Mazda introduces the MX-5 Special Edition Spring, a limited edition for the European markets that will be showcased at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). The model will come with either a soft top or a retractable hardtop, and can be distinguished from the other versions by the exclusive Radiant Ebony paint job, the thin chrome outline of the front grille, the Havana Brown leather upholstery and the sat-nav with multi-function screen. However, if the Radiant Ebony color isn’t quite your thing, the already known Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black options will also be available.

The Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring will have just one engine, a 1.8-litre delivering 126 hp, which is enough to push the model from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.9 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 198 km/h (123 mph).

View Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring photo gallery

If the next Mazda-6 will be just slightly similar to the Takeri Concept, it is bound to be a success. The Japanese manufacturer releases a new set of official images of its gorgeous concept car, and we just like it more and more every day. The model will make its debut on European soil at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18), introducing a number of interesting features that Mazda is keen to convey to the next generation of its aging flagship.

First off, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to use the new ‘Kodo’ design language, which will be adopted by all future models from the Japanese carmaker. Its powertrain include a brand new SkyActiv-D diesel engine, with start-stop technology and the innovative 6-speed SkyActive Drive automatic transmission. Another ‘first’ for the model is the new i-ELOOP system (Intelligent Energy Loop), which stores the kinetic energy developed while braking in a capacitor and uses it to feed the electronics of the car. If that doesn’t sound that interesting to you, let’s just say that Mazda claims that this system alone makes for a good 10% decrease in fuel consumption.

View the full Mazda Takeri Concept photo gallery

The third generation of the Mazda-6 is underway. Here is a bunch of spy shots picturing a mule of the new sedan from the Japanese manufacturer caught during some winter testing. This prototype is an early test mule that combines the next models platform together with a chopped up body of the current generation, but we already know that the new Mazda-6 will have very little in common with the current version as it will draw a lot of inspiration from the beautiful Takeri Concept, that we have admired at the recent Tokio Motor Show, in December.

The new Mazda 6 will feature the new Skyactiv fuel saving technologies, including the Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, a new 6-speed automatic transmission and an engine “i-stop” idling stop system. It will also be the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking, the system that converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors in order to use it at a later to feed electrical equipment such as air conditioning, lighting and audio system.

The new Mazda6 is expected to surface in 2012, making its first appearance at the next Paris Motor Show (29 September to 14 October 2012), while the Takeri concept should show up at the Geneva Motor Show (8-12 March 2012).

View 2013 Mazda 6: spy shots images

Our buddies from Autoblog.it just sent us an exclusive video starring the most important models that Mazda brought at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show, in Italy. The undisputed star of the booth is quite obviously the new CX-5, a new compact SUV that seems to have what it takes to be successful in a very competitive niche of the market where it will have to face direct competition from Nissan Qashqai, Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60 and the likes. Check out Mazda CR-5 official photo gallery by clicking on the link below.

Another pretty interesting model from Mazda at the Bologna event is the restyled CX-7, a quite bigger Sport Utility model that now sports a definitely more modern look. Our friends from Autoblog.it will soon test this model on the road, so expect a more in-depth look at the CX-7 pretty soon.

View the full Mazda CX-5 photo gallery

The third generation of Mazda-6 is anticipated by the Takeri Concept, a model we already talked about a while ago that represents the evolution of the previous Shinari and Minagi, adopting the same Kodo design theme that was firstly introduced by those two concept cars. The Concept is currently on display at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Takeri is equipped with the new Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine, Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system and the unique ‘i-ELOOP’ regenerative braking system. The breakthrough Skyactiv Technology was firstly introduced on the Mazda CX-5 and consists of Skyactiv-D new-generation highly efficient clean diesel which, in combination with the 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and i-stop idling stop system, delivers refined performance that overturns the traditional unexciting diesel image, along with superior fuel efficiency.

Mazda Takeri Concept measures 4.85 meters in lenght, 1.87 meters in width and 1.43 meters in height, with a wheel base of 2.83 meters. The model can accommodate up to 4 people (driver included), each one with his own single seat. Other highlights include 20″ wheels fitted with 245/40 R20 tyres, MacPherson-type suspension at the front and multilink at the back and braking system with ventilated discs at all four corners. The interior is characterized by leather upholstery, metal finishing and a quite original screen for its infotainment system. The new Mazda6 is expected to surface in 2012, making its first appearance at the next Paris Motor Show (29 September to 14 October 2012), while the Takeri concept should show up at the Geneva Motor Show (8-12 March 2012).

Following last year appearance at the SEMA, the prototype known as MX-5 Super20 is once again at the Vegas event with a brand new and flashy Hyper Orange Mica color scheme - with some black stripe to soften the visual blow - and matt black hard top. In comparison to the standard Mazda MX-5 it derives from, this car also features wider arch wheels with 16″ alloys fitted with Toyo Proxes RA-1 245/45ZR16 high-performance tyres.

The MX-5 Super20 is powered by an upgraded 2.0 liter 4-cylinder unit coupled with a Cosworth supercharger, a new exhaust system and revised ECU. Inside there is a color-matched roll bar and black leather seats with suede inserts and orange contrast stitching .

The MX-5 Super20 that was at the SEMA last year was a tribute to Mazda America’s 20th anniversary, and this 2011 version still maintains some key-features of its predecessor, namely the permanent hard-top, roll bar, 16″ alloys and Cosworth supercharger.

View the full Mazda MX-5 Super20 photo gallery

It is fair to say that Mazda MX-5 Spyder is going to be one of the most interesting concept cars to be on display at the 2011 SEMA. The main reason for that is obviously that diminutive canvas it calls a ‘roof’, which somewhat confirms early reports stating that Mazda MX-5’s next generation will be super light.

The MX-5 Spyder boasts a really aggressive-looking style, lowered ride height and Advan RS 17″ wheels with Yokohama performance tyres, while its signature grenadine-red soft-top is the result of the cooperation between Mazda North America and Magna Car Top Systems. The car is powered by a tuned-up version of the MX-5’s standard 160 hp 2.0-liter engine, which has also been modified in order to run on isobutanol, a biofuel used by the Mazda/Dyson Racing team in the American Le Mans Series. Other remarkable features of this concept car include Brembo braking system as well as upgraded air-intake and exhaust systems, while the interiors make large use of leather and suede coupled with Silk Gray Metallic-colored trim.

via | Carscoop

View Mazda MX-5 Spyder photo gallery

Mazda will introduce two concept cars at the next SEMA: the MX-5 Spyder and Mazda 2 Turbo2. The MX-5 Spyder represents Mazda’s willingness to create an extreme and lighter version of its classic two-seater, adopting a solution quite similar to what we have seen for the Boxster Spyder: a hard tonneau and a skimpy canvas top replacing the current folding top. It doesn’t get any more minimalistic than that. This solution as well as a new aerodynamic kit, lowered ride height, Brembo brakes and alloys add up to MX-5 well-known fighting spirit.

Mazda 2 Turbo2 is the result of a classic engine swap as the 263 hp 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine of the CX-7 has been fitted in Mazda 2 compact chassis. Obviously, aerodynamics, brakes, suspension and ride height as well had to be upgraded in order to take all that power. Besides, its exterior designed has been revamped as well, and you can have a glimpse of the outcome in the picture below. No information has been released about the performance of this model, which is destined to remain a simple show car anyway.

Mazda will unveil the Takeri Concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show (December 3-11), a sedan that will anticipate Mazda 6’s new generation. The car is an evolution of the design theme Kodo - that has already been seen with previous Shinari and Minagi concept cars - and uses the most recent solutions adopted by the SkyActiv Technology package, that optimizes emissions and fuel consumption: kinetic energy recovery, advanced start-stop system, mass reduction, aerodynamic research and SkyActiv-D diesel engine are all parts of this package.

The pictures showing the interiors prove that Mazda went for a somewhat clean style, with 4 single seats for 4 people and design solutions that could actually be adopted by the final version. No more information has been released about this captivating concept. The new Mazda 6 will be unveiled in 2012, most likely at the Paris Motor Show (29 September to 14 October 2012), while the Takeri concept should make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show (8-12 March 2012).

View the full Mazda Takeri Concept photo gallery

Mazda spokeswoman Michiko Terashima confirmed that the company will soon stop producing vehicles equipped with its trademark rotary engine. Poor sales and the high investments required to make it meet today’s standard CO2 emission levels led to a decision that will not take many by surprise. Although research and development on the rotary engine will continue - leaving the door open to a possible comeback - carrying on producing cars with rotary engine at this moment in time is no longer a viable option as consumers prefer green vehicles rather than sporty ones.

Mazda’s first rotary engine appeared in 1967, and since then they have been the only carmaker in the world to produce vehicles with this type of engine, selling nearly 2 millions of them. Nowadays the RX-8 (pictured) is the only model in their line-up still using it, but only 2,896 units were sold worldwide last year. Mazda CEO and President Takashi Yamanouchi highlighted Mazda 787B victory at the Le Mans 24 hours endurance race in 1991 as the highest point in the history of their ‘iconic’ engine, adding that “although R-X production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirits of Mazda, and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development.”

via | The Washington Post

Mazda MX-5, also known as Miata, is one of the most succesful sporty roadster in the world. From its launch in 1989 until the current third generation, this model always managed to keep up with needs and likes of the general public.

Throughout the years, standard MX-5 models were always joined by more exclusive versions of the car, and this “Black Tuned” Limited Edition is yet another case in point. This variation will be produced and marketed in Japan exclusively, is based on the retractable hard top model and will come with a 2.0 litres 160hp four cylinder engine coupled with a manual gearbox, although the automatic transmission will also be available as an extra.

The most distinguishing feature of the Mazda MX-5 Black Tuned is definitely its look, thanks to the contrast between the shiny green bodywork and the black wing-mirrors, roof, and 17″ wheels. Mazda MX-5 Black Tuned Limited Edition will be available in 2 colors: Spirited Green Metallic and Velocity Red Mica.

The MX-5 Superlight is the star of the Mazda stand at the Frankfurt show. While a recall of the past, it also shows modernity and innovation. It’s sole focus is weight, and losing it, and shows the direction that Mazda is taking in terms of developing new technologies.

Below are the full details of the MX-5 Superlight, along with a photo gallery where you can also see the RX-8 hydrogen project.

MX-5 Superlight version
Less is More

The world of automobiles and individual mobility is moving towards energy efficiency, environmental compatibility and uncompromised safety – along with dynamic attributes and driving fun. In its efforts to offer pure driving enjoyment, while meeting its ecological and social responsibilities, Mazda has been focusing on weight reduction as a core base technology. For 20 years, reducing weight has been a tradition with the MX-5. It provided the inspiration for the radical design of Mazda’s latest show car and its radical interpretation of the cult roadster.

This year Mazda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first MX-5 roadster, which laid the cornerstone for its Zoom-Zoom brand philosophy - reason enough for Mazda designers to create a fully-drivable show car, the MX-5 Superlight version. There are no plans to build this car, but it demonstrates how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources.

Mazda’s European R+D centre in Oberursel has created a show car that represents the essence of Mazda’s fun-to-drive aspect. Based on the brand icon Mazda MX-5 Roadster, the MX-5 Superlight version is a pure, uncompromising two-seat sports car meant to be affordable to just about anyone. The main challenge for the design team in creating this roadster was “to evolve the MX-5, developed to perfection during the last 20 years, to a higher and extreme level,” says Project Lead Designer Hasip Girgin. The result of their efforts is a roadster show car with an exciting design that is especially lightweight and distilled down to the very basics of sporty driving, that still manages to provide modern safety technologies. In an increasingly digitalized world, it creates a linear, direct bond between man and machine. Its conceptual purity means even better driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, which is accomplished by keeping the vehicle below the 1000 kg threshold. As a show car for lightweight construction and driving enjoyment, the MX-5 Superlight version is the ideal ambassador for Mazda’s brand values.

Exterior Design

“I’ve dreamed of building a Mazda MX-5 with this kind of radical form for a long time,” says Peter Birtwhistle, Mazda Motor Europe’s Chief Designer, referring to the project. “Now that weight reduction has become a dominant factor in automotive development, the time is ripe for it. We show how lightweight a car today can be.”

His design team reduced the MX-5 down to its core attributes to create a pure roadster. Development of the production model MX-5 focussed on the bond between driver and co-pilot to the roadster, the car’s driving dynamics and its open-top experience. The goal of the MX-5 Superlight version concept was to strengthen these bonds even further. By doing this without a windshield, the retractable top and its frame, designers achieved an important step in this direction. As the concept MX-5 Superlight version, the allweather production roadster has mutated into a driving machine that lets sports car enthusiasts enjoy the natural surroundings unfiltered and tangible. Not only does the wind blow unimpeded during driving, pilot and co-pilot can also experience the sounds, smells and temperature changes of their immediate surroundings. And finally, the show car’s intense bond between the driver and the technology of the vehicle gives it a unique closeness that can only be found in stronger form in the cockpit of a race car.

Mazda designers created special roll-over bars, not only because they are very sporty-looking, but also to contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. These also make it clear that roll-over protection is important in this concept. And they prevent wind turbulence around the heads of the passengers, from whom the law would require the wearing of helmets while driving.

By removing equipment not vital to driving, and by replacing vital things with components that support the unique concept of the vehicle, designers sharpened the character of the MX-5 Superlight version.

Because there is no windshield, for instance, there is obviously no need for wipers. The roadster show car’s completely open design makes the need for outer door handles, side windows and their openers unnecessary. A single, filigree aluminium, wide-angle mirror gives a good view of the road behind. It’s placed inside an extension of the bonnet. Front and rear lights are the same as those of the production model with additional LED lamps at the front, and brake lights at the back of each roll-over bar, which contribute to the roadster’s sporty look.

The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminium bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fibre and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.

This also changed the proportions of the body’s design, making the front of the car longer and the passengers seem like they are sitting further back towards the rear-drive axle, all of which is enhanced by the massive roll-over bars and their aerodynamic cladding. The MX-5 Superlight version translates the dramatic proportions of historical race cars into a very modern form.

Interior Design
The purity in design of the exterior also characterizes the interior design, which does not have aesthetics as ultimate goal, but was conceived to contribute to reducing vehicle weight. Driver and passenger of the MX-5 Superlight version are greeted by racing bucket seats made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. They are slide adjustable and upholstered with the same saddle coloured leather as the armrests, the steering wheel, and the lightweight aluminium shift lever and hand brake. Colour-coordinated four-point seatbelts hold the driver and passenger firmly in their seats.

The bonnet extension into the passenger cell provides a canopy for the dashboard, which makes the dashboard look smaller than the production MX-5. Made of lightweight plastic reinforced with fibreglass, it contains the same instruments as the production MX-5. These are held in place by a dashboard frame made of lightweight carbon fibre. Like a purebred race car, the MX-5 Superlight version has an ignition button in the centre of the dashboard, along with two emergency kill buttons for immediate fuel and electricity cut-off.

Supplying air and climate control to the open passenger compartment is only possible in limited form, so the show car has no air conditioning and no fans. Air-flow is increased when the roadster accelerates, and only small air vents are needed. The interior is made without any trim. Sound insulation mats and rugs do not meet the requirements of a purist roadster like this and are not used at all.

Also made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre is the “floating-design” centre console with iPod® adaptor and the triangular reinforcements in the trimless doors. Driver and passenger can rest their arms here while driving.

Driving Dynamics
The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version show car is fully-drivable, but there are no plans to produce it in the near future. Under the bonnet is the cultivated and frugal MZR 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired to the production roadster’s five-speed manual transmission. It develops 93 kW/126 PS of maximum power at 6,500 rpm. For an appealing engine sound, there’s a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake made of polished and powder-coated aluminium and a Mazdaspeed exhaust system, both of them specific to the MX-5 Superlight version. These systems deliver more intake air-flow, and less exhaust-gas back pressure.
The engine sound is designed to suggest an engine with much higher displacement than the concept actually has. During charge cycles, a high-resonance bubbling sound in the muffler delivers the exciting sporty sound you expect from a very powerful engine.

The show car is designed to provide improved driving dynamics as well, and uses a four-piston, fixedcalliper brake system with perforated discs that, because of their size required an increase in track of 50 mm. A specially tuned chassis with a Bilstein® B16 coil-over suspension and Eibach® stabilisers give the body of the MX-5 Superlight version a ground clearance that is 30 mm lower than the production MX-5. Its sporty hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering system is the same as that of the regular roadster. Its linear steering, coupled to a precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission with short shift travel, have contributed to the character of the world’s most successful roadster for years.

Also from the production model are the roadster’s 205/45 R17 original-equipment tyres and alloy wheels from the 2.0-litre version, which are some of the lightest on the market today at less than 8 kg.