CArs: mazda

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Patent drawings of the Mazda 3 leak to the web Reviews

The new Mazda is expected to be introduced in 2013 but it seems the car appearance was already patented since August 2010. This was discovered through these patent drawings recently made public that you can see below.

The new model will follow the new design line named KODO: Soul of Motion, with the recognizable trapezoidal grille, created for the Mazda 6.

The current model dates from 2009, so this means that after only four years we will see a completely new model with a new platform, weighing less, and new engines.

Source: TeleGraaf.NL

Patent drawings of the Mazda 3 leak to the web

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Alfa Romeo Spider and Mazda MX 5 in 2015

Alfa Romeo and Mazda will share their new roadsters develop and build. The new MX-5 Spider in 2015 should see the light.

It was weird to walk the wild in May announced deal between Mazda and Alfa Romeo not continues but nothing is final until the signatures once an agreement has dried.

That is now the case, and so everything can be put in motion for the production in Hiroshima ready for the production of the new Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Romeo Spider. In 2015, the first copies in the Japanese city of Tyre walk.

Mazda and Alfa Romeo go subcutaneously many components for their roadsters parts but the cars get their own body and their own engines. Obviously they get rear-wheel drive, although in the case of the MX-5 logical than the Spider, who in his last appearance was a front wheel actuator.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

2011 Mazda RX8 Review

For 2011 the Mazda RX-8 carries over unchanged. The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat coupe with a pair of rear-hinged access doors. There are three trim levels: Sport, Grand Touring and R3.Manual-transmission models gain a limited-slip differential and rear lip spoiler.

The rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that produces 212 horsepower through the six-speed automatic transmission, or 232 hp when equipped with the six-speed manual (at a breathtaking 9,000 rpm). Every RX-8 engine produces a meager 152 pound-feet of torque.

2011 mazda rx8

Fuel economy is likewise unimpressive at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined (six-speed manual).The 2011 Mazda RX-8 comes standard with antilock brakes, front side airbags and front side curtain airbags. In side-impact testing, the Mazda RX-8 received four stars.

The freestyle (Mazda’s term) reverse-opening doors give the 2011 Mazda RX-8 a unique edge on other performance coupes. Few engines offer smoother feel and power delivery. Buyers can choose among the Sport, Grand Touring and R3 trim levels. The manual transmission offers slightly more horsepower under the hood, while the automatic six-speed offers smooth shifting for city and highway driving. The rotary engine offers smooth power transfer and a unique sound signature, making the higher gears even more fun for drivers.

Both the Sport and the R3 models include manual air conditioning systems while the Grand Touring trim level incorporates automatic climate control. The Mazda RX-8 offers drivers and passengers a smooth ride with sports-tuned shock absorbers and front and rear stabilizers. Power-assisted steering and ample power at the high end ensure that the Mazda RX-8 offers driving fun along with its visual appeal.For those looking for something unique and fun to drive, however, the Mazda RX-8 delivers an unforgettable driving experience.

This rotary engine is what really puts the Mazda RX-8 on the map. It’s the only Wankel rotary engine currently fitted to a production car and may be the last. The RX-8’s rotary engine weighs a lot less than conventional internal combustion engine designs and this translates into nimble handling out on the road.

There’s no mistaking the Mazda RX-8 for anything but a pure Japanese sports car. The interior is hard not to love, with its flowing, low-slung design emphasizing the car’s spottiness.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

First Drive 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv

Overhead shot of blue 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv crossing a bridge

The 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

Regular TireKicker readers know weve always loved us some Mazda 3. Its a fun, tossable little sedan (or hatch, you choose) for a reasonable price with better than average performance and fuel economy.

So what would juice the excitement factor? Well, more fuel economy would be a good place to start.
Mazdas been behind the 8-ball on that one, with a lot of people remembering that rotary engines arent the best in that regard (never mind that the only Mazda still using a rotary is the RX-8, now in its last year of production) and Mazda being the lone ranger among the big 4 Japanese carmakers (Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti being the others) not to have hybrids in their lineup.

Rear view of the 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

Not that the 3s a gas guzzler by any means. The EPA says 22 city/29 highway for the standard Mazda 3 5-door with the 167 horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a 5-speed automatic.

But Skyactiv makes it better without making it a hybrid. According to Mazda, Skyactivs engine produces 10-15% more low-range torque, and 15% lower fuel consumption than their previous 2-liter engine (which was EPA rated 24 city/33 highway).

Engineering and material changes resulted in a 220 pound weight savings along with 30% better body rigidity (which translates to better handling). Then theres a vastly improved six-speed automatic transmission. Bottom line: The EPA estimate for the Mazda 3 5-door jumps to 27 city/38 highway.

We borrowed one for a week from Chapman Mazda in Phoenix. We put fewer than 100 miles on it and most of that was city streets...very little freeway driving...and we saw 29.5 miles per gallon. So the estimates are well within the realm of possibility.

The 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv interior.

And best of all, the Skyactiv is gimmick-free. It drives exactly like a regular 3...except a bit smoother and handling a bit more athletically. All good things. And sos the price. $19,300. Ours came absolutely stock. Zero options. We didnt feel deprived. With delivery charges, the tab came to $20,150.

Again, these are impressions gleaned from fewer than 100 miles at the wheel, but the Mazda 3 Skyactive made a strong first impression. Were expecting one from the manufacturer for a more in-depth analysis very soon.

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