SKYACTIV®-D Clean Diesel Engine — First Glimpse

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2014 Mazda6 Gains New Tech, Diesel Announcement Pending

Second in line to adopt the brand’s new KODO Soul of Motion design language, the 2014 Mazda6 will get more than a SkyActiv engine and new styling. 

 

Fuel economy is a big part of what Mazda is pushing with its SkyActiv engines, but the powerplant won’t be alone in delivering fuel savings. Mazda will also include a capacitor-based brake regeneration system to put power back into the car while taxing the engine less to generate that electricity than a conventional system would.

Apart from that, the car will also benefit from a “Smart City Brake Support” system which is designed to prevent low-speed collisions by braking for the driver.

The same  system will also be included in the 2014 CX-5 small crossover, both of which will go on sale in January 2013. Previous information suggested that there will be more on tap for both cars than what Mazda announced today.

First, the 2014 CX-5 is said to also be slated for the larger 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine which would represent a 41-hp increase over its current 2.0-liter unit.

There might also be another engine available in the soon-to-be-sold Mazda6, which is rumored to receive the brand’s SkyActiv-D diesel engine in a little less than a year. While that information remains unconfirmed to date, Mazda also said an official announcement about its 2.2-liter oil burner will take place this week at the L.A. Auto Show.

Source: AutoGuide.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Clean Your Car Without Washing It

You have a hot date or an important appointment and you rush outside, only to find that your car looks like a hazmat zone. Luckily, you still have five minutes to do something about it. But where do you start?

Take a tip from used-car salesmen and give your car "curb appeal" — a good overall first impression. When you can't make use of a car wash, even little things can make a world of difference.

The folks at Meguiar's Inc. know a lot about making cars look good. The company's core market is enthusiasts who lavish attention on their cars. But Mike Pennington, Meguiar's director of training and consumer relations, was willing to talk about the gray area between a few swipes with a car duster and a full-on Saturday morning "bucket wash."

"We don't want to tell people not to wash their car anymore," he says. "But if you are willing to put a little time into it, you'll be surprised at how good your car can look."

Over at Turtle Wax Inc., Michael Schultz, senior vice president of research and development, says car finishes are more durable and the chemistry of waxes and car-care products has changed. This means that for minor indiscretions — think fingerprints, bird droppings and light dust — you can use a spray detailer to sharpen up the look of your car.

But one expert, who used to prepare cars for photo shoots, sounded a note of caution: Be careful of too obviously cleaning just one section of the car. It might draw attention to how dirty the rest of it is.

Here are six tricks you can use to keep up the good looks of your car between car washes. Think of it as triage for a dirty car.

Triage Tip 1: Clean horizontal surfaces with a spray detailer. You don't have to clean the whole car, just the obvious surfaces that catch dew or light rain and leave water marks. The eyesore areas are the hood, trunk and rear bumper.

Schultz recommends cleaning these surfaces in sections, using a spray detailer and microfiber towel, which is finely woven and makes better contact with the car's surface. For example, divide the hood in quarters and clean the four sections individually. He estimates you could even clean the entire car this way with spray detailer and only four towels.

Many car enthusiasts worry about scratching or putting swirl marks in the car's finish. The spray detailer is designed to avoid this by lubricating the dirt so it can be wiped up with a towel. But Schultz stresses the importance of flipping the towel often so you don't grind dirt into the clear coat — the transparent finish covering the car's paint.

Triage Tip 2: A clean windshield is (almost) a clean car. Glass is easy to clean and it sparkles like a jewel once you remove the haze and grime. Visibility is a huge safety factor, but a clean windshield also just makes you feel better about your car. When you're finished with the outside of the windshield, clean the driver-side window and side mirror, too. And for bonus points, clean the inside of the windshield and rearview mirror.

Keep a bottle of glass cleaner in your trunk, along with a roll of paper towels or the aforementioned microfiber towels. A foam spray cleaner also works well. For the really lazy folks, there's a squeegee. In addition to cleaning, a squeegee works well in the morning when there is dew all over the windshield. Squeegee off the morning moisture and your glass won't be left with those horrible drying marks.

Triage Tip 3: Take out the trash. It's a car, not a dumpster. Pull up next to a trash can somewhere and throw away papers, food or other junk that dates from the second Bush administration. Better yet, put a small trash bag in your car and empty it often, Pennington suggests.

While you're shoveling out your car, you might find a couple bucks' worth of change. Use it to buy a car deodorizer. Pennington says car interiors can absorb smells, but there are new products that actually absorb dreaded foul odors rather than just mask them. We've tested a few and they seem to work.

Triage Tip 4: Shake out the floor mats. When time is tight and you don't have a vacuum, you can simply grab your floor mats and shake off all the gravel, loose dirt, sand or — heaven forbid — used ketchup packets. The mat on the driver side probably is secured, so you'll have to work it off the anchors first. But the other floor mats are unattached and you can simply whisk them out for a quick flapping.

Triage Tip 5: Clean the wheels and tires. Pennington says that having dirty wheels on a clean car is like wearing old shoes with a new suit. So it makes sense to make the "shoes" look as sharp as possible.

The absolutely laziest way to go is just to use a cotton rag to wipe off the flat center section of your rims. (There's too much dirt on the rims for one of your microfiber towels to handle.) If time allows, work the rag into the spokes or crevices. You also can use a brush for the hard-to-reach areas.

As tires degrade, the rubber takes on a brownish hue that makes them look dull, Schultz says. So after you're finished cleaning the wheels, apply tire black with a sponge. Easier still, just use a spray product to get a quick shine.

Triage Tip 6: Clean anything you touch or look at. When you're in the car, you spend a lot of time looking at the gauges, the dashboard and the center console. So take that microfiber towel you used on the car's exterior and quickly clean off a few strategic areas inside the car. The plastic covering for the gauges is a must. Then, wipe the dust off the dashboard and sweep the fingerprints from the center console. Our experts recommend keeping car cleaning wipes in the glove compartment for quick interior touch-ups.

Now that you're finished, here's one more suggestion to make your life easier: Be very careful where you park. Sprinklers can undo all your hard work. And if you leave your car under the wrong tree, you might return to find it looking like a rock in the Galapagos Islands.

Source: Edmunds

The All-New Mazda6 Infographic

Monday Maintenance Tip: How To Prep Your Car for Long-Term Storage

Maybe you have a convertible that you love to drive in the summer, but now winter's on the way. Maybe you're going to leave town for school or an extended vacation. Or perhaps you are in the military and are being deployed overseas.

Whatever the reason, you sometimes need to store your car. There are a number of things to do before you lock the door and walk away for a month or more. If you simply let your vehicle sit on the street or in a garage for an extended period of time, you may return to a dead battery or — worse yet — a damaged engine, ruined tires and a rat's nest under your hood.

Here's a list of important steps to take before you store a vehicle. Taking these precautions will not only ensure that your car starts when you return to it, but also ensure that its time in storage doesn't shorten the life of the engine.

Keep It Covered
The ideal place to store the vehicle is in a garage. This will protect it from the elements and keep it at a temperature that's relatively stable. If you don't have a garage, and you can find accommodation at a reasonable price, consider putting the car in a public storage facility.

If you have to leave the car outdoors, consider getting a weatherproof car cover. This will help keep the car clean and dry.

Clean It Up
It may seem counterintuitive to get the car washed when you're putting it away for months, but it is an easy step and one that shouldn't be overlooked. Water stains or bird droppings left on the car can damage the paint. Make sure to clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders to get rid of mud, grease or tar. For added protection, give the car a coat of wax.

Change the Oil
Skip this step if you're only storing the car for a week or two. But if you will be storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days, consider getting the oil changed. Ford recommends this in its owner's manuals, saying that used engine oil has contaminants that could damage the engine.

Top off the Tank
This is another long-term car storage tip. If you expect the car to be in storage for more than 30 days, fill the tank with gas. This will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keep the seals from drying out. You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil, to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.

Keep It Charged
An unattended battery will eventually lose its charge. If possible, get someone to start the car every two weeks and drive it for about 15 minutes. Driving the car periodically has two benefits. It will maintain the battery's charge, help the car "stretch its legs" and keep the engine and other components properly lubricated. It is also a good idea to run the air-conditioner to keep the parts in working order and the air quality fresh.

If you cannot arrange for someone to start the car, there are two other options. The low-tech solution is to disconnect the negative battery cable. You'll likely lose the stereo presets, time and other settings. If you want to keep those settings and ensure that your battery starts the moment you return, purchase a battery tender, also known as a trickle charger. This device hooks up to your car battery on one end and plugs into a wall outlet on the other. It delivers just enough electrical power to prevent the battery from discharging.

Don't Use the Parking Brake
It's usually a good idea to use the parking brake, but don't do it when you leave a car in storage. If the brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long, there is a chance that they might fuse. Instead of engaging the brake, you can purchase a tire stopper, also called a chock, to prevent the car from moving.

Prevent Flat Spots
Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended tire pressure. If a vehicle is left stationary for too long, the tires could develop flat spots as the weight of the vehicle presses down on the tires' footprints. This process occurs at a faster rate in colder temperatures and with vehicles equipped with performance tires or low-profile tires.

In some cases, simply having someone drive the car for awhile will bring the tires up to their normal operating temperature and get rid of any flat spots. In more severe cases, a flat spot becomes a permanent part of the tire and you will need to replace the tire.

If your car will be in storage for more than 30 days, consider taking the wheels off and placing the car on jack stands at all four corners. This step requires more work, but it can save you from needing a new set of tires. Without the weight of a vehicle resting upon them, your tires will be in much better shape when you return.

Keep Critters Out
A garage will keep your car dry and relatively warm. Unfortunately, those are also two things that make a garaged car attractive to mice or rats. There are plenty of places in your car for critters to hide and plenty of things for them to chew on. Try to cover any gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake. Steel wool works well for this. Next, spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle. The smell is said to drive mice away.

If you want to take a more proactive approach, lay down a few mousetraps and some rat poison. Just make sure someone can check the garage periodically, in case there are some casualties. Otherwise, you'll have to deal with a smell much worse than mothballs when you take the car out of storage.

Maintain Insurance
You might be tempted to cancel your auto insurance when your vehicle is in storage. Although that might initially save money, there is a chance that the insurance company will raise your rates due to the gap in coverage, which could cost you more in the long run. This can vary based on where you live and who your provider is, so contact your insurance company to see what options are available to you.

Get Back in Action
Here's a checklist of what to do when you're ready to bring your vehicle out of storage:

• Check under the hood for any evidence of rodents. Look for chewed belts, hoses, wires or nests. If you covered the muffler or air intake, remove that material before you start the car.
• Check the windshield wipers to see if the rubber is cracked or brittle.
• Check tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended specs.
• Check the brakes. Rust may have accumulated on the rotors. In most cases, this should go away after you drive the vehicle for a short time.
• Check fluids to make sure there have been no leaks and that they are at the recommended levels.
• If the battery cable has been disconnected, make sure that you reconnect it and that the battery terminals are clean.
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt that may have accumulated.

Source: Edmunds

Mazda to revive RX-7 in... 2017?

There is a special place in our hearts reserved for the Mazda RX-7. Its screaming rotary engine made the '80s and '90s a time of high-revving fun. While Mazda continued the rotary with the four-door RX-8, the two are not the same car, and eventually the latter was phased out.

The Motor Report is the latest outlet to crank up the rumormill over a return to Wankel power and an RX sports car for the troubled Japanese brand. According to TMR, a rotary engine could come back – and so could the RX-7 nameplate – albeit not overnight. The return of the RX-7 is said to be set for 2017, and the source quoted is none other than Mazda sports car boss Nobuhiro Yamamoto.

Speaking with the press at a local launch of the updated MX-5 Miata, Yamamoto said the future RX-7 would have a curb weight close to that of the Toyota GT 86 (about 2,600 pounds), and have a larger emphasis on the driver's involvement. Yamamoto was also the powertrain chief for the JDM-market FD3S generation (1992-2002 model) and was extremely proud of that engine. Yamamoto reportedly says he would prefer a naturally aspirated version of that engine over any kind of forced induction solution, claiming that the 16X rotary engine that has been developed would be capable of 220kW (295 hp) in that configuration. The 16X was developed in 2007 but has yet to find its way into a production vehicle.

2017 would mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the rotary engine. Frankly, it would be a shame if some form of the quirky and revvy powerplant was not found under the hood of a sports car anywhere in the market.

Source: George Kennedy - Autoblog.com

Determine when it’s time for new tires using only a penny

You can use nothing but a penny from your pocket to determine if the tires on your vehicle are both LEGAL and SAFE to drive on! Almost every state mandates that all passenger car tires meet a minimum tire tread depth of 2/32" measured from the top of the tread wear indicator to the top of the tread. You can locate the tread wear indicator as it appears in the tread grooves as a small bump. It just so happens that the lettering on a penny that is right over Abe Lincoln's head is exactly 2/32". If you place the penny on top of the tread wear indicator and the letters over Lincoln’s head are visible, we’ve got some good news as well as some bad news for you. It’s bad news because that indicates your tires have insufficient tread and it’s more than likely time for a new set. The good news is that you used nothing but a penny to prevent a potentially devastating event and ensure the safety of yourself, all of your passengers and the other drivers on the road all around you.

Monday Maintenance Tip: Don't Be Stranded by a Missed Recall Notice

You're driving along a lonely stretch of road miles from nowhere when the noise begins. As it gets louder, a terrible question jumps into your mind: did you remember to check the recall notices on the car you're driving?

If your answer is "no," you could be in for a rude shock. Recalls, often issued for relatively insignificant issues such as windshield wiper malfunctions, sometimes relate to the operation of the engine itself. To ignore such recall notices could leave you stranded.

Typically, you will be notified of recalls on your car in two ways:

1. A written notice mailed directly to the owner of the car.
2. The dealer tells you a recall is in effect when the car is brought in for maintenance.

Unfortunately, this system of notification is by no means foolproof. Owners are sometimes left unaware that recalls exist on their cars. The defect goes unrepaired. And motorists are left stranded.

Honda Motor Company, known for building the most reliable cars on the market today, recently issued a recall for a misaligned timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump on some 17,500 2003 Honda Pilots made during July 2002. As the recall notice states, the misaligned tensioner pulley "could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail." The consequence of this? "The engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash."

Naturally, Honda is not anxious to publicize the fact that one of its vehicles was manufactured with a defect. However, owners should have been informed by one or both of the above methods and obtained the necessary repairs before the situation becomes critical. That's the way the system is supposed to work, anyway. In reality, some owners were not informed and were left stranded by the side of the road. For a more detailed account of one such recall notification lapse and subsequent breakdown, read "The Road Warrior, Breakdown and Twister."

Of course, all manufacturers — not just Honda — have to issue recalls on their vehicles at one time or another. Yet, the owner notification process remains imperfect in many cases. In fact, Honda's legendary reputation for dependability makes the recent situation that much more surprising. And it underscores the need for motorists to take matters into their own hands.

Instead of merely waiting to be notified by the manufacturer, or alerted during a maintenance visit, owners should periodically check for recalls themselves. Recall information is available in our Maintenance Guide, along with a wealth of information about how to service and maintain your vehicle. Recall notices are posted weekly on Edmunds.com.

Additionally, you can call the dealership and ask a service advisor to run your vehicle identification number (VIN) through the computer system. Another source for recall information is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which is responsible for investigating possible design and manufacturing defects. For more information on NHTSA's role, read "Recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, and Other Good Stuff."

Checking for recalls on your vehicle will only take you a few moments. Breaking down by the side of the road will take you hours, or days, to get back up to speed and may require major repairs. As always, planning ahead has its rewards.

Source: Edmunds

Driving Tip: Commuter Carpools Save Time, Money and Stress

The carpool is supposed to have picked you up by now, but it's nowhere in sight. What do you do?

In a case of art imitating life, this scene is actually from a computer game, the smash "life simulation" game, The Sims. Its inclusion is indicative of how carpooling has permeated American culture. According to recent federal government studies, 10-16 million commuters use carpooling as their principal means of transportation to work every year. That's two to three times the number of people who use public transportation.

The need for carpooling is growing along with the increased congestion on U.S. roads. According to the 2005 Urban Mobility Report, the average rush-hour commuter now spends 31 more hours in traffic than in 1982.

There are numerous benefits to carpooling. Carpoolers can use High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or express lanes, substantially cutting commute time. Some employers offer guaranteed parking to those who rideshare. Fewer cars on the roads reduces smog, slows global warming, and lessens our dependence on foreign oil. Commuters who don't have to drive each and every morning arrive at work less stressed, and many enjoy the company on an otherwise dull ride.

The greatest incentive to carpool, though, is financial. Hovering around $3 per gallon, the cost of gas is forcing people to consider alternatives to driving alone. The AAA estimates that operating costs (gas, tires and maintenance) average 14.1 cents per mile for 2005, all of which are shared in a carpool. If ownership costs — such as insurance, depreciation, finance charges, and taxes — are also shared, the economic benefits skyrocket. Additionally, many employers offer financial incentives for employees who share their rides to work.

Finding a carpool has never been easier. Forget about posting a note on the company billboard. Free online ridesharing programs on the Web such as Rideshare Online will match people based on home and work locations.

Because carpooling involves at least two people, there is always a possibility for conflict. The secret to preventing discord down the road is to set ground rules. Below are some suggestions to help pave the way:

Tips for a Successful Commuter Carpool

• Print driver schedules, pick-up times and locations, and phone numbers (including cell) on one page and distribute it to all members.
• If you are splitting costs with fellow riders, determine what your total costs will be by using Edmunds.com's TCO calculator, then set a schedule for payment. Don't forget toll charges if applicable — they add up quickly.
• Establish policies on stereo use, AC/heat, cell phones, and smoking before you start carpooling.
• Set rules for latecomers and decide how long to wait (5 minutes is standard).
• Be sure to give advance notice of vacation, personal or overtime plans.
• Anyone calling in sick should notify that day's driver as soon as possible.
• Have a backup plan in case the carpool driver must leave work early or stay late.

Clearly, a successful carpool requires structure. But not everyone is willing or able to commit themselves to scheduled pickup and drop-off times. Folks like these in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco have developed a fascinating carpool system called "slugging." Also called "instant" or "casual" carpooling, slugging allows commuters ("body snatchers") to pick up total strangers ("slugs") at the last minute, in order to meet the express lanes' minimum passenger requirements. The pickup sites are well-known, so drivers and passengers can join up in convenient locations on their way to work. Slugging, which traces its roots back to the 1970s Arab oil embargo, isn't about saving money. It's about saving time. No commitment required.

Source: Edmunds

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2013 MAZDA CX-5 -- FUN, FUNCTIONAL AND FEARSOME -- AT 2012 SEMA SHOW

The first Mazda to fully incorporate SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering philosophy that strength, safety and performance can still equate to fuel efficiency, the 2013 CX-5 was built completely new, from sketch book to sheet metal.  With Mazda North American Operations' (MNAO) Irvine-based Design team behind the helm, the same treatment was given to the CX-5 models which make their global debut this week at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. 

"The CX-5 is all Mazda – from its KODO design language to its inspired driving ability – and was the perfect 'clean slate' vehicle from which our Southern California team could create the concept vehicles you see here today," said Derek Jenkins, director, MNAO Design.

CX-5 180
Southern California has a way of being everything for everyone with its rare ability in acting like a four-season play palace – all in the same day.  From the ocean sand to the sandy desert, from the high altitudes to the low lands, this Western region is an adventurer's paradise.  Here enters the CX-5 180.  Can't decide what to do with your "lazy" Sunday?  Do it all.  Really.  This CX-5 won't mind.  Designed to go with the flow, whether your plans be set in stone or a last-minute "Why not," the CX-5 180 is up for any task.

Outfitted with Burton Cheetah snowboards for surfing the slopes and a Rusty surfboard for shredding the surf, the CX-5 180 features a stylized topographical map of SoCal locales Big Bear Lake and Point Dume.  Seasonal statistics for the snow and surf hot spots are featured on the front doors to include temperature highs and lows, snowfall and surf rise as well as the all-important digits of GPS coordinates.  Big Bear Lake's snowy summit is featured along the left side of the vehicle with equipment-appropriate snowboards up top while Point Dume's depth details sprawl along the right-hand side with the painted-to-match surfboard topping the chart.

Highlighted by custom-crafted colors, the mapping components featured on the CX-5 180 include dark hues of Midnight and Denim to reflect depth while lighter shades of Tidal Blue and Bay Blue signify height.  Dashes of Luminous Red are used across the entire vehicle to indicate roads.  Rough or paved, the all-wheel-drive system of the CX-5 180 allows it to maneuver wherever the trail may lead.  The same red makes its way onto select spokes of the Mazda Design custom-built 20-inch black chrome alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-season Goodyear Eagle® F1 Asymmetric 265/40R20-sized tires for added stability and style.  A custom matte red finish replaces the stock chrome of the vehicle's five-point grille and continues into the headlamps for added aggressiveness.  A satin chrome dual exhaust by Racing Beat adds a finishing touch.

The functional mobility of the CX-5 180's exterior translates perfectly into the comforts of its interior.  Exterior-complementing Aqua interior leather is fitted onto the front and rear seats, the steering wheel, door panels, armrests and the brake boot.  Contrasting Bright White leather inserts appear on the door panels, steering wheel and seats.  French seam accents in red and white stitching appear on armrests and seats, with the red reflecting the exterior's accents representing roads and trails.  A customized trapezoidal stitching pattern is detailed on the steering wheel, which is marked by a subtle white leather strip at the high-noon position.  A custom-painted decoration panel in the topography theme of the exterior adds the final touch to the ebb and flow of the CX-5 180, creating a 360-degree perspective of the vehicle's flexibility, regardless of how contradictory the day's activities could be.

CX-5 Urban
With a quick glimpse, the CX-5 Urban appears to be merely shrouded in a matte finish.  First impressions have never been more deceiving.  Heavily influenced by design, the vision for the CX-5 Urban was inspired by styles found in fashion and architecture.  With a Mazda Design-developed custom paint process, the dark surface of the CX-5 Urban features multi-dimensional shadows with each triangular-like design shaped to reflect each bend and twist of the vehicle's sheet metal.  Utilizing the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language of the production model, the Mazda Design team translated this initial blueprint into seemingly flat, black surfaces that evoke depth at just the slight hint of light. 

The attention to detail is nothing short of stellar as no two shades of Black Mica touch.  For added refinement without deviating from the stealth-like quality of the CX-5 Urban's dark night appearance, Ore facets appear as thin pinstripes on matte paint surfaces, as an accent outlining the matte black wheels, as a precision feature in the headlamps and as a change of shade to the five-point front grille.

To further sculpt the aggressive nature of the CX-5 Urban are customized wheel flare extensions which perfectly envelop the well-matched pairing of muscular 22-inch Ace Alloy Scorpio matte black wheels and sticky Nitto Tire NT420s 295/30R22 all-season tires.  The CX-5 Urban also features a Racing Beat dual exhaust.

CX-5 Dempsey
The CX-5 Dempsey not only features actor and race car driver Patrick Dempsey's name but it was developed with his competitive passions in mind – motorsports and cycling, to be more specific.  Throughout his professional racing career, Dempsey and Mazda Motorsports have been familiar friends with Dempsey seeing seat time behind the wheel of an RX-8 in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series.  Sleek, sporty and stylishly dressed to take care of business, the CX-5 Dempsey features a high-contrast custom paint scheme of glossy grays and matte blacks with bright red highlights.  Outfitted with a Specialized Bicycle S-Works Tarmac road bike and a Thule Atlantis rooftop cargo box, no road is unexplorable, whether it be a mountain trail or Manhattan traffic.  Under the hood lurks a European-specification SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine to power the all-wheel-drive system, meaning no road is a challenge either.

The high-power clean diesel offers a low 14:1 compression ratio with an output of 129 kW at 4,500 rpm and 420 nM of torque at 2,000 rpm.  Mated to a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the CX-5 Dempsey offers racing-inspired dynamics and down-right driving fun – two things usually lacking in the compact SUV segment.  The vehicle sits on Mazda Design-customized 20-inch black chrome alloy wheels encased in Michelin Latitude® Sport 255/45ZR20-sized all-season tires.  Each wheel is highlighted with a single double-spoke painted in glossy Luminous Red, a color used in a limited fashion yet makes an appealing visual impact to the CX-5 Dempsey.  Satin chrome touches in the Racing Beat dual exhaust complete the athletic ensemble.

The exterior color scheme was developed in coordination with the high-performance, competitive architecture of the Specialized Bicycle road racer.  Secured to the rear of the vehicle via a Mazda factory hitch and Thule T2 carrier, the S-Works Tarmac SL4 Red features a Carbon Satin carbon fiber frame with Red Keyline highlights.  To match, the CX-5 Dempsey is receives a glossy Anatomy Gray paint base with thick strips of striking Brilliant Black.  Luminous Red graphic lines separate the dark layers as Bright White borders and "CX-5" decals emblazon expansive surfaces such as the doors, hood and cargo box.  A Black Mica matte finish details the entire tailgate and continues across the lower portion of the vehicle as well as along the roofline to complete the bicycle's Carbon Satin look into the front hood.  The design theme evokes a rugged functionality and tempered finesse. 

The composed aggression is maintained throughout the interior as well.  Black perforated leather inserts are nestled within gray aniline leather bolsters featuring red accents which correlate directly with exterior graphics.  All leather wrapped, the steering wheel, shifter boot, armrests, door panels, center storage bin as well as front and rear seats feature contrasting Luminous Red stitching.  The full-length decorative panel is custom painted in glossy Brilliant Black and features a single Luminous Red outline with a Bright White vehicle model imprint.  The CX-5 Dempsey conveys the ambition and awareness that beats within the heart of any competitor, regardless of the race route.

MX-5 Super25
The MX-5 Super25 dives deeper into the spirit of Mazda's motorsports DNA and goes beyond the short-track prowess of the Super20, the previous MX-5 concept vehicle built for SEMA.  Unlike its predecessor – which was loud, proud and boisterous with its bursts of supercharged energy – the Super25 was crafted with endurance racing in mind.

Known for its commanding number of grassroots motorsports racers, the MX-5 Miata is the epitome of a light and limber sports car that won't burn a hole through an enthusiast's pocket.  With such a dependable starting point from which to build, the MX-5 was an optimal choice for creating a concept with the ability to handle such long-distance, weary-heavy racing.  Outfitted with a multitude of racing-inspired exterior features coupled with Mazda Design-created interior touches, the Super25 is labeled with the quick-to-motivate "55" racing number.  A significant figure in the history of Mazda Motorsports, the distinction is a tribute to the brand's historic 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans win that made Mazda the first (and still the only) Japanese manufacturer to ever be named champion.

The Super25 features the bold yet refined core colors of MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development – black, gray and red.  Covered in a commanding Super Red gloss, Brilliant White appears as minimal character details along the hood with a matte Black Mica finish dressing the lower portions of the vehicle from the front and rear fascia as well as along the side skirts.  The black, red and white pattern continues onto the glossy black surface of the sports car's fixed hard top with Brilliant White stripes remaining extending through onto the trunk lid.  A customized four-lamp lighting pod is embedded just above the modified grille and is equipped with bright-for-the-night (and day) PIAA 40 Series halogens on the inside flanked by 510 Super White Driving halogens on the outside.  Super25 looks handsomely poised on 17-inch Volk Racing T37 six-spoke matte black wheels suited in BFGoodrich g-Force™ R1™ 225/45ZR17 tires.

A Sparco Evo competition racing seat provides the lone sitting area within the Super25.  The driver's cockpit is further customized with Mazda Design-developed Charcoal ultra-suede material featuring Tomato Red perforated inserts.  The suede Sparco R323 competition steering wheel allows for even more control and precision within the driver's hands.  The six-point racing harness by Sparco ensures the driver is snug as well as comfortable during competitions while an AiM MXL data acquisition logger custom-fitted into the dash offers real-time ECU figures.

Source: Mazda Media USA

Monday Maintenance Tip: How To Maintain an Old Car

You might not be familiar with the term "beater." But in all likelihood, you've owned or driven one in your lifetime. This is the hand-me-down, the junker, the old car that hasn't received an ounce of love in at least a decade. It's the vehicle that's been beat on.

A big difference between those doomed to spend their lives in old, ugly, dented, fuel-thirsty beaters and those who can soon afford better rides is how they care for it. Neglect maintenance and it could lead to a crash, a breakdown or cost money you may not have.

In this article, we'll offer tips on how to keep your old car running safely as long as possible for the least money. You can do a lot yourself, even if you have little mechanical experience.

Prioritize
Owning and maintaining a beater to ensure safety is all about prioritizing your scarce (or tightly held) resources. We've grouped maintenance issues into three areas:

Priority No. 1: Maintain things that could cause your old car to lose control and possibly cause an accident. This includes your car's braking system, tires, steering system and what we'll call "the driver vision system." Spend your money here first.

Priority No. 2: This will include maintenance on things that will leave you stranded or cause other components — such as the engine — to fail. This includes radiator hoses, fuel lines, constant velocity (CV) joints and fan, accessory and timing belts.

Priority No. 3: The third priority will be simply to keep your old car alive. This includes changing the engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant.

Even if your do-it-yourself role will be limited to "inspector," get a repair manual for your vehicle: Manuals cost less than $20 new. You also could get one used or borrow one from the library. You'll also need at least one jack stand and a few tools: Look on craigslist.org or at a thrift store or flea market.

It's No Accident
The cost of an accident — insurance deductibles, lost work days, a traffic citation or increased insurance premiums — would go a long way toward paying for a better vehicle. A wreck can start you on the road toward becoming a lifetime beater driver.

Start by checking the brakes. Most beater owners wait until they hear grinding noises before taking action. Be a bit more proactive. Checking to making sure there's adequate material remaining on the brake pads for disc brakes is a good place to begin. It's also a task that most can do armed with only the car's standard jack and lug wrench and a jack stand. Remove the wheel, and with most disc brakes you can see the pads on either side of the disc. Leaking brake fluid means immediate repairs are required.

Just as doctors draw blood to help determine a person's health, "bleeding the brakes" will say a lot about your brakes as well. The job is only slightly more difficult than checking pad thickness: Consult the repair manual for details. If the brake fluid is dark black and contains bits of rubber, a serious brake job is mandatory. If not, flushing the brake fluid — bleeding the brakes until all the old fluid is expelled and replacing it with fresh fluid — is a cheap way to help the inside of the brake system last longer. Cost: about $12 for a do-it-yourselfer with the right tools and an assistant. Serious brake work requires either a professional or on-site help from an experienced amateur. Prices start at about $40 for a DIYer who only replaces the front brake pads.

Worn out and neglected tires cause more accidents than record-keepers can account for. Though it's painful when you see the credit card statement (about $200 to $400 for four non-performance tires), replace tires sooner rather than later.

Steering and suspension problems show up as uneven wear on the tires or by the way the car steers and rides. Have a professional inspect the system ($40-$75) to see if it's safe to drive, and suggest what repairs are needed.

A government report said "obscured vision" accounted for as many accidents as brake and tire failure combined. It's inexpensive (about $15) and easy to replace windshield wiper blades. Old cars' headlight lenses are often pitted or yellowed. A less used pair from a local or online auto recycling center (a.k.a. junkyard) or eBay could run anywhere from $50 to $150.

Stranded With No Way Home
Most beater cars need every hose replaced, and it's likely the heater hose, which carries hot engine coolant to a small radiator inside the car (about $30) has never been changed. For example, I used to drive a $450 Subaru as a winter beater. A heater hose sprung a leak one night on a deserted road next to a partially iced-up river. I ended up having to creep out to the edge of the ice to fill a plastic milk jug with water for the radiator. On another beater, I replaced all the hoses except for a tiny, difficult-to-access one on the water pump, only to discover how quickly all the coolant will blow through such a tiny hole. This public confession is intended to show that neglected maintenance can be dangerous for both people and engines.

Problems like this are avoidable, and there are often warning signals. It's almost certain that those who suffer car fires ignored the aroma of gasoline: Your choice is to replace an inexpensive fuel line or risk a fire. And if you hear squealing, it's likely a fan or accessory belt that should be replaced. A new belt is less than $20. The difficulty of the job varies greatly among vehicles. If you don't have the work done and the belt breaks, you'll be the one squealing.

Many old cars have engine timing belts that should be changed every 60,000 miles. This costs about $500 or more and is a not-for-amateurs task. Some engines — notably Hondas — suffer serious damage when the timing belt breaks, while others just stop running.

Owners of front-wheel-drive beaters need to listen for signs of a failing CV (constant-velocity) joint: usually a clicking noise that first appears during tight turns. Look at the rubber boots around the CV joint: Missing or boots torn long ago likely means the CV joint probably needs replacing. A professional repair can cost $300 per axle, but an experienced amateur can do it for about $80 per side.

To help make sure your old car will start, clean corrosion from the battery terminals with baking soda mixed into water and apply an anti-corrosion chemical (about $4). Inspect the battery cables (about $20 a pair) and their connections.

Another important note: If you've recently acquired a beater, you should have its oil and oil filter changed, (a $20 to $40 cost for DIYers). Have the automatic transmission fluid flushed and the filter changed. (I recommend paying a professional do to it, about $150.) Change the radiator coolant once a year (about $8).

Time To Dump It?
There's no easy answer to the question of when to get rid of your beater car. Some argue that shelling out $2,500 for a replacement transmission tops going further into debt to get another car. Besides, if you buy another used car that's less of a beater, it might soon need a $500 timing belt.

Don't sell just because you've recently been forced into a major repair. Since specific models tend to suffer identical problems, you get an idea of other big expenses that might be on the horizon by asking owners of similar vehicles on the Edmunds' Forums, or quizzing a mechanic who specializes in your make. Those who own expensive-to-repair European beaters should bail out sooner.

One way to find out if you can dump your beater is to determine the payments for the vehicle you'd like to buy and then start putting that amount into a savings account every month.

Beater Knowledge Can Pay Off
Knowing how to keep a beater car running as long as possible will save you money, particularly if you do it yourself. Sometimes there are other perks as well. I once met a young woman whose manual-transmission beater had problems with its clutch-actuating mechanism. This tough old car was built before clutch interlocks, so I taught her how to start it in gear and shift without using the clutch. The payoff? She eventually married me.

Source: Edmunds

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Car Tip of the Week: When To Repair Your Car and When To Buy a New One

Something goes wrong with your car and you're faced with another high repair bill. This isn't the first time it's happened, and you're getting tired of pouring money into an aging machine. It would be nice to get a new car, but is that the smartest decision? Would you be better off fixing your current ride, or is it really time to buy a new one? The answers to these questions will vary, but we can show you several sides of the issue to help you make a more informed decision.

The Costs of Wear and Tear
Even if you take good care of your car, some-high priced repairs are unavoidable. Wearable items such as axle boots and brake rotors eventually need to be replaced. One of the more expensive repairs on a high-mileage car is the timing belt. On many cars, it needs to be replaced at around 100,000 miles. Most dealers recommend that a person also replace the water pump and the other drive belts in the car at this point. This "timing belt package" can cost between $600 and $1,000. Problems like this often begin to surface between 90,000 and 120,000 miles.

"It's around this time that people decide what they'll do with the car [in the long term]," says Marc Uchuiyama, assistant service manager at Honda of Santa Monica. "Is it going to be a hand-me-down to your kids? Do you want it to last until you get married?"

Arguments for Fixing Up
Buying a new car may not be on your radar at this point. If you aren't sure if fixing it is the right thing to do, here are a few reasons why it is a good idea to bite the bullet and get the repairs done.

• It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one.
• Although something as severe as a blown motor or failed transmission will run you between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace at a dealership, it still doesn't cost as much as buying a new car. That amount would certainly make a nice down payment, but then there are the monthly payments to consider. You can purchase a used car for that much, but just keep in mind that another used car could come with its own set of issues.
• Insurance and registration fees will go up with a new car.
• A new car typically loses an estimated 22 percent of its value in the first year. Your existing car has already taken that depreciation hit.
• You need the car to last a while longer. In 2011, the average person kept his car for about six years before trading it in, according to a Polk research study. Let's say your car broke down earlier than expected. You were planning on getting a new car in about a year or two. Repairing it now will keep you on the road and keep you from making a hasty new car purchase. It'll also give you more time to save up and get your finances in order.
• You have a sentimental attachment to your car. Maybe it was your first car, a gift from a loved one or a dream car you finally were able to purchase. For you, buying a new car would mean giving up an old friend.

Arguments for Buying New
After that last trip to the dealership, you swore you wouldn't put another penny into your old car. But buying a new car seems like an intimidating prospect. Here are a few reasons why buying a new car might be the way to go.

• You don't want to worry constantly about future breakdowns. A reader in the Edmunds forums likened a high-mileage car to a 40-year-old pitcher for a baseball team: His arm could go out in one pitch. And repairing one thing doesn't guarantee that another breakdown won't happen down the line. If you buy a new car, you'll have at least three years ? often far longer ? before you have to worry about paying for any major repairs. Some new cars come with free standard maintenance as well.
• You're tired of the back-and-forth to the repair shop. Some things don't get fixed the first time around, while others seem to need constant attention. Either way, trips to the mechanic are costing you too much money and time away from work or family.
• You're tired of your old car. Perhaps it embarrasses you and rattles like crazy. Or you have to bang on the A/C to get it working. Every morning when you walk outside and see the neighbor's car, you long for something new. That's perfectly normal. Just take a good look at your budget and make an honest assessment of your financial situation. Let our suite of auto calculators do the math for you.
• You want something safer. New cars are safer than ever, thanks to modern safety equipment. Features like side airbags, tire-pressure monitors and electronic stability control are increasingly becoming standard fare on new vehicles.

When Is It Time To Buy Another Car?
If the cost of repairs is greater than either the value of the vehicle (check its True Market Value (TMV®) here) or one year's worth of monthly payments, it's time to buy another vehicle.

When the time comes, buying a used car is (almost) always a more cost-effective option than buying new, largely because you avoid the big depreciation hit. We should note that a used car can potentially have its own list of items that need repair, so choose your vehicle carefully if you go this route. Visit our used car center to search the local inventory, or check out our Used Car Best Bets for help in narrowing your used car search.

Other Factors to Consider
If you are not yet faced with making the tough decision to fix up or trade in your vehicle, there are steps you can take to prevent or avoid high-priced repairs.

• Get your new car maintained at its proper intervals to avoid problems and breakdowns. Use our maintenance tool to learn the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Maintaining a much older car means paying close attention to items that commonly break down. (See "Broke with a Beater.") Use our maintenance articles to help make your car run forever.
• You might consider purchasing an extended warranty. If you plan on keeping the car for a long period of time, this can be a great way to save money and have peace of mind. A $3,000 repair for a new transmission isn't as intimidating when you only have to pay $200 for the deductible plus the cost of the warranty itself. Remember that extended warranties are negotiable.
• If you're experiencing issues with your car and don't know whether things are likely to get worse, "Look for advice on message boards and forums," says Loren Wong, a former warranty administrator for Acura and BMW. "Most likely, other people have gone through the same problems." You can benefit from others' experience and see what types of problems are associated with your vehicle as it ages.

Don't Let the Clunker Make the Choice for You
Everyone seems to have a theory on when to repair a car and when to get a new one. But you know your needs and your car's history better than anyone else, so use our tips as a guide. Buying a new car might seem like the easy way out of a high repair bill, but depending on your circumstances, it may not be the best financial decision.

On the other hand, a car that's teetering on the edge of oblivion can keep an owner awake at night. It's better to make the decision to part with that car on your terms rather than waiting for it to break down at exactly the wrong time. If you make the decision while the car still has some value, you can sell it or trade it in, turning it into a down payment on your next car. If you also can take advantage of the incentives and rebates being offered on new cars today, you may find that a new car is within reach for you. And it's hard to put a price tag on the peace of mind that a new vehicle can bring

Source: Edmunds