Mazda wants to make the best of the current generation MX-5 before letting it go, and they do this by making lots of special editions.

The latest M-5 SE, set for Geneva Motor Show debut, is called Spring 2012 and it’s exclusively for the European market. America gets its own specially limited Miata.

It can be had with soft or hard top four body colors including the Radiant Ebony, Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black. The exclusive ebony color is seen here i these pictures, and it’s super cool.

Mazda MX-5 Spring 2012 edition also gets chrome headlamp inserts, grille surrounds and fog lamp bezels, “Havana Brown” leather upholstery, and a top-notch navigation system as standard.

Mazda will be showing its Takeri concept for the first time to the European public at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The Takeri is quite an important car. Not only its face is a showcase of Mazda’s future design direction (KODO), the car itself is a preview of the new Mazda6. And since the new next Mazda3 will also be similar to this, and that’s Mazda’s best seller, we can conclude the Takeri matters a lot.

What’s more, this car features  Mazda’s new and unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. This is Mazda’s first regenerative braking system and uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor.

The Takeri will be joined by the new CX-5 crossover, which is a production showcase of the KODO design language, and Mazda’s latest technologies, including SKYACTIV and Mazda SCBS.

Mazda’s exhibits at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show

Mazda has come up with a new brake support system called the SCBS, and the first car to get it is the new CX-5 crossover.

SCBS stands for Smart City Brake Support, and it’s like a rudimentary version of the auto braking system you get in the Mercedes S-Class. The system detects the obstacles in front of the car, adjusts the braking power, and, if the driver is paying no attention, brings the car to a halt.

The SCBS system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front. The way it applies the brakes is pretty smart. It adjusts it with enough power to stop the car in time, but not too rigorously that it gets rear-ended by the car behind. The SCBS system also includes Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission, which helps avoid unintentional acceleration that could be caused by depressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

Here’s some more technical details on how the system works:

* Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
When driving from approximately 4 – 30km/h, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the front windshield glass detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car and reduces brake rotor travel to quicken braking when the system calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring. Next, if the driver fails to perform any avoidance maneuver such as applying the brake, an automatic braking operation is activated. When the speed difference between the driver’s car and the vehicle in front is less than 30km/h, the system is designed to avoid, or mitigate the damage from a collision.
* Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission
If a driver accelerates when an obstacle in front has been detected by the SCBS’ laser sensor, the system alerts the driver with an alarm sound and an indicator. At the same time, engine output is curbed to stop unintended acceleration.

Mazda is intensifying its safety-related research and development efforts, aiming for the ultimate goal of realizing an accident-free and safe motorized society. Mazda intends to extend its advanced safety technologies, such as SCBS, to upcoming new models, starting with the Mazda CX-5, to provide all customers with driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

* * Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmission systems are designed to minimize damage from accidents and alleviate the burden of driving, based on the premise that the driver is driving in a safe manner. Please be aware that the performance of the system may be impacted by road conditions, weather conditions, the state of the vehicle and driving conditions.

Mazda put a price tag on its Skyactiv-enabled CX-5 crossover. It starts at $20,695.

So Mazda is once again offering fantastic value for money. As always, it’s a good-looking, well-built, feature-rich car for a fair price. Mazdas have always been great fun to drive as well. And that’s the thing we are still not sure of with the new Cx-5.

Mazda of course says the fun factor is, if anything, boosted in the new Skyactiv models. But the fact is they are tuned for economy rather than performance. This rather big crossover does 29 mpg combined. The SKYACTIV-G engine produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The entry-level Sport trim as mentioned is priced at $20,695 and is equipped with high-level standard amenities such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as stylish exterior cues in body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna.

If you want the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, that will be $22,095 MSRP. When equipped with Mazda’s all-new active torque-split all-wheel-drive (AWD) system (6AT models only), the starting price is $23,345 MSRP. A Bluetooth® Audio Package is available for an additional $400 MSRP and includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch in-dash color information touch-screen monitor and HD RadioTM Technology.

KYACTIV-Drive becomes standard on Touring models, which start at $23,895 MSRP with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and $25,145 MSRP when equipped with AWD.

Touring models features include Bluetooth® Audio Package for Sport models becomes standard as are fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rearview camera (viewable via the 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor), an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering- wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth® and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders.

Then there’s the Grand Touring model, available in either FWD or AWD configurations, starting at $27,045 and $28,295 MSRP, respectively.

Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain) with rollover protection, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, a collapsible steering column and fold-away brake pedal assembly, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is standard on Touring and Grand Touring models only.

At the 2012 Chicago Autoshow Mazda will unveil a limited and special edition of its MX-5 Miata for the American market.

The main feature of this limited edition of just 450 units, is a black retractable hardtop. It also gets 17-inch gunmetal wheels and black exterior accents to be distinguished. Inside the cabin heated black leather seats and piano black interior trims can be mentioned as the highlights.

The car is based on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring model, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sport automatic with paddle shifters. As for the equipments, it comes as standard with Premium and Suspension packages, which offers features like Bluetooth, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

This special edition Miata celebrates the car’s title as the world’s best-selling roadster. Since 1989 Mazda has sold produced over 900,000 Mx-5s. It will be on display at the Chicago show alongside Mazda’s Turbo2, Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car, 1990 Miata and the Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car.

The 2012 Mazda2 -  Demio in Japan – is also getting special treatments at the Tokyo Auto Salon with this sporty kits.

This one’s based on the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV Smart Stylish special edition, tweaked with aeroparts including front underspoiler, side skirts, and rear underskirt. They give the little fluffy hatchback an aggressive racing look. The standard Mazda2 is too girly to be honest. Now, with kits like this dudes can buy it as well without feeling awkward!

The other tricked-out Mazda Demio is this juicy red one, customized with chrome detailing on the exterior, chrome wheels, and a bespoke interior to complement the unique exterior, featuring beige synthetic suede seat covers (by DAMD), and door trims, A-pillars, roof and sections of the steering wheel are wrapped in the same beige suede. The high gloss center panel and door panels (both by DAMD) in the same color work to enhance the cabin’s sophisticated atmosphere with soft-toned colors.

Another interesting vehicle Mazda has come up with for next Tokyo Auto Salon is this tricked-out 2012 Mazda3.

Known as the Axela in Japan, this special version is based on the 2012 facelift Mazda3 featuring the highly acclaimed 2.0-liter gasoline engine Skyactiv. It showcases the car’s customization potential with factory parts.

The ingredients of the Axela Spor include, on the outside, front air dam skirt, rear bumper, and rear roof spoiler. New dark chrome wheels and blacked-out roof, as well as smoked lights complete the look of this aging, but still interesting-looking car.

Inside the cabin you find leather seat upholstery, door trim and center console all finished in black, with Piano black for the surface of the center panel, meter hoods and door switch panel.

Mazda’s lineup for 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon includes a couple of factory-tuned models, such as this Roadster Jinba Ittai.

Jinba Ittai is a Japanese philosophy of some kind which means horse and rider as one, in perfect harmony. That is the principle upon which all the MX-5s are based. No excess, no garnish, just you and the machine.

This special Jinba Ittai MX-5 takes that to the next level. It’s a NR-A race-spec version of the roadster featuring exterior coloring used exclusively by the Mazda team that participates in the annual four-hour endurance race for the media.

Based on NR-A regulations it comes with racing bits and pieces like includes ENKEI 16-inch alloy wheels, Blidgestone 16-inch tires, Bilstein dampers for the 20-milimeter lower vehicle height, Endless brake pads, and TAKATA four-point seatbelts.

It’d be great if Mazda could make a stripped-out super light version of the MX-5 for the roads as well. After all, the MX-5 is famous not for what it has, but for what it hasn’t. It’s car for purists!

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/mazda-mx-5-jinba-ittai/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/2012-mazda3-named-iihs-top-safety-pick/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/2012-mazda3-named-iihs-top-safety-pick/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:42:29 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=28867

The new facelift version of the Mazda3 is off to flying start in the market. Now it receives its Top Safety Pick certification from IIHS as well to continue its path more confidently.

Although Mazda has completely revamped its design language, the 3 still features the old smiley face and will have it for the next couple of years. Despite the rather old design it is still doing great in sales, especially with the new Skyactiv models.

Both 2012 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models received the IIHS highest possible crash safety rating of “good” in all four tests conducted. Only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are eligible for testing.

That’s no problem for the 3 as it comes with a range of safety features including six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, active front headrests, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).  Available safety options include a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlamps.

Those are all standard features! Now you see why it’s doing so well.

Starting at $15,200, Mazda3 is available with four powertrains on either four- or five-door styles. The sedan-only MZR 2.0-liter gasoline engine offers 148 horsepower with 135 lb.-ft. of torque.  The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine, available for both sedan ($18,450) and hatchback ($18,950) models, produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.  Also available for both models is a larger MZR 2.5-liter engine, which boasts 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque.  Starting at $24,000, the MAZDASPEED3 completes the lineup and is equipped with a direct-injected, turbocharged MZR 2.3-liter engine which produces 263 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mazda becomes the the official vehicle sponsor of Donington Park for the 2012 season, providing a fleet of Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-7s to the circuit.

Midland’s top motoracing venue needed reliable and fast vehicles with sporting credentials, and these Mazda vehicles are all up to the job. All Mazdas, especially the 3, has a sort of peppy, sporty handling that is unique to them. They are also pretty fast for their class.

Mazda vehicles will be used as medical, safety and pace cars on-track. The Mazda and Donington branded vehicles will also be used to transport VIP guests and senior managers off-track.

This partnership also provides Mazda with track time for testing its new 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT race car, which successfully competed in the Britcar Dunlop Production GTN Championship this year.

“Donington Park required reliable vehicles with responsive handling, sporty styling and driving performance credentials for use on and off track, attributes which the Mazda range delivers,” commented Graeme Fudge, PR Director, Mazda UK.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Mazda UK once again, after enjoying a good relationship with the brand in 2008 and 2009.  We look forward to promoting the unique benefits of Mazda’s stylish product range to our wider audience in 2012,” added Gemma Toogood, Head of Commercial Sales & Marketing, Donington Park Racing Ltd.

Mazda is planning to launch a four-seat coupe based on the next generation Mazda6, previewed by the Takeri concept.

The next Mazda6 lineup will be rather extensive with a sedan, a hatchback and an estate version. The coupe will be added in 2014. So is Mazda thinking of a rival for Toyota’s new 86?

We certainly hope so. That simple yet stunning sportscar has a very good recipe which could be spiced up with Mazda’s natural charm, sportiness and driving fun. What’s more, Mazda has always been generous with power so their sports coupe would get a damn sight more than Toyota’s 200 hp.

The Mazda6 coupe will get 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel Skyactiv engines, and the new i-ELOOP system regenerative braking for great fuel economy.

This car’s definitely something to look forward to.

source: What Car?

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/mazda6-coupe-in-the-works/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/2014-mazda-mx-5-to-be-turbocharged/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/12/2014-mazda-mx-5-to-be-turbocharged/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:54:47 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=28421

The next Mazda Mx-5 will go down the downsizing path and gets a 1.3 liter engine instead of the current 1.8 and 2.0 liter units.

It’s small, but it’s hella fast. The 1.3 will feature Skyactiv technologies and will be fitted with some fancy stuff such as variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold, and above all, a meaty turbocharger.

That might mean that some of the raw simplicity will be gone. Mazda is also planning to introduce a paddle-shift torque-converter auto transmission for the car. That is not on the line with the spirit of a true sportscar. It must not be complicated.

On the upside, the new technologies will make the MX-5 even lighter. The word is the next generation Miata will be some 275kg lighter than the current model. That’s fantastic.

More details on the next generation Mazda MX-5 on Autocar

Mazda Takeri is one of the most important concept cars of this year’s Tokyo Motor Show as it previews the next Mazda6 sedan.

The Takeri is designed with Mazda’s new design language KODO and has the silhouette of a coupe while having four proper doors and space inside for five. The KODO effect is plain to see with the fancy head and taillights, the bold front grille, and the design of the 20-inch wheels.

A hint that the Takeri is more than just a show car is the interior. It doesn’t have anything fancy and conceptual and is basically production ready. Sure it benefits from the latest infotainment systems and luxury amenities.

The car is also the meeting point for Mazda’s latest technologies. Apart form the SKYACTIV systems engine and suspension, the Takeri gets the new i-stop system specifically designed for diesel engines, and the new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system which results in 10 percent better fuel efficiency.

To be really honest with you, we don’t’ care about all that stuff. We just want the next Mazda6 to look as good as this concept car!

2012 Mazdas will be fitted with a new kind of regenerative braking system called i-ELOOP.

This invention of Mazda is the first of its kind in the world to use a capacitor, and it results in 10 percent better fuel economy.

The system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates and saves it to power stuff like climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components. But the i-ELOOP feature a big capacitor which can store large volumes of electricity and, unlike batteries, can be charged and discharged rapidly and isresistant to deterioration through prolonged use.

Mazda’s system eliminates the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery, making the whole process more efficient.

i-ELOOP features a new variable voltage(12-25V) alternator, a low-resistance Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) and a DC/DC converter.  i-ELOOP starts to recover kinetic energy the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to decelerate. The variable voltage alternator generates electricity at up to 25V for maximum efficiency before sending it to the EDLC for storage.  The capacitor, which has been specially developed for use in a vehicle, can be fully charged in seconds. TheDC/DC converter steps down the electricity from 25V to 12V before it is distributed directly to the vehicle’s electrical components.

If you were wondering is it possible to fit the little Mazda2 with the engine from a MazdaSpeed3, the answer is yes.And the result is called the Turbo2.

The idea of fitting small cars with big, powerful engines is always great because it’s a job done for no other reason than fun and games! That’s why this Mazda Turbo2 is one of the most interesting cars at the SEMA show this year.

Mazda has not revealed technical specs of this car, but we know that MZR engine makes 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque in the Speed3, and that it’s pretty fast.

To tame the car and bring that little fury under control, Turbo2 is fitted with HR coil over suspension kit, Corksport sway bars and customized Brembo front brakes with 13-inch ventilated and slotted rotors, as well as 17-inch OZ Racing Wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN Neova 215/40R17 performance tires.

This car could be a hint to a MazdaSpeed2. But even if they make that car it’s not likely to get 260 hp. Something like 200 sounds more reasonable for a hotted-up Mazda2.

This year at SEMA Mazda turned up with two concept version of the MX-5 Roadster, the MX-5 Super20 and the Spyder Concept.

The familiar Super20 you see above now gets a Hyper Orange Mica body color garnished with black roof and bits for some serious bad boy look.

The real change has happened under the bonnet where the upgraded 2.0 liter 4-cylinder is boosted with a Cosworth supercharger, Racing Beat 304-stainless steel header and exhaust, and a remapped ECU.

The car also features with Racing Beat hollow front and rear anti-roll bars, ACT organic street clutch, MAZDASPEED coil overs and a shock tower brace, Power Slot slotted brake rotors, StopTech stainless steel brake lines and street performance brake pads, SpeedSource front brake ducts, black 16-inch Enkei RPF1 twin-spoke racing wheels.

The Mazda MX-5 Spyder, as the extremely sporty version of this Japanese sportscar, features single-panel grenadine-red soft-top made by Haartz, MNAO Design and Magna Car Top Systems. The car looks distinguished thanks to Stratosphere White color and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama AO48 225/45R17 performance tires.

Engine-wise it gets the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo enabled to use biofuel. Other features include lightweight lithium-ion racing battery made by Braille Battery, a Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust muffler as well as a MazdaSpeed coil over kit and Brembo brakes.

Mazda TAKERI announced for debut at the next Tokyo Motor Show on 30 November.

The TAKERI previews the next mid-size sedan by Mazda and if you are thinking it looks like the sedan version of the Minagi concept — which resulted in the CX-5 crossover — that’s because this too is based on the KODO design philosophy.

The new design language has let go of the smiley face we still get with the Mazda3, but it still relies on a big front grille as its main characteristic. The TAKERI will also showcase the latest SKYACTIV Technologies, including Mazda’s first regenerative braking system.It converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle’s electrical equipment – reducing load on the engine and saving fuel.

The concept car also benefits from the new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda i-stop, new lightweight structure, aerodynamic and chassis technologies, to be as green as possible.

Mazda’s theme for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is “Environmental Technology, Pushing the Boundaries of the Emotion of Motion.  As long as there are people who love to drive, Mazda will continue to evolve the emotion of motion in harmony with environmental and safety performance.”

As it’s fashionable these days, Mazda takes to Twitter to announce they are working on new rotary-engines models.

This Twitter thing is a perfect tool for PR people who don’t’ feel like coming up with a whole press release just to announce a simple plan! So Mazda PR just tweeted a few lines that they are “zealously working on new models to house the next-generation rotary engine.”

Mazda RX-8, the last of rotary-engined cars by the Japanese car maker, is being gradually killed off and will be completely out of the game by summer 2012. Some Mazda official had commented before that his company is not considering a replacement. But this tweet certainly begs to differ.

So, will Mazda make a new Wankel? We couldn’t care less to be honest. As long as they come up with a new sportscar that drives as well as the RX-8, that’s fine by us. Eeven if it runs of jelly!

Mazda is gradually ceasing production of the RX-8 sportscar and decided to give it a proper send-off with the SPIRIT R special edition.

The RX-8 SPIRIT R is limited to 1000 units and will go on sale from November in Japan. The car’s named and inspired by the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, the predecessor to the rotary-engined RX-8. It gets exclusive seat design and colored alloy wheels.

Mazda RX8 SPIRIT R is based on the RX-8 Type RS and E which means it can be had with either a six-speed manual or an auto transmission. Automatic models come with Exclusive SPIRIT R badge, Front headlights, front fog lights and rear combination lights (with black bezels), Front and rear brake calipers (red), Transmission tunnel trim (piano-black), Curtain and front side SRS airbag system, as well as Leather seats (black with red stitching), Leather-wrapped steering wheel (black with red stitching), Parking brake lever (with red stitching), Center console box front seat armrest and rear console box lid covered with synthetic leather (with red stitching), Sports suspension, larger brakes, 225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (gun metallic).

The manual meanwhile gets Specially-made SPIRIT R bucket seats from RECARO and 225/40R19 89W tires and 19-inch alloy wheels (bronze).

So the manual is sportier, but the auto is more luxurious. Both models can be had in three exterior colors of Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica, and Crystal White Pearl Mica. RX-8 SPIRIT R features no performance upgrade.

The 3, as the best-selling Mazda model, has revived a mild facelift and a range of SKYACTIV technologies for 2012MY. Despite this, the starting price is lower than the previous model year.

With a base MSRP of just $15,200 (SV model), Mazda3 continues to offer incredible value for money, considering all the kit it comes with and all the new tech you get. The 2012 Mazda3 Sport costs $16,845. Both these models are sedans powered by the 148 hp 2.0 liter MZR engine.

The 2012 Mazda3 i Touring with the new SKYACTIV 2.0 liter which develops 155-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque and returns 40 mpg starts at $18,450. The hatchback version of the same model is $500 more expensive.

Likewise the 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan starts at $22,300 and its hatchback variant at $22,800. These are the loaded models with all the goodies including power moonroof, power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot and a full-color navigation system.

The sporty 2012 MAZDASPEED3 starts at $24,000 and offers all the luxury of the Touring, but with an awesome 263-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque 2.3 liter engine.