementing rear-facing radar system from 2009

Safety technology is going increasingly high-tech as companies and governments get into the business of making cars ever safer. Advanced features like radar are making their way into everyday cars, evidenced by a report that Mazda will begin including its Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVMS) as a standard feature on European Mazda6 Sport models from February 2009.

Though the report hasn't yet been confirmed by Mazda, nor has the scope of the implementation - no word on U.S. availability yet - the system itself appears to be ready to go into production.

Based around two rearward-facing sensors that detect the traffic behind and to the sides of the car, the RVMS can alert the driver not only of cars approaching rapidly but also of cars in the traditional blind spots just off the rear quarter panels, according to Swedish publication Auto Motor & Sport. The alert is triggered when a car is detected in a dangerous zone and the driver has activated a turn indicator. A warning is communicated to the driver via a small indicator mounted near the A-pillar and an audible tone.

The system also warns of vehicles within 150ft (50m) of the rear of the car when approaching at more than 36mph (60km/h), helping to anticipate cars that will be in the blind spot area by the time the driver actually moves into the next lane.

Mazda notes a survey by the NHTSA that finds 9% of all accidents in the U.S. occur during lane-change maneuvers, making it the fourth-most prevalent cause of accidents, and highlighting the use such a system could find on American roads. The company already offers the Blind Spot Monitoring System, available since 2007, in the U.S

Mazda implementing rear-facing radar system from 2009

Safety technology is going increasingly high-tech as companies and governments get into the business of making cars ever safer. Advanced features like radar are making their way into everyday cars, evidenced by a report that Mazda will begin including its Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVMS) as a standard feature on European Mazda6 Sport models from February 2009.

Though the report hasn't yet been confirmed by Mazda, nor has the scope of the implementation - no word on U.S. availability yet - the system itself appears to be ready to go into production.

Based around two rearward-facing sensors that detect the traffic behind and to the sides of the car, the RVMS can alert the driver not only of cars approaching rapidly but also of cars in the traditional blind spots just off the rear quarter panels, according to Swedish publication Auto Motor & Sport. The alert is triggered when a car is detected in a dangerous zone and the driver has activated a turn indicator. A warning is communicated to the driver via a small indicator mounted near the A-pillar and an audible tone.

The system also warns of vehicles within 150ft (50m) of the rear of the car when approaching at more than 36mph (60km/h), helping to anticipate cars that will be in the blind spot area by the time the driver actually moves into the next lane.

Mazda notes a survey by the NHTSA that finds 9% of all accidents in the U.S. occur during lane-change maneuvers, making it the fourth-most prevalent cause of accidents, and highlighting the use such a system could find on American roads. The company already offers the Blind Spot Monitoring System, available since 2007, in the U.S

2010 Mazda 3 to debut at LA Auto Show ‘08

Mazda will unveil the 2010 Mazda 3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The new Mazda 3 will feature a fresh new design inspired by the Kabura concept that Mazda revealed in 2006. This is evident in the new Mazda 3’s new face which is now dramatically swept back. This makes the Mazda 3 more akin to the new Mazda 6 in terms of aesthetics with its grinning front grille sitting between and below the sharp, angular headlamps.

The redesigned grill is flanked by two air intakes and a set of fog lamps. The redesign continues to the modern rising waistline and a sloping rear roof that emphasizes a restyled rear end with twin sporty tailpipes.

There were no specs revealed yet but the new Mazda 3 will reportedly come with either a 2.0 or 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It is also supposed to weight significantly less than the current model incarnation of the Mazda 3. The new 2010 Mazda 3 will be available in showrooms by early next year.

2010 Mazda 3 to debut at LA Auto Show ‘08

Mazda will unveil the 2010 Mazda 3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The new Mazda 3 will feature a fresh new design inspired by the Kabura concept that Mazda revealed in 2006. This is evident in the new Mazda 3’s new face which is now dramatically swept back. This makes the Mazda 3 more akin to the new Mazda 6 in terms of aesthetics with its grinning front grille sitting between and below the sharp, angular headlamps.

The redesigned grill is flanked by two air intakes and a set of fog lamps. The redesign continues to the modern rising waistline and a sloping rear roof that emphasizes a restyled rear end with twin sporty tailpipes.

There were no specs revealed yet but the new Mazda 3 will reportedly come with either a 2.0 or 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It is also supposed to weight significantly less than the current model incarnation of the Mazda 3. The new 2010 Mazda 3 will be available in showrooms by early next year.

All-new 2009 Mazda6

Wow that looks great! This is the all-new 2009 Mazda6 ($19,220 and up). The new sedan sport has more aggressive styling and better fuel economy. It is powered either by a 2.5L 4-cylinder / 170hp or 3.7L V6 / 272hp. There are manual and manual-shift automatic transmissions are available and it has a push-button ignition, Bluetooth cellular integration, and touchscreen navigation system inside. The 2009 Mazda6 comes with the starting price of $19,220. Check out more pictures after the break.

[via Uncrate]

All-new 2009 Mazda6

Wow that looks great! This is the all-new 2009 Mazda6 ($19,220 and up). The new sedan sport has more aggressive styling and better fuel economy. It is powered either by a 2.5L 4-cylinder / 170hp or 3.7L V6 / 272hp. There are manual and manual-shift automatic transmissions are available and it has a push-button ignition, Bluetooth cellular integration, and touchscreen navigation system inside. The 2009 Mazda6 comes with the starting price of $19,220. Check out more pictures after the break.

[via Uncrate]

2010 Mazda3 Spied

What’s the first thing in your mind when you hear Cervantes? Well today we’re going to talk about a different Cervantes, Michael Cervantes, who was on a vacation but got himself lucky to get on camera pictures with the all new 2010 Mazda 3. It’s the first time when it’s not heavily camouflaged and we can get a very good idea of what’s going to look like. At a first glance, it looks nice.


With Ford’s global C1 platform under, the new Mazda 3 is going to be much sportier, will have 6 gears and a small jump in power. I’m talking about 20-30 bhp for the current 2.3-litre motor that develops 156 bhp right now.

via WCF

2010 Mazda3 Spied

What’s the first thing in your mind when you hear Cervantes? Well today we’re going to talk about a different Cervantes, Michael Cervantes, who was on a vacation but got himself lucky to get on camera pictures with the all new 2010 Mazda 3. It’s the first time when it’s not heavily camouflaged and we can get a very good idea of what’s going to look like. At a first glance, it looks nice.


With Ford’s global C1 platform under, the new Mazda 3 is going to be much sportier, will have 6 gears and a small jump in power. I’m talking about 20-30 bhp for the current 2.3-litre motor that develops 156 bhp right now.

via WCF

Video: 2009 Mazda6 North American Market Model

With the second generation Mazda6 the Japanese carmaker decided to make a few changes to the North American market model. Compared to the European and Japanese spec “6”, the N.A. model is slightly longer and features a completely different trunk and rear bumper along with a new front fascia. Mazda also retuned the suspension to meet the particular demands of the N.A. market in terms of handling and comfort. The 2009 Mazda6 will be available in the U.S. exclusively as a 4-door sedan with two engine options; a 170Hp 2.5L 4-cylinder and the more powerful 273Hp 3.7L V6.

Video: 2009 Mazda6 North American Market Model

With the second generation Mazda6 the Japanese carmaker decided to make a few changes to the North American market model. Compared to the European and Japanese spec “6”, the N.A. model is slightly longer and features a completely different trunk and rear bumper along with a new front fascia. Mazda also retuned the suspension to meet the particular demands of the N.A. market in terms of handling and comfort. The 2009 Mazda6 will be available in the U.S. exclusively as a 4-door sedan with two engine options; a 170Hp 2.5L 4-cylinder and the more powerful 273Hp 3.7L V6.

Video: Mazda Furai

I think that Mazda Furai has the best design among all concept cars.It was shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. It is built based on a Courage C65 chassis and tri-rotor renesis engine. An official has released, featuring Furai at the Laguna Seca. Check it out after the jump.

Furai Concept Official Mazda Video
by NihonCar

Video: Mazda Furai

I think that Mazda Furai has the best design among all concept cars.It was shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. It is built based on a Courage C65 chassis and tri-rotor renesis engine. An official has released, featuring Furai at the Laguna Seca. Check it out after the jump.

Furai Concept Official Mazda Video
by NihonCar

Mazda's new global Zoom-Zoom communication style visually expresses the company's evolution at a glance

Mazda Motor Corporation announced the launch of its new global brand visual identity which will be rolled out progressively around the world. Following a successful pilot in Australia, the first major region to introduce this new visual identity direction will be Japan, commencing on June 20, 2008, when Mazda updates its Japan websites with distinctive new features. This will be followed by its full adoption in advertising, commencing on July 8 with the launch of the new mid-size Mazda Biante high-roof minivan in Japan.

The new global visual identity was created to evoke strong emotional connections between Mazda and its customers across all touchpoints, and convey the brand’s unique personality and distinctive profile. Mazda’s brand symbol and the brand essence will not change. The new visual identity is intended to express the new direction the Mazda brand is taking, its evolution and the innovation that lies at its core. This fresh new way of articulating the Mazda brand will be integrated into every facet of Mazda’s future brand communications.

The new global brand visual identity uses distinctive visual cues to express Mazda’s brand personality. These include the use of dynamic angles to convey a sense of movement; a new Mazda typeface to complement the other elements of the new visual identity; and a new ‘dynamic wing’ graphic which contains the Mazda brand symbol and captures Mazda’s confident, bold spirit. In addition, launching the new visual identity will ensure clarity and consistency in all Mazda communications across the globe.

“The launch of Mazda’s new global visual identity will enable us to communicate Mazda’s core brand values and attributes more clearly and with greater energy than ever before,” says Dan Morris, Mazda’s senior executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. “We want to connect more powerfully with our customers around the world in a consistent manner with this newly refined element of the Zoom-Zoom brand.”

Mazda introduced its existing corporate identity (CI) in 1975 and developed its corporate mark as an easy-to-read standard for use in its global communications. The brand symbol was created in 1997 as one element of Mazda’s efforts to strengthen its brand image. Since the launch of the original Mazda6 in 2002, Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has gained currency all over the world.

Looking to the future, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and delight its customers with exciting vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ With the introduction of its new global visual identity, the Hiroshima-based company will aim for continued improvements in its brand value.

Mazda's new global Zoom-Zoom communication style visually expresses the company's evolution at a glance

Mazda Motor Corporation announced the launch of its new global brand visual identity which will be rolled out progressively around the world. Following a successful pilot in Australia, the first major region to introduce this new visual identity direction will be Japan, commencing on June 20, 2008, when Mazda updates its Japan websites with distinctive new features. This will be followed by its full adoption in advertising, commencing on July 8 with the launch of the new mid-size Mazda Biante high-roof minivan in Japan.

The new global visual identity was created to evoke strong emotional connections between Mazda and its customers across all touchpoints, and convey the brand’s unique personality and distinctive profile. Mazda’s brand symbol and the brand essence will not change. The new visual identity is intended to express the new direction the Mazda brand is taking, its evolution and the innovation that lies at its core. This fresh new way of articulating the Mazda brand will be integrated into every facet of Mazda’s future brand communications.

The new global brand visual identity uses distinctive visual cues to express Mazda’s brand personality. These include the use of dynamic angles to convey a sense of movement; a new Mazda typeface to complement the other elements of the new visual identity; and a new ‘dynamic wing’ graphic which contains the Mazda brand symbol and captures Mazda’s confident, bold spirit. In addition, launching the new visual identity will ensure clarity and consistency in all Mazda communications across the globe.

“The launch of Mazda’s new global visual identity will enable us to communicate Mazda’s core brand values and attributes more clearly and with greater energy than ever before,” says Dan Morris, Mazda’s senior executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. “We want to connect more powerfully with our customers around the world in a consistent manner with this newly refined element of the Zoom-Zoom brand.”

Mazda introduced its existing corporate identity (CI) in 1975 and developed its corporate mark as an easy-to-read standard for use in its global communications. The brand symbol was created in 1997 as one element of Mazda’s efforts to strengthen its brand image. Since the launch of the original Mazda6 in 2002, Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has gained currency all over the world.

Looking to the future, Mazda will continue to pursue harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and delight its customers with exciting vehicles that ‘look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again.’ With the introduction of its new global visual identity, the Hiroshima-based company will aim for continued improvements in its brand value.