What’s the role of mobile app if not to be constantly improved? Mazda does that, by adding a new tab to their MyMazda app for iPhone. MyMazda is one of the first automotive iPhone Apps of its kind provinding customers with real-time information about their cars. And now some improvements are done. What does this tab do? It offers drivers the possibility to pull up vehicle maintenance, service history and recall information.
The entire system is also connected with Mazda’s Customer Connect service program and alerts or updates can be set to be sent automatically whenever a service is scheduled or the owner needs a reminder. In addition to this, it includes a GPS option too, through which a driver cand find his car into a parking lot.
The app is available in the Apple App Store and it should soon have an Android version.
So, how often do you forget your car needs maintenance?
[Source: Autoblog, Photo]
Post tags: Tags: iphone app, MyMazda app, vehicle maintenance
Mazda RX-8 Spirit R Special Edition
We already told you that Mazda has decided to pull the plug on its RX-8 model but the car will become history only after the automaker will sell all of the 1,000 units of this Spirit R Special Edition which is available exclusively in Japan. The four-door coupe, and one of my favorite cars ever made, will be put to sleep due to stricter CO2 emissions and fuel economy regulations.
Mazda RX-8 Spirit R Special Edition
This special edition of Mazda’s rotary-engined sports car will be available for sale starting with November 24th and it wears its name after the final edition of the model it replaced, the RX-7. Clients will be able to choose from two versions of the car, one based on the Type RS that comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and another one based on the Type E model which has a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda RX-8 Spirit R Special Edition
Some of the goodies that the customers will get include Recaro sport bucket seats, red brake calipers, piano black transmission tunnel trim, 19-inch bronze alloy wheels, leather surfaces with red stitching and a bunch of badges. The brakes will be bigger while the suspension system will be sports-tuned.
These are going to be the only two variants of the RX-8 available until the production ends on June 12th, 2012. After that, we’ll have to wait until Mazda launches the successor of this model which will most likely be called the RX-9.
Source: Mazda via ZerCustoms
Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda rx-8, special editions
2012 Mazda3
The 2012MY Mazda3 has arrived in the United States and wants to grab the attention of the customers with its performance-oriented, fuel-efficient technologies branded under the “Skyactiv” designation. The car is available in a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback configuration and has a base price of $15,200, without taking into consideration the $795 destination charge.
The entry-level Mazda3 i SV sedan comes with a MZR 2.0-liter engine that develops 148 hp and is mated to a manual gearbox. If you want more features, you can choose the i Sport sedan that costs from $16,845 and can be ordered with a 5-speed automatic gearbox.
If you want those Skyactiv technologies, you will have to get the Mazda3 i Touring or the Grand Touring variant which comes with the company’s newly developed SKYACTIV 2.0-liter gasoline power unit that develops 155 hp and has a peak torque of 148 lb.-ft.
According to the Japanese automaker, this new engine delivers 5% more HP than the MZR 2.0-liter unit and also 10% more torque. In addition, it comes with 21% improved fuel economy and 15% more low- to mid-range torque. It has an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway.
The Mazda3 i Touring sedan we’ve mentioned will set you back at least $18,450 while the i Touring hatchback costs from $18,950 and does 39 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the sedan Mazda3 i Grand Touring, you’ll have to pay $22,300 while the 5-door hatchback carries a retail price of $22,800.
Both the Touring models can be ordered with the newly developed SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission as well as the 6-speed automatic one which also is part of the SKYACTIV technologies. For the latter you’ll have to pay an additional $850.
Source: Mazda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: 2012 mazda3, Mazda, mazda3
JDM Mazda Special Edtion Black Tuned Roadster
The Japanese automaker Mazda has revealed at the beginning of this week a special edition variant of its Roadster model (the MX-5 as the rest of the world knows it) that is based on the JDM RS RHT and VS RHT model grades. It comes with 17-inch Gun Metallic alloys, Brilliant Black folding hard top and bespoke interior contrasting black leather with sand colored stitching.
Clients will be able to choose from one of the following body colors: Crystal White Pearl Mica, Velocity Red Mica and the one in this picture, called Green Metallic.
The Mazda Special Edition Black Tuned Roadster will be motivated by a 2.0-liter DOHC power unit which as standard will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. For more money, customers will be able to order it with an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Source: Mazda via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda mx-5, mazda roadster, special editions
Mazda CX-5 Revealed At Frankfurt Motor Show
This week in Frankfurt, Mazda brought the all-new CX-5 compact crossover that promises to be a worthy adversary for the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. The Japanese automaker mentioned that this model is the first of the many that will follow which will adopt the company’s KODO design philosophy and the SKYACTIV technologies.
The car measures 4,540 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and it is 1,670 mm tall, but although these dimensions fall in the compact category, the CX-5 still manages to offer 997 mm of rear legroom, which is the best in this class. They’ve did this by creating a wheelbase which measures 2,700 mm. It comes with 40/20/40 split independent rear seats so you get plenty of practicality.
Set to go on sale at first in Europe, customers will have the possibility to order it in either a 2WD or a 4WD configuration and it will be motivated by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine or a 2.2-liter diesel. The first one develops 165 hp and has a peak torque of 154 lb.-ft (210 Nm), while the diesel will be offered with a two-stage turbocharger, the first one has 150 hp and 280 lb.-ft (380 Nm) while the more powerful will provide 175 hp and 309 lb.-ft (420 Nm).
The North American version will probably be launched towards the end of this year and it will reach Mazda’s dealerships in the beginning of 2012. Once it will get there, the CX-5 will feature a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine, followed by a diesel engine.
Source: Mazda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: crossover, frankfurt motor show, Mazda, mazda cx-5
According to some sources at Mazda, the next generation of the popular MX-5 will still be faithful to its roots, although the rest of the models in the company’s lineup have gone upmarket. The car will be motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged power unit that will benefit from the automaker’s Skyactiv technology that allows higher compression ratios and it will offer more torque and efficiency.
The Japanese car maker is also analyzing the possibility to build both electric and rotary engines for future versions of the new MX-5. The car will be a lot lighter in comparison to the current model and it will benefit from high-tech materials to lower the curb weight. Engineers will be using carbonfibre-reinforced plastic that you will find in the “i” models that BMW is working on.
The engineers from Mazda are also taking into consideration whether they should adopt the new fully electric power steering system for the new generation but they have their concerns because they think that not many sporty car buyers will appreciate this.
Source: Mazda via What Car
Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda mx-5
An end of an era for the Japanese automaker Mazda as this week they’ve announced that they will cease the production of the RX-8 model which means that the rotary engine will be put to sleep as well. Two factors have lead to this situation: sales have plummeted and the global emission standards have become tougher.
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According to the journalists from Automotive News, the dealers in the United States have 300 units left, or at least they had them at the beginning of the month.
2011 Mazda RX-8
As a reminder, the Mazda RX-8 is, or better said was, the only rotary-powered vehicle on sale. The base price for the car was $27,590 and was powered by a twin-rotor 1.3-liter engine with 232 hp. The 2011MY is fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox and manages to return 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, according to EPA’s rating.
At the beginning of this month, the company stated that in July they’ve sold only 65 units, in comparison to the same period of last year when they’ve delivered 94 cars, which translates into a 31% decrease of sales. Until July, Mazda sold 544 units, as opposed to the 687 cars delivered in 2010. The best year for the car was back in 2004 when they’ve managed to sell 23,690 units. Last year, the Mazda RX-8 was withdrawn from the European market.
Source: Mazda via Inside Line
Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda rx-8
Mazda has decided not to wait anymore for the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and this week they’ve unveiled the all-new CX-5 compact SUV. Set to make its official debut in September, the car is based on the company’s Minagi Concept which we saw this year during the 81st edition of the Geneva Motor Show. In addition, it seems to implement Mazda’s Kodu design language and I must say that it looks quite good.
The Japanese automaker mentioned that the car will benefit from the new SKYACTIV technology which means that it will be more fuel efficient. The model fitted with the 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D engine in the 2WD configuration with the manual gearbox will have CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km.
The model is set to go on sale next year.
Source: Mazda via WCF
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, mazda cx-5
Special Edition Mazda2 And MX-5 Announced
The Japanese automaker will roll out pretty soon a new set of limited editions models, this time for the Mazda2 and the MX-5. The first one is based on the 1.3-liter (83 hp) Tamura version and comes with a black vinyl roof, front fog lights, privacy glass, 16-inch matt black alloy wheels and a rear bumper sports trim. In addition, inside it features air conditioning, a Bluetooth hands-free kit, bespoke floor mats and electric windows for the rear doors. Only 618 units will go to United Kingdom and the base price is 12,395 for the model with the True Red finish while the other colors available (green and white) will cost from 12,815 pounds.
As far as the MX-5 Sport Black is concerned, Mazda says that they took their inspiration for this limited edition model from the MX-5 GT racer and is based on the Sport Tech Roadster Coupe model that comes with a 2.0-liter engine that churns 160 hp which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is offered with a Brilliant Black retractable hardtop and is available in three body colors: Velocity Red, Crystal White and Spirited Green, the same colors available for the aforementioned Mazda2.
This special MX-5 rides on gunmetal alloys that measure 15 inches and it has an interior wrapped around in black leather, bespoke floor mats, along with a piano black steering wheel and deco panel. It has the same goodies as the Sport Tech, like a Bose audio system, air conditioning, front fog lights, cruise control and a Bluetooth hands-free kit.
The Japanese automaker said that 500 units of this special MX-5 will go to United Kingdom and the on-the-road price is going to be 22,995 pounds, which is 360 pounds more in comparison to the standard Sport Tech variant.
Source: Mazda via Autocar.co.uk
Post tags: Tags: Mazda, mazda mx-5, mazda2, special editions
Germany Gets Mazda MX-5 Karai Special Edition
In what seems to be an endless string of special editions, Mazda has revealed another limited-run MX-5 Miata, this one is called Karai (which is the Japanese word for “sharp”) and it will be made in only 165 units which will all go to Germany this time.
Based on the MX-5 Roadster coupe, this one has a retractable hardtop and comes with an exclusive lime-green paint that Mazda calls “Metal Green Metallic”, while the metal top has a glossy black finish, just as the exterior mirrors, the fog lamp surrounds, the front grille and the 17-inch alloys.
The inside of this special MX-5 features a pair of Recaro sport seats that are wrapped around in Alcantara and black leather, along with white stitching. It also sports a leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals and all of the interior trim pieces which on the regular model have a silver finish now come in a glossy black color.
The car is powered by a standard 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline engine that develops 160 hp. The Japanese automaker also offers an optional sport package that consists of a new exhaust system, along with a lowering kit for the Miata’s suspension and other equipment like USB and iPod adapter and a pair of floor mats that are not available on the standard MX-5.
The base price for the Mazda MX-5 Karai is $43,500.
Source: Mazda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: mazda miata, mazda mx-5, mazda mx-5 karai, special editions
Mazda’s superimini, Demio (or Mazda2 as you probably know it), just received a facelift and is now on sale in Japan where the automaker plans on selling 6,000 units each month. As you can see, there aren’t that many changes as far as the exterior styling is concerned, but the company says that they’ve increased the rigidity of the bodyshell and they’ve retuned the suspension, while on the inside, the Demio got materials of higher quality.
A new addition to the Mazda2 range is the inclusion of the 13-Skyactive engine that according to the company, offers the best consumption level in its class. This power unit benefits from direct fuel injection, the world’s highest compression of 14.0:1 and the proprietary “i-stop” stop/start system. In addition, it also packs some sort of technology called i-DM, which stands for intelligent Drive Master and not only makes the car more economical but it also makes the driving experience more enjoyable.
As standard, the Mazda Demio comes with 14-inch alloy wheels or bigger 16-inch rims for the Sport edition along with Dynamic Stability Control that sports Traction Control System.
The Japanese automaker estimates that 60% of the units that will be sold will have the aforementioned 13-Skyactive engine.
Source: Mazda via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: mazda demio, mazda2
It seems that one of the most famous sports cars in the world will go on a diet once the new generation arrives as we’ve learned from our colleagues from Inside Line that the next-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata will be a lot trimmer and slimmer in comparison to the current model.
If we were to believe a senior insider, the company’s engineers were asked to cut at least 720 pounds from the car’s weight which now is 2,480 pounds. The reason behind this decision is to bring the next-gen Miata closer to the original recipe of the 1st gen model launched back in 1989, which had a curb weight of 2,178 pounds for the U.S.-spec version.
In order to lower the weight of the Miata as much as possible, the Japanese engineers will use high strength steels for its body, along with a smaller and lighter engine. In addition, some of the goodies of the current gen model will most likely be removed, including the dashboard glove box as they will opt for other storage devices which will weigh less. Even the owner’s manual will be axed as Mazda might offer it on a USB stick.
To reduce the frontal area and weight, the new MX-5 will be narrower and it might get a tiny direct injection, turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that will benefit from variable cam phasing as part of the company’s SkyActiv engineering efficiency program. They will also work on the gearbox, hoping to bring it closer to the one on the original model as far as mechanical precision is concerned, providing the much loved short-throw.
Most likely, they won’t be able to shave off 720 pounds, but if they do manage to make it as heavy as the original model, it should be a very fun car to drive.
Source: Inside Line
Post tags: Tags: mazda miata, mazda mx-5, mazda mx-5 miata, rumors
There aren’t many stylish pickup trucks out there and is nice to see from time to time that a well-known manufacturer rolls out a model like this. The Japanese automaker Mazda has revealed its upcoming BT-50 Freestyle pickup truck which will make its official debut at the Australian Motor Show.
Basically, it is an extended-cab variant, featuring cool rear-hinged doors that provide great access to the cabin. However, those back seats don’t look very comfortable, but I’m not complaining. Mazda says that the seatback height has increased by 128 mm and the cushions have been lengthened by 50 mm.
The truck’s bed can carry up to 51.3 cu ft (1,453 liters) of cargo, which is 9.4 cu ft (266 liters) more than the current model.
No word about the price list, but we do know that it will hit the dealerships this summer.
Source: Mazda via WCF
Post tags: Tags: australian international motor show, mazda bt-50 freestyle
The success or failure of a car is greatly influenced by its name. Cars are not all about engines, gearboxes, gadgets, safety features and the rest of the lot. Marketing plays an important role in this industry and by naming a car LaPuta (“the whore” in Spanish) like Mazda did, no wonder that it was an epic failure for the Japanese automaker.
10. Subaru Brat
Manufactured between 1978 and 1987, the Subaru Brat is not only a car with an ugly name, but it also has one of the most awful designs we’ve seen from Subie. Brat stands for “bi-drive recreational all-terrain transporter.” Think of the car as a Japanese version of the El Camino. Despite its awful name, the car was pretty good thanks to its all-wheel drive capabilities. But let’s face it; wouldn’t you be embarrassed if someone asked you what car you drive?
09. Oldsmobile Intrigue
Oldsmobile launched the Intrigue in 1998 and discontinued it four years later. It was a front-wheel drive mid-size sedan, but there was nothing intriguing about it. It was developed for passionless and boring people, featuring a very dull design, making it perfect for a rental car and we all know that rental cars are anything but intriguing.
08. Dodge Swinger
The Dodge Swinger was launched in ’69 (obviously) so we have to understand the automaker for giving the car this name. Aside from its rather embarrassing name, the car was pretty awful. It was in fact a two-door version of the Dodge Dart, another automotive “masterpiece”.
07. Renault LeCar
The North American version of the Renault 5 was called “LeCar”. I don’t understand why the French automaker decided to change the car’s name when it took it stateside. Nothing is wrong with an alphanumeric car name and you’ll rarely see one in top 10s like this one. Even worse than that are the oversized “Le Car” decals on the doors.
06. Daihatsu Charade
It really was a charade with its cheap looks, uncompetitive price. No wonder they sold only a few units between 1988 and 1992, despite being under the guidance of Toyota.
05. Buick LaCrosse
If you didn’t know, “LaCrosse” is a unique French word that means “a teenage masturbator”. Maybe they meant to say “la crosse” rather than “lacrosse”. No wonder Buick sold only a couple of units in French-speaking Quebec. In addition, this also can be translated “to trick someone”, yet another unfortunate meaning.
04. Mitsubishi Pajero
“Pajero” is a Spanish slang for the word “wanker”. However, Mitsubishi was clever enough to give the car a different name when it brought it in Spain as they named it “Montero”. However, there are lots of Spanish-speaking drivers that own a wanker which is pretty funny if you think about it.
03. Nissan Moco
Nissan made a very good decision not to bring the car in Spain as it would have been an embarrassing thing to do, taking into consideration that “moco” there means snot or booger. Luckily, Nissan sold the car only in Japan.
02. Mazda LaPuta
We mentioned this one in the first paragraph so it “deserves” its own place in the top. It was a great little car, excellent for city driving. Mazda launched it in 1999 and manufactured it for seven years, the model being discontinued in 2006. The company chose this name after Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”. However, “la puta” in Spanish means prostitute.
01. Ford Probe
Back in the 1980s, Ford was about to transform its iconic Mustang in a V8-free, FWD model, co-developed with Mazda. They changed their mind after fans of the pony car got angry at the prospect of a car totally different from what they were used to. However, Ford released a model that at first they wanted to be the new Mustang. It did not take very long after the car was launched to think of the word “probe” and its multitude of connotations, including the embarrassing one of course.
Post tags: Tags: top 10, top 10 worst car names
Mazda SKYACTIV-G 1.3-liter Engine
You’re probably wondering what the big deal is if the Mazda2 will soon get a new engine. Well, this 1.3-liter direct-injection SKYACTIV-G that generates 84 PS (62 kW) and 112 Nm of torque will allow the Mazda2 to do 70 mpg (3.3 liters / 100 km)!
This new engine was unveiled by the Japanese automaker at the Automotive Engineering Exposition and benefits from the SKYACTIV technology that includes special piston cavities for an improved optimization of the combustion process, along with multi-hole injectors that provide a more precise fuel mixture.
It will be used for the first time on the facelifted version of the JDM Mazda Demio model (Japan only), which is sold as the Mazda2 in the rest of the world. This naturally-aspirated power unit manages to achieve an impressive compression ratio of 14.0:1.
The SKYACTIV technology developed by Mazda is part of a next-gen group of features that promise to provide better fuel efficiency and improved performances, not only for the engine, but also for the transmission, chassis and body design.
Source: Mazda via WCF
Post tags: Tags: mazda2, skyactiv-g
