Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
They say good things come in threes, and that will certainly be the case with the 2012 Mazda3.
They say good things come in threes, and that will certainly be the case with the 2012 Mazda3. The best-selling model in the Mazda lineup was significantly refreshed for the new model year, with the lineup adding the automaker’s breakthrough Skyactiv powertrain technology while removing hundreds of dollars from its starting price.
It all starts with the Mazda3 i SV sedan, with an MSRP of $15,200—$600 less than the 2011 model. Introducing the new look of the Mazda3 roster, the car is thoroughly restyled inside and out, with a revised front fascia and grille, new cloth seats, and a bold, black cabin. Upgrading to the Mazda3 i Sport sedan, with remote start and other athletic enhancements, brings a starting price of $16,845. Both sedans holster Mazda’s proven MZR 2.0-liter I4 engine.
The Mazda3 i Touring models start at $18,450 for the sedan and $18,950 for the five-door hatchback—a starting point that’s more than $1,000 lower than the least-expensive 2011 five-door. More importantly, Mazda’s Skyactiv powertrain makes its U.S. debut—as standard equipment—on this pair of 3’s. This innovative gas-only I4 can be mated to one of two Skyactiv transmissions, either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, to produce up to 5 percent more horsepower, 10 percent more peak torque, and 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque than the similarly sized MSR engine. Yet at the same time, it delivers more than 20 percent better fuel efficiency: The sedan is expected to reach 40 mpg highway, with the hatchback achieving 39 mpg. Other standard and available equipment on the Mazda3 i Touring includes:
- All-new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- A leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Self-leveling bi-xenon headlights
- Automatic headlights
- Mazda’s Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
- A power moonroof
- A premium Bose sound system
Moving up to the Grand Touring trim level, the Mazda3 i sedan and hatchback have MSRPs of $22,300 and $22,800, respectively, as well as even more uplevel amenities. Here, standard equipment includes a moonroof and 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio setup, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a full-color navigation system. Also available: The segment’s only blind-spot monitoring system.
The Mazda3 s Touring and Grand Touring configurations, featuring a 167-hp MZR 2.5-liter engine as well as new 17-inch wheels, push-button start, dual-zone climate controls and more, are priced from $21,300 for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback.
At the top of the Mazda3 range is the dynamic MAZDASPEED3, which showcases a long list of comfort and convenience content along with a wide range of performance enhancers, including:
- A Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) 2.3-liter engine, capable of 263 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque
- A sport-tuned exhaust
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- Larger front brakes
- Independent, sport-tuned front and rear suspensions
- A limited-slip differential with the automaker’s Advanced Torque Manage System
- Larger front and rear stabilizer bars
- Sport seats
- MAZDASPEED3-specific fenders, front fascia and hood
“The Mazda3 is the core of the Mazda line-up and continues to be the standard by which all other compact cars are measured,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Because of the importance of this critical vehicle to Mazda sales success, we chose to debut our revolutionary Skyactiv Technology in Mazda3, as well as bring the i SV model to market at a lower starting MSRP than the previous year.”
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Mazda Tweet Confirms New Rotary Models
“Thank you so much for all your supportive messages concerning the RX-8 and the rotary engine! We are also excited. Mazda is aiming to achieve a breakthrough with the Skyactiv technology, and we are zealously working on new models to house the next generation rotary engine. Thank you for your continued support!”
Of course, the tweet has already fueled speculation on what type of Wankel-powered models Mazda might be working on and when they could appear. Stay tuned for more details.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Mazda First Automaker to use 1,800 MPa Ultra-High Tensile Steel
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation, in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. and Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd., has become the first automaker to successfully develop vehicle components using 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel. The super strength steel will debut in the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV that will commence its global launch in early 2012.
Mazda's new production technology uses 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel to fabricate bumper beams, which fit inside the front and rear bumpers and mitigate damage in the event of a collision. The bumper bars are 20 percent stronger and 4.8 kilograms lighter than previous versions and are a key part of Mazda's next-generation, lightweight and highly rigid vehicle architecture. The new body architecture was developed as part of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight.
Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-Body
The use of high tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner yet still retain the same degree of strength. This leads to significant savings in vehicle weight. Reducing the weight of bumper beams is particularly important because, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle's centre of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and responsiveness. They must also be strong to provide sufficient collision protection. For these reasons, a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel has been highly sought after.
However, stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision. To overcome this, Mazda conducted extensive research into how bumper beams deform in a crash, and created a new design that absorbs energy more efficiently. Additionally, in order to ensure the bumpers provide maximum strength in the CX-5, Mazda collaborated with Futaba Kogyo Co., Ltd. to optimize the welding techniques and establish a reliable manufacturing process.
Going forward, Mazda remains committed to reducing vehicle weight and improving dynamic performance while also maintaining a high level of body rigidity and excellent crash worthiness, in order to provide all its customers with driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Mazda to Exhibit Special Needs Vehicles at International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2011
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will display special needs vehicles at the 38th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2011 in Tokyo. The exhibition, organized by Japan's Health and Welfare Information Association, will be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) from October 5 - 7, 2011.
Mazda Premacy Front Row Lift-Up Seat
Mazda will display three models in the 'Mazda i Series' of special needs vehicles. The AZ-Wagon i is based on the Mazda AZ-Wagon micro-mini, the Premacy Front Row Lift-up Seat is based on the Mazda Premacy midsize minivan, and the Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat is based on the Mazda Biante mid-size 'high-roof' minivan.
The International H.C.R. Exhibition features medical and health care equipment ranging from handcrafted daily living aids to the latest special needs vehicles from all over the world. Mazda has participated in this event since 1995.
Outline of Mazda's exhibits at the 38th International H.C.R. Exhibition 2011
Special needs vehicles
- AZ-wagon i
- The AZ-Wagon i is based on the space-efficient micro-mini, AZ-Wagon, and includes a ramp for wheelchairs. The gentle slope enables people in wheelchairs to get in and out of the vehicle smoothly and safely.
- Premacy Front Row Lift-up Seat
- The passenger seat lowers to a height of just 430mm, enabling wheelchair users to easily move from their wheelchair to the seat. The lineup includes a model with Mazda's unique 'i-stop' idling stop system.
- Biante Second Row Lift-up Seat
- The Second Row Lift-up Seat helps elderly and physically-impaired passengers to get into and out of the vehicle. This model is equipped with Mazda's unique 'i-stop' idling stop system.