Mazda`s Next-Gen Rotary-Powered RX-9

Accοrding tο a report frοm Autocar, Mazda is currently working οn a successor tο the οld RX-7 and the current RX-8. Believed tο carry the RX-9 nameplate, the next-gen sports car is tipped tο ditch the innovative but clumsy quasi-fοur-door layοut οf the current RX-8, and that the platform is tο be spun οff from the MX-5 rοadster. But what yοu really want tο know about is the engine.

Dubbed the 16X prοject, the new Renesis rοtary engine is expected to grοw in size considerably οver the RX-8′s and pack arοund 300 horsepower – quite a bit mοre than the 232 hp we enjοy in the current car.

Mazda is also said tο be hard at wοrk keeping the engine as clean and efficient as possible, as the current RX-8′s high fuel and οil consumptiοn have driven it out οf certain markets already. The Japanese automaker cοuld alternatively turn the RX-9 project strictly intο a hydrogen halο vehicle, which might be nice if yοu happen tο live near a hydrogen pipeline, less sο for the rest οf us.

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2012 Mazda 3

Mazda is getting ready to enter the raging mpg war in the compact passenger vehicle segment in the States with the launch of its facelifted 2012 Mazda3 that made its U.S. debut today at the New York International Auto Show.

While the exterior and interior refinements are modest, the updated Mazda3 debuts the first application in North America of the Japanese firm’s suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, achieving 40 mpg on the highway. Within it lies Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.

Approximately 4.4 pounds lighter than the current MZR 2.0-liter engine, which continues for the 2012MY, the SKYACTIV 2.0-liter unit adopts multi-hole injectors to enhance fuel spray characteristics and achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1. It delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, compared to 148HP and 135 lb-ft of the MZR 2.0L.

When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic, the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan returns an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, a 21-percent improvement over the current MZR 2.0-liter engine equipped with the optional five-speed auto. City mpg for the sedan version also improves by 17 percent to 28 mpg.

When equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual, the sedan is rated with an estimated fuel economy of 27mpg city and 39mpg highway.

The SKYACTIV-G unit will also be offered on the five-door hatchback model, in which case it returns a fuel economy of 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-Drive AT). Mazda attributes the lower highway estimates “to different aerodynamics and the higher weight ratio between the sedan and hatchback”.

The SKYACTIVE models also feature several aero tweaks including larger underbody covers and increased rigidity of the front tire deflectors.

Cosmetically, all 2012 Mazda3 models gain a updated five-point grille opening, restyled front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Japanese automaker added new colors and trim options.

Furthermore, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models equipped with SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines are distinguished by certain unique elements such as an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the center lens, and the appropriate badges.

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Mazda unveiled the MX-5 GT racer

The Mazda unveiled the MX-5 GT, the race will take place at the British Championships resistance Britcar MSA. The construction was done with the help of Jota Sport, which is to be run on behalf of Mazda in the league in 2011.

More than 400 hours were needed to make 17 times more powerful chassis to meet the requirements of the FIA. By using carbon doors and windows in polycarbonate Mx5 weighs 850 pounds.

The competition once again roll cage, seat belts, stop button for electrical, fire extinguisher, alloy wheels, steering and safety hood and trunk, all approved by the FIA.

Mechanical delivers 279 horses combined with a sequential gearbox 6-speed manual transmission with paddles. The 0-60 mph (96 kph) makes in 3 seconds with a top speed of 257.5 mph. Will make his debut Saturday, March 26 in the 3-hour race Silverstone.

Honda, Nissan and Toyota Donate $3.75 Million Each for Japan

The massive earthquake followed by the even more devastating tsunami that struck the north-east coasts of Japan last week has brought together the country’s biggest automakers including Honda, Nissan and Toyota, which announced today that they will donate $3.75 million each for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the disaster.
In addition to the contribution in money, Nissan said it is also studying further relief efforts including complimentary provision of vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, donation of medical supplies and daily commodities including blankets, antiseptics and masks, gift matching donation from Nissan employees, promotion, and support of blood donation activities.
Honda announced that it will donate a total of 1,000 power generators along with 5,000 gas canisters to the people left without electricity, while Toyota is considering the provision of goods and services as needed.
The three automakers have also announced the closure of some of their factories in Japan. From March 14 through March 20, Honda will suspend all production activities at its plants in Sayama, Saitama, Ogawa, Tochigi, Hamamatsu and Suzuka, plus all facilities in the Tochigi area, where damage was more serious. From March 15 through 20, Honda will also suspend production at the Kumamoto factory.
Nissan announced that operations at the Tochigi and Iwaki plants are suspended until March 18, while the Oppama, Kyushu, Shatai and Yokohama plants will be closed until March 16. As for Toyota, officials announced that the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Miyagi and Iwate plants are closed, with all employees having been evacuated to safe areas. The factories will remain closed at least until March 16.
Other automakers affected by the earthquake include Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki, which have either suspended or slowed down production because of supply shortages.

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New Generation Mazda CX-5 2013 Spy Pictures

And leaving less for the Mazda CX family complete with a new addition to compact size. At the Geneva Motor Show the Japanese showed an advance in the form of prototype of what will be the CX-5, a rival for the Tiguan, and Koleos Kuga among others.

Viewing the latest SUV spy photos we can not draw too many conclusions because the mule is based on the CX-7 and barely lets us see something of the future model. What is known is that the production model will be somewhat smaller than the Concept Minagi seen in Switzerland. To see the final appearance and meet other features will have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show, next September.

Mazda 2 sedan

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Mazda for the 2007 Guangzhou International Motor Show brought Mazda B-class car as the first in the Chinese market, “Mazda2.” The car is a global strategic model, shoulders reached this year in March released a new medium-term plan, “Mazda – Jin” this goal of the heavy responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Mazda2 is Mazda based on the long-term technology development prospects “Zoom-Zoom sustainable Declaration,” the guiding direction for promoting the “driving pleasure and environmental safety performance of harmony and unity”, embody the “evolution of Zoom-Zoom” brand core and the first step. Mazda2 put in the China market is the preliminary plan will be in Japan and Europe this year just driving at the owner of lighthearted fun Mazda2 five hatchback cars, as well as new development of the dynamic and elegant atmosphere full ofsedans, taking the lead in China. Mazda2car in this 2007 Guangzhou International Motor Show in appearance, which is the debut vehicle, Mazda This fully proves that the Chinese market are highly valued.

　　 In this year by the end of October, Mazda and Ford Motor Co. and the partners in China Changan Automobile Group joint venture – Changan Ford Mazda Motors Limited (CFMA) production base in Nanjing has completed the first domestic Mazda2 volume production car the Inauguration Ceremony. Through the Mazda2 in the Chinese market launch, Mazda decided following the existing domestic models – Mazda6 and Mazda3, to the Chinese market launch B-class cars. So far, prepared to participate in the Chinese market has been the main vehicle lineup Preparatory finished.

CFMA Nanjing factory shoulder to the achievement of Mazda in China’s mid-term goal – “2010 Marketing 300000″ – programs, and Mazda raised in the “2010 global sales of 1.6 million” heavy responsibilities. Mazda in the pursuit of driving pleasure and environmental protection, harmonious and safe performance at the same time, China will provide customers with the many “Zoom-Zoom” new product concept.

Mazda rx 8

The Mazda rx 8 was designed as a front mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe. The car has a near 50/50 weight distribution, achieved by mounting the engine behind the front axle and the gas tank ahead of the rear axle. Weight is trimmed through the use of materials such as aluminum (hood, trunk, roof, and rear doors), fiberglass for the body panels and a carbon fiber composite drive shaft.

The car features a pair of rear-hinged “freestyle” doors (similar to suicide doors) in order to provide easier access to the rear seats. The Mazda rx 8 has no B-pillar between the front and rear doors, with the leading edge of the rear door acting as a ‘virtual pillar’ to maintain structural rigidity. Because of the overlapping design, the rear doors can only be opened when the front doors are open.

The Mazda rx 8 is powered by a 1.3 L (1,308 cc) naturally-aspirated RENESIS 13B Wankel-type rotary engine, which features newly designed side intake and exhaust ports. The engine is smaller and lighter than previous rotaries, primarily due to the lack of a turbocharger and associated parts. Though the engine is only 1.3 L, it is rated to get 18 mpg in the city.
The engine is designed in various configurations for different models, but in its most powerful setup develops 250 PS (247 hp, 184 kW) at 8500 rpm with a sustained red line at 8500 rpm, peak red line of 9000 rpm and fuel rev limit/cut-off at 9500 rpm. It won the International Engine of the Year and Best New Engine awards in 2003 and holds the “2.5 to 3 liter” size award for 2003 and 2004.