2010 Mazda3 Renderings Italian Style

From what we gathered by looking around the net, the forthcoming 2010 Mazda3 is one of the most highly anticipated future vehicles. That was more than evident with the supposedly official Mazda3 Concept pictures (see here) that managed to create quite a hype on the internet. Unfortunately for some, these new renderings come from the Italian website “Infomotori”.

The designer of these new chops took a different approach, applying elements from the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai concept cars to a an enlarged version of the Mazda2. Not bad but we would have definetely preferred a different styling for the front-end. –More pics after the jump

Via: Infomotori

2010 Mazda3 Concept: Nope, It’s Not Official, It’s Photoshop...

Some of you may have wondered why we didn’t post anything on the Mazda3 Concept images that took the web by surprise yesterday. To be frank, we had discovered these images during the weekend but we were 99% sure they weren’t official. The only problem was we didn’t know where they came from. Of course, we could have created a nice story hiding the real-facts, but that’s not our style.

Today our hunt down finally paid off as we managed to discover the “culprit”. Turns out that these, rather convincing, pictures of a Mazda3 Concept are the work of "Grif-1", a member of the Russian design site, "Render". If anything else, we’ll give our kudos to Grif-1 for doing a wonderful and quite detailed work on the Mazda3 Concept. Hopefully we’ll hear from him again in the near future. -Continued

Link: Render

Mazda to Reduce Fuel Consumption by 30% Until 2015

FoMoCo’s Japanese affiliate Mazda announced that it has set a target to reduce the fuel consumption of its vehicles sold globally by an average 30 percent by 2015. To accomplish this Mazda’s plans include the use of lightweight technologies, the upgrade of almost all of its gasoline engines, the development of a Smart Idle Stop System and the introduction of a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines.

Mazda says that by 2015, it will have renewed almost its entire powertrain lineup and, from 2011, through the use of new lightweight platforms it aims to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 100 kg / 220 lbs or more. -Continued

In particular, the next technological milestone for Mazda will be the introduction of the Smart Idle Stop System into one of its cars in 2009. According to the Japanese carmaker, this is the only idle stop system in the world that restarts the engine from idle by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder and igniting it to force the piston down, enabling a fast and quiet restart as well as an improvement in fuel economy by up to 7-to-8 percent.

In 2009, Mazda will introduce an E85 fuel-compatible flex-fuel engine into the Northern European and North American markets. From 2011 onwards, Mazda’s new gasoline engines will incorporate next generation Direct Injection Spark Ignition and other systems to boost power by 15 to 20 % while improving improve fuel economy by about 20%.

Starting from 2011, Mazda plans to introduce a new generation of diesel engines worldwide that will feature direct injection technology, turbocharging systems and NOx reduction technology, which will enhance fuel economy by 20% and produce cleaner exhaust gases.

Last but not least, Mazda will unveil a significantly upgraded version of its gasoline rotary engine in the early 2010s. Currently referred to as the 16X, the next rotary engine promises to offer substantially improved performance and economy through use of Direct Injection Spark Ignition and high-speed combustion technology, enfolded in new rotary dimensions.

Mazda Compact SUV Concept Heading for Moscow Show

Mazda has released images of an all-new compact SUV/Crossover concept that will make its debut at the forthcoming Moscow International Automobile Salon that runs from August 29 through September 7. The yet unnamed concept SUV could lead to a production version that would fit right under the CX-7 Crossover. -Continued

The Moscow show car, which follows in the footsteps of the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai concept cars, is the latest concept to be developed using Mazda’s new design language called Nagare which means “flow” in Japanese.

The reason why Mazda chose the Moscow Show is because Russia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region’s largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. According to the Japanese carmaker, the concept SUV/Crossover is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.

2010 Mazda9 Luxury Sedan Rendering

If the all-new U.S. spec Mazda6 turns out to be a success, there is a possibility that the Japanese carmaker could consider adding a larger sedan in its car range. Just to be clear, we don’t have any information whatsoever that Mazda is actually considering a move like this. This rendering, created by the guys at CGI Automotive, is just a random attempt to show us how a larger Mazda9 echoing the style of the smaller Mazda6 could look like. We can’t say that we’re thrilled about this car’s styling. -Continued

Now, if we had a say in Mazda’s board, we’d propose an aggressively styled 4door-coupe model based on a slightly extended version of the U.S spec Mazda6 platform priced in the $30,000 range and equipped with AWD and V6 turbocharged engines. Think of it as a Mercedes CLS with AMG-like performance and a C-Class price tag. What do you think of our idea?

Pic via: CGI

Mazda Introduces 2009 RX-8 in Canada with 8-Year /160k Warranty

Mazda Canada announced today that the first shipments of 2009 RX-8 are being released to dealers and will soon be in showrooms. Just like in the U.S., Canadians will be happy to know that Mazda is extending warranty coverage on the RX-8’s rotary engine to eight years/160,000 km (whichever comes first). The balance of the basic warranty remains at three years/80,000 km and the powertrain warranty remains at five years/100,000 km.

Moreover, Mazda is also extending this eight year/160,000 km warranty retroactively to all existing 2004-2008 model year RX-8s. You can check out all the details and pictures of the North American market 2009 RX-8 Facelifty by clicking here.

Mazda2 Gets New 1.4-liter Turbo Diesel Engine

Along with the introduction of a three-door version, the Japanese carmaker is enhancing its European Mazda2 lineup with the availability of a 1.4-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine across the range. Engineered specifically for the European market, it produces 68 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. The result is an ultra low average fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres / 100 km or 54.7 MPG (combined). -Continued

Moreover, the Mazda2 1.4 turbo diesel produces 114 g/km of CO2, which is the lowest CO2 value ever achieved by a Mazda production car sold in Europe. As with the rest of the range, the turbo diesel version comes equipped with Mazda’s five-speed manual transmission with gear ratios that are between 3 to 10 percent higher than the previous five-speed, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

Mazda’s Vehicle Production Up by 23.5% in April

Japanese carmaker Mazda has reported that’s its global production (passenger and commercial vehicles) was up by an amazing 23.5% to 113,075 units in April compared to April 2007. In particular, domestic production volume for April 2008 was 88,727 units (+23.1%) while overseas production was 24,348 units (+24.7%). Overall and for the first four months of the year, Mazda has produced a total of 489,067 passenger cars and commercial vehicles, an increase of 14.1% over last year. (Pic: Carscoop)

Mazda MX-5 Niseko Special Edition Launched in Germany

Following its introduction in the UK market last December, Mazda has launched the special edition MX-5 Niseko model in Germany where it will be available in soft-top form equipped with a 126Hp 1.8-liter engine and as a Coupe-Cabriolet with the 160Hp 2.0-liter unit. Named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort, the Niseko models are available in an exclusive new bespoke color, Icy Blue Metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver Metallic.

On the outside, the MX-5 Niseko has been enhanced with new 17-inch alloy wheels, unique body-color finish for the style bar trims, front fog lamps, Chrome Pack (door handles and headlamp bezels, and surrounds for the side-repeaters, front grille and fog lamps) along with ‘Niseko’ badging on both front wings, plus a unique dark brown premium cloth for the fabric roof for the soft-top version. -Continued

Passengers are treated with unique dark brown heated leather seats with coordinated door trim and blue stitching, plus dark brown leather steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake. Moreover, the Niseko editions feature a dark-silver dash panel, stainless-steel scuff plates and Niseko-branded interior mats along with a high-end BOSE sound system with seven speakers and a 6-pack CD changer.

Prices in Germany are set a €21,700 for the 1.8i Soft-Top and at €25.400 for the 2.0i Coupe-Cabriolet.

Mazda1 Concept: First Official Sketches?

Since Mazda has yet to come out with an official press release, we’re obliged to leave a question mark on whether these sketches of the Mazda1 Concept that appeared on UK website “Autoexpress” are official or not. We don’t know if it means something, but on the left-hand corner, right under the British magazine’s logo there’s another logo (something "-CAR") that has been cropped, but anyways.

The Mazda1 Concept is set to make its first public appearance at the Paris Show this fall and it will give us a preview of Mazda’s all-new mini car that will fit right under the Mazda2 in the Japanese carmaker’s range. The concept mini depicted in these drawings seems to bear many similarities with the Hakaze compact crossover concept that was first shown at last year’s Geneva Auto Salon. -Continued

According to Autoexpress, Peter Birthwhistle, chief designer at Mazda’s European Research and Development Centre, said: “The finished article will be even more radical than the car seen here. It will be aimed at young people and feature the likes of iPod connectivity, sat-nav and Blue- tooth. It will be environmentally friendly, and weigh as little as possible.”

Via: Autoexpress

Mazda6 U.S. Spec Press Car Photos

These pictures of the all-new North American spec 2009 Mazda6 (click here for the official gallery and details) were shot by a quick handed “VWvortex” forum member inside Mazda. According to the forum member, the particular Mazda6 was a test car that was being readied for an upcoming press event somewhere in the U.S. –More pics after the jump


Via: vwvortex

Mazda1 Minicar and Compact CUV Concepts Heading for European Shows

Mazda will preview its forthcoming Mazda1 city car at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September through a close to production concept car that will employ all the styling cues shown in the Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and Furai into a minicar package. The production version of the Mazda1 that will slot right under the new Mazda2 is expected to hit the market by 2010.

According to reports, the Japanese carmaker will also unveil a compact 4x4 crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year. Like the Mazda1, the CUV will also be themed after Mazda’s provocative Nagare prototypes. The crossover is said to be designed specifically for the booming Russian car market which is on course to overtake Germany as the biggest market in Europe.

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Autocar

Mazda2 3door Goes on Sale in the UK from £7,999

Mazda is introducing the three-door variant of its all-new Mazda2 supermini in the UK this month, with a starting price of £7,999. The only significant difference between the 3-door and 5-door versions of new Mazda2 is the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the 5-door model. At launch, the Mazda2 3dr will be offered with a 1.3-litre petrol engine in two power outputs (75 and 86ps), and a 1.4-litre 68ps diesel The 1.5-litre 103ps petrol engine will be available from the end of July. -Continued

Mazda2 3d Price List – May 2008

3dr	Power (ps)	Estimated 'On the road' Retail	CO2 Emissions (g/km)
1.3 TS	75	£7,999	129
1.3 TS2	86	£9,509	129
1.5 Sport	103	£11,399	140
Diesel
1.4D TS	68	£8,999	114
1.4D TS2	68	£10,504	114

Mazda Biante: All-New 8-Seater Minivan For Japan

Developed exclusively for the Japanese market, the Biante is Mazda’s newest proposition in the MPV category. The full-size minivan with its semi-concept looks can seat up to eight-passengers in three rows of seats with the rear occupants entering the car through a pair of sliding doors.

Mazda says that the name Biante’ was coined from the English word, ambient, “to create the impression of a unified interior space that contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable in-car experience for all the vehicle’s occupants,” – whatever that means. The Japanese carmaker hasn’t released any more information on the Biante apart that it will go on sale in Japan this summer sop for the time being, follow the jump to check out our image gallery. -Continued

2009 Mazda6 North American Spec Model Image Gallery Update

Thanks to Mazda Canada, we not only have a few more exterior pictures of the North American spec Mazda6 –including a couple of shots of a black colored version, but we also get the chance to check out the interior of the Japanese carmaker’s new mid-size sedan. Unlike the exterior of the N.A. market Mazda6 which has been stretched and features a redesigned rear-end, the cabin bears no visible changes compared to its Euro counterpart (see pics here).

Expected to go on sale in North America in late summer, the Mazda6 will be offered exclusively in 4-door sedan form – no station-wagon version here, and with a choice of two engine options, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit and a 3.7-liter V6. -Image gallery after the jump