MAZDA

The...Lime Lantern: Mazda’s Special Edition MX-5 Roadster Coupe Karai 

 

Another week, and rather than just another Mazda, it’s another MX-5 special edition. This one is called Karai, which according to the company is Japanese for ‘sharp’, and it comes to us from Mazda’s European division. The Karai is based on the MX-5 Roadster coupe, which means it is fitted with a retractable hardtop. It boasts a unique lime-green paint called “Metal Green Metallic” for the body and contrasting glossy black finish for metal top, exterior mirrors, trim accents such as the front grille and fog lamp surrounds, as well as the 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels that are shod in low profile performance tires.
On the inside, the MX-5 Karai features a pair of Recaro sport seats trimmed in black leather and Alcantara with white stitching, aluminum pedals, leather steering wheel with white stitching while Mazda says all the interior trim pieces that are usually finished in silver are now painted in a glossy black color.
Power comes from the stock 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 160-horses, with Mazda also offering an optional sport package that includes an exhaust system, a lowering kit for the suspension plus a few more goodies such an iPod and USB adapter, and an exclusive set of floor mats.
Mazda said it plans to build 165 examples of the Karai for Germany, with prices starting at €30,000 (US$43,500). The company didn’t say if and when it will offer the special edition roadster in other markets.

Refreshed Mazda Demio goes on Sale in Japan 

Mazda announced today that sales of the facelifted Mazda Demio, or Mazda2 as the rest of the world knows it, have begun in Japan. The new Mazda2 is the company’s supermini and the target sales for its home market is 6,000 units per month. The facelifted Mazda2 differs from its predecessor in some minor styling details, a bodyshell with increased rigidity thanks to reinforcements and a retuned suspension. Moreover, the interior is made of higher quality materials.
New to the Mazda2’s range is the 13-Skyactive engine which, according to the company, offers best in-class fuel consumption of just 30 km/lit. It does so by incorporating direct fuel injection, the world’s highest compression of 14.0:1 and Mazda’s unique “i-stop” stop-start system. It also has a technology named i-DM (intelligent Drive Master) that adds to economic, yet enjoyable driving.
The new Mazda2’s list of standard features includes Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System and 14-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for the Sport edition).
Mazda expects the 13-Skyactive to be the most popular in the new Mazda2’s range, accounting for 60% of the model’s total sales. 

A Mazda MX-5 On Steroids: Australia’s V8 Engined Bullet Roadster 

 

In the late ‘90s, Australian John Bettini unleashed onto the word the Bullet Roadster. What begin life as a heavily modified Mazda MX-5 with an RX-7 13B powerplant gradually evolved into a V8-engined monster like the one you see here that we found for sale in Queensland, Australia. According to the seller, this was the fifth Bullet Roadster built and the first V8-engined one to roll out of the company’s then new Chinderah, NSW factory. It’s all hearsay, of course, but I’m willing to believe the words of a 62yo motoring enthusiast with arthritic knees. So here goes...
Bullet No. 5 was a special order from a man named George Covacic who supplied a 4.6-liter all-alloy, fuel injected V8 crate motor along with a Tremac 5-speed manual transmission and the differential from a Holden Commodore SS. Like all Bullet supercars, the brakes and suspension came from the Mazda RX-7.
Standard equipment extended to 17-inch alloys, air conditioning, power window and an Alpine CD stereo sound system – flash for a car built in the late ‘90s. All cars also got leather and a Momo steering wheel, shift knob and drilled pedals.
This particular example, which has done a paltry 16,107 km (10,008 miles), is finished in “Grace Green” with a black leather interior.
It’s fully registered and roadworthy, and at “just” AU$44,000 (US$46,191) is more than half the price it was when it was new (AU$98,000 / US$102,880). Check out the seller’s gallery of the V8-powered Miata below.

Mazda and Sumitomo to Open New Plant in Mexico, Sales Company in Brazil 

 

Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that it is opening a new production facility in Mexico, and a sales company in Brazil, both in collaboration with Sumitomo. The Japanese manufacture proceeded with these moves in order to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing Central and South American markets. The Mexican plant, which is located in the city of Salamanca some 250 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, will produce the Mazda2 and Mazda3 models. The investment will reach $500 million, split 70% - 30% between Mazda and Sumitomo respectively, and once it reaches full capacity, will employ around 3,000 workers. It is expected to begin operations in the fiscal year of 2013 (April 2013 to March 2014), and its annual production will reach 140,000 units.
Mazda and Sumitomo will also open a new sales company in Sao Paulo, Brazil, named Mazda Motor do Brasil Limitada, with the investment once again being split 70% - 30% between the two companies.
Brazil is the world’s fourth largest market, behind China, the USA and Japan, with annual demand for new cars having doubled between 2005 and 2010 to 3.5 million units. It will initially sell cars imported from Japan and, once it becomes operational, from the aforementioned plant in Mexico.

Mazda Expands CX-9 Lineup in Australia with Front-Wheel Drive Model 

Given that are many buyers are not interested in the merits of all wheel drive when it comes to shopping crossovers, Mazda decided to expand the range of its 7-seater CX-9 in Australia with the addition of a front-wheel drive [FWD] only version available in a choice of two trim levels, Classic and Luxury. Power for the FWD CX-9 continues to be provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 204kW (274HP) and 367Nm, mated to a 6-speed Activematic transmission. As you would expect, the FWD version is a tad more fuel efficient than the AWD model returning 11.0 lt/100km instead of 11.2lt/100km.
Furthermore, each of the new FWD models are priced AU$4,500 lower than the equivalent AWD models.
The CX-9 Classic FWD is now the new entry-level model in the range with prices starting from AU$44,425 (US$46,731). Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps, cruise control, three-zone climate control, power windows and mirrors plus a leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The Luxury model is priced at AU$51,725 20-inch and adds 20-inch alloys, a power-sliding and tilt glass sunroof, heated power mirrors with 3-position memory and reverse tilt-down function, power adjustable leather seats with 3-position memory function and a premium Bose audio system with 10 speakers.
All CX9 models in Australia are fitted with six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and a reversing camera as standard. 

Mazda Introduces Revised 2012 Demio with new SKYACTIV-G 1.3-Liter Engine in Japan 

Mazda has just released a refreshed version of its Demio sub-compact car in its home market of Japan. The big news for the 2012MY Demio, which we know here as the Mazda2, is the introduction of the brand new “13-SKYACTIV” model grade equipped with a suite of fuel-saving technologies most important of which is the “SKYACTIV-G 1.3” 1.3-liter direct-injection gasoline engine. The four-cylinder powerplant features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and puts out 84-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It is coupled to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission and according to the Japanese norms, it’s fuel economy is rated at 30km/lt (equal to 3.33 lt/100 km or 70.6 mpg US).
The Demio 13-SKYACTIV comes equipped with an improved i-stop (start and stop) system and unique to this model aero-parts such as an engine under cover and a rear roof spoiler to control airflow above and below the body. Other bespoke features include a blue metallic engine cover, blue headlight rings and an exclusive rear badge.
On the more gimmicky side, Mazda developed a system named i-DM that monitors the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as the vehicle speed, to inform the driver about his skills through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. “The score from each trip is used to calculate a driving skill level, from Stage 1 to Stage 3. By progressing through the stages, drivers can feel that their driving skills are improving,” says Mazda.
Regardless of grade, all 2012 Demios feature increased body rigidity, retuned dampers, and improved bush characteristics for the rear trailing arm mounts, plus a new five-point grille and redesigned seats.
Mazda began taking pre-orders today for the facelifted Demio with first deliveries scheduled for June 30, 2011 Prices in Japan range from 1,149,000 yen to 1,621,750 yen (~US$14,400 to $20,300). 

Mazda to Debut New BT-50 Freestyle with RX-8-esque Door Configuration at Melbourne Auto Show 

Just shy of 8 months ago, Mazda unwrapped its all-new BT-50 compact pickup truck in double-cab form at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney. Now, the Japanese automaker is preparing the next addition to its BT-50 family, the Freestyle Cab version featuring a similar door configuration to the firm’s four-door RX-8 coupe, which will also make its world premiere on Australian soil at the 2011 AIMS to be held in Melbourne from July 1 to 10. Like the Mazda RX-8, the second derivative of the BT-50 sports a full-size front-hinged door and a smaller rear access panel on either side of the cabin. Thanks to the pillar-less design, the Freestyle Cab boasts a 1,408mm (55.4-in.) wide opening for easier entry to and exit from the front or rear seats.
In addition, Mazda has lengthened the rear cushions by 50mm for improved thigh support and more stable fitment of child seats while the seatback height has been increased by 128mm compared to the current model. If the owner needs to utilize the cabin space, the rear seat cushions can be removed.
The new BT-50 Freestyle also features a longer, wider and taller cargo tub than the outgoing model with an overall cargo volume of 1,453 liters, an increase of 266 liters.
“Just as we were delighted to be given the privilege of hosting the global debut of the All-New BT-50 Dual Cab in Sydney last year, we are equally delighted to be hosting the global debut of the Freestyle Cab in Melbourne this year,” said Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson. “With Australia expected to be the largest market for the All-New BT-50 it's no coincidence that we've been asked to host not one but two global unveilings of this important new model. It's only appropriate that the Australian public see it first."
The new generation of the Mazda BT-50, which has been co-developed with Ford (see the new Ranger pickup truck here), will go on sale in select markets around the world later this year.

Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca to be Axed, According to Report from Japan 

 

Mazda and Subaru may soon be forced to axe two of their models in the US market, the Mazda6 mid-size vehicle and the Subaru Tribeca SUV, due to low volumes that undermine the efficiency of the U.S. plants that they are built in, according to a newspaper report from Japan’s business daily Nikkan Kogyo. It should be noted though that spokesmen for both companies declined to comment on the report. Nikkan Kogyo wrote that Mazda is planning to discontinue production of the Mazda6 at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which it operates as a joint venture together with Ford Motor Co., as sales missed expectations. When Mazda introduce the latest generation of the mid-size model in 2008, the company expected an annual production of around 100,000 units, but last year, the plant churned out just 45,168 Mazda6s. In April, Mazda6 posted an increase of 7.8 percent but sales reached just 2,734 vehicles.
But being that the mid size segment is an important category, the report says that Mazda is mulling other options including the introduction of another model or build a similar vehicle at a lower cost factory in Mexico.
As for the Tribeca, which has been in production since 2005 at Subaru’s Indiana plant, the Japanese newspaper said the company has stopped the development of a new version and plans to use the increased capacity to build the better selling Outback and Legacy. This year through April, Subaru sold just 910 examples of the SUV model. 

‘Tis Official: Mazda to Stop Building the North American Mazda6 in the USA, Successor will Come from Japan 

 

For better or for worse, depending on which side of the line you are standing on, Mazda has confirmed rumors that it will stop building the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Michigan, which it runs jointly with Ford, after the mid-size sedan's current cycle ends. The company said the Mazda6's replacement for the North American market will be produced at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, adding that the decision was driven by the firm’s “ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies”.
“Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business," said Takashi Yamanouchi, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Co.
Mazda established the AAI plant in 1985 but it became a 50-50 joint venture between the Japanese automaker and Ford Motor Company in 1992, when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International, Inc. Over the years, the facility has churned out more than 1.7 million Mazda vehicles, including the MX-6, 626 and from 2002, the Mazda6 of which over 500,000 units have been built. The factory also produces the Ford Mustang.
The Japanese automaker said it will continue to work with its former owner Ford, but didn’t go into any specific details.
“We are committed to working with Ford, our joint venture partner in AAI, to identify potential future opportunities for the plant,” said Yamanouchi. “Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years. We have collaborated on projects where there are mutual benefits, and both companies remain committed to continuing this strategic partnership."
Ford has not yet commented on Mazda’s decision to abandon the joint venture factory in Michigan. 

Mazda Debuts New 1.3-liter Skyactiv Gasoline Engine on JDM Demio 

The new generation of powertrains developed by Mazda under the Skyactiv name will soon have its another member out on the road, as the company announced that the “Skyactiv-G 1.3” direct-injection gasoline engine will debut on the facelifted Demio (known as the Mazda2 in international markets) in Japan this summer. Mazda will unveil the new engine at Tokyo's Automotive Engineering Exposition on May 18-20. The 1.3-liter engine features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and delivers 84 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 112 Nm (82.6 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In the Demio, it returns an impressive average fuel consumption of 3.33 lt/100 km (70.6 mpg), according to Japanese norms.
The low fuel consumption is also due to Mazda's new i-stop system and the continuously variable transmission (CVT), as the improved start/stop system alone contributes to an 8 percent drop in fuel consumption.
The Japanese automaker said it applied for over 130 patents in relation to this engine only, as it features many new technologies, such as multi-hole injectors that enable precise fuel injection control, compact combustion chambers with a longer stroke for better efficiency, lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy engine block and a dual sequential valve timing system.
Mazda aims to increase its global fleet fuel efficiency by 30 percent by 2015 via its Skyactiv technologies.

2012 Mazda3 Facelift with New 40mpg SKYACTIV Engine Debuts in New York 

Mazda is getting ready to enter the raging mpg war in the compact passenger vehicle segment in the States with the launch of its facelifted 2012 Mazda3 that made its U.S. debut today at the New York International Auto Show. While the exterior and interior refinements are modest, the updated Mazda3 debuts the first application in North America of the Japanese firm’s suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, achieving 40 mpg on the highway. Within it lies Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.
Approximately 4.4 pounds lighter than the current MZR 2.0-liter engine, which continues for the 2012MY, the SKYACTIV 2.0-liter unit adopts multi-hole injectors to enhance fuel spray characteristics and achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1. It delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, compared to 148HP and 135 lb-ft of the MZR 2.0L.
When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic, the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan returns an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, a 21-percent improvement over the current MZR 2.0-liter engine equipped with the optional five-speed auto. City mpg for the sedan version also improves by 17 percent to 28 mpg.
When equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual, the sedan is rated with an estimated fuel economy of 27mpg city and 39mpg highway.
The SKYACTIV-G unit will also be offered on the five-door hatchback model, in which case it returns a fuel economy of 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-Drive AT). Mazda attributes the lower highway estimates “to different aerodynamics and the higher weight ratio between the sedan and hatchback”.
The SKYACTIVE models also feature several aero tweaks including larger underbody covers and increased rigidity of the front tire deflectors.
Cosmetically, all 2012 Mazda3 models gain a updated five-point grille opening, restyled front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Japanese automaker added new colors and trim options.
Furthermore, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models equipped with SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines are distinguished by certain unique elements such as an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the center lens, and the appropriate badges. 

Mazda Minagi Concept is the New CX-5, Production Version to Debut at this Fall’s Frankfurt Show 

Mazda today confirmed what many of us already suspected – that the Minagi concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon earlier this year will form the base for a production model that will be called the CX-5. In addition, the Japanese firm also announced that the compact crossover model will make its international debut in production guise at the forthcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to be held in Germany in September. The new CX-5 will sit below the larger CX-7 and CX-9 in Mazda’s crossover lineup, and will compete against the VW Tiguan, BMW X1, and Ford Kuga. It will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda's new styling language called 'KODO - Soul of Motion' as well as the full range of the firm’s SKYACTIV technologies, including a whole host of new engines, transmissions, bodyshells and platforms, all designed to significantly improve fuel efficiency.
The Japanese company hasn’t released any other details on the CX-5, but it did say that the compact crossover model will go on sale worldwide in early 2012. 

Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models 

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume. Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.
Starting from Monday, however, the factories will be shut down once again. Mazda says its U.S. sales won't be affected since its American subsidiary has enough cars in stock. In 2010, Mazda imported from Japan 83 percent of the cars sold in the U.S.
Honda also announced this week that it suspended U.S. dealer orders for vehicles imported from Japan, including the Fit, CR-V, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL. Nissan said it would reduce its planned allocation for May by half, with the other half to be released when its Japanese factories confirm the vehicles will be ready. Toyota and Mitsubishi have not suspended dealer orders.