New Mazda2 3 Door Due

 

NEW MAZDA2 THREE-DOOR TO DEBUT AT GENEVA SHOW

 

The new Mazda2 three-door hatchback will make its world premiere on Tuesday 4 March at the 78th Salon International de l’Auto de Genève.  This is the first time that Mazda has offered a three-door variant in its popular Mazda2 model range.  The newcomer will feature all the attributes of the five-door hatchback, but delivering an even sportier feel  at a more affordable price.

 

The new Mazda2 three-door hatchback is designed to attract new customers and boost Mazda’s continued growth in the European market.  It comes with the same powertrain line-up – the lively and responsive MZR 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines and the MZ-CD 1.4-litre turbo diesel – as the five-door hatchback.  These engines achieve high fuel efficiency together with particularly low CO₂ emissions.

 

The three-door Mazda2 shares the same overall dimensions as the five-door and achieves a similarly modest kerb weight, model for model.  The five-door Mazda2 has already demonstrated that by completely redesigning the body and chassis and implementing Mazda’s unique ‘gram strategy’, the brand’s small car weight could be reduced to under the 1,000 kilogram threshold.  This outstanding result reverses the industry trend towards bigger and heavier cars.

 

Launched in September 2007 as Mazda’s first new-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicle to evolve to the next level, the new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers.  In December 2007, it was awarded a 5-Star safety rating by Euro-NCAP and it has won more than 20 automotive awards.  These include Car of the Year awards in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece and New Zealand, along with the Japan RJC Car of the Year.

 

New Upgrade for Mazda RX-8

 

UPGRADED MAZDA RX-8: EVOLUTION FOR THE ROTARY REVOLUTION

 

Mazda's second world premiere at the NAIAS in Detroit today (Sunday) will mark the further evolution of the rotory-engined Mazda RX-8 four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving it a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and the option of a new sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.

 

The core of the hugely-popular RX-8 is unchanged – it remains a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

 

"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission – to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own," commented Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' RX-8 vehicle line manager. 

 

"The new RX-8 embodies that mission and moves it forwards, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."

 

To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the updated RX-8 – styling, performance and packaging.  "The enhancements made to RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance take it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," remarked Nakazawa.

 

 

Refreshed Design Cues provide 'High-Quality Dynamism'igh-Quality' Dynamism

RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that's unrivalled in the marketplace today. The new RX-8 receives design enhancements that freshen the styling and give it a new look, without impairing the basic design theme.

 

Refinements for the new model include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia; sporty, high quality finish front headlamps and twin circular LED rear lamps; and larger diameter (90mm) exhaust pipes.  Updates extend to a new five-spoke wheel design, increasing in diameter to 19" and featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine.

 

Taut muscular lines give RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion.  The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda. 

 

 

The RX-8's unique 'freestyle' four-door design is proof that a true sports car does not need to sacrifice space or practicality for performance.  The advanced design of the rear-hinged rear doors provides a large door opening, allowing adult-sized passengers to easily enter and exit the vehicle.  With a spacious cabin that provides ample passenger room for four full-size adults, and enough trunk space for a weekend's worth of luggage, this sports car proves its versatility. 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE INNOVATIONS – EVEN MORE DRIVING PLEASURE

Through-and-through, the RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience.  Engineers improved body rigidity of the new RX-8 through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal bracing bar between the front suspension towers and enhancing the local rigidity of the tower areas. 

 

Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) levels and improving performance. 

 

In addition, the differential gear ratio is lowered (from 4.444:1 to 4.777:1) for improved off‑the‑line performance.  These changes give RX-8 increased acceleration and performance, as well as even greater responsiveness to the accelerator pedal – always a rotary-engine and RX-8 hallmark. 

 

The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world.  While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and 'instant' throttle response.

 

Depending on individual markets, the new Mazda RX-8 will be available as either a 231ps‑model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 205ps model fitted with a five‑speed manual transmission.  The RENESIS engine is remarkably smooth and high revving – all the way to 9000rpm – and is significantly more compact than traditional internal combustion engines.  In fact, the packaging and styling that define the RX-8 would not have been possible had Mazda engineers chosen a conventional piston engine.

 

 

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE – THE MAZDA RX-8 R3

To cater to the driving-conscious enthusiast, the new RX-8 will offer a sport package.  Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, this package adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam.  Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimises NVH and ensures greater suspension control.

 

On the visual side of the sport package, a new rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sports front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum‑alloy wheels with high performance tyres.  Inside, this model adds front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters and colour coordinated stitching to leather-wrapped parking brake handle, steering wheel and gear knob. 

 

 

Premium Cabin with even More Comfort

Minor enhancements were made for the new RX-8 to provide a simple and functional interior design that supports driving pleasure.  The instrument panel was redesigned to give a feeling of dynamic movement, with a variable red-zone added to the tachometer that will rise as the engine comes to operating temperature and a new steering wheel, plus redesigned front and rear seats.

 

An extremely low cabin floor allows the seats to be mounted low in the chassis, which, along with a low instrument cluster cowling and bonnet, allows a low centre of gravity and provides outstanding visibility.  Mazda designers concentrated on the shape of the front seat backs and the rear seat cushions to ensure enhanced rear-seat knee room.  The front seat mounting-rails are also repositioned to allow maximum foot room for rear-seat passengers.

 

The rotary design element is incorporated throughout the interior of the RX-8 in creative ways, while the stylish cabin also evokes a sense of luxury and high-end quality.  Mazda's design team examined every aspect and component of the interior and created an elegant, driver‑centric atmosphere.  Through the use of advanced ergonomic research, Mazda engineers determined that improper seating posture is a major cause of driver fatigue and built in optimum support in the front seats to help offset discomfort. 

 

In addition, the colour of the RX-8's instrument cluster was developed to reduce eye strain. The premium feel of the new RX-8 extends to the inclusion of latest technology features such as a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and auto sensing xenon headlights and windscreen wipers.

 

The Revolutionary Award-winner

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang.  The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan, Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004.  It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006.  All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.

 

New Mazda MX-5 Ltd Edition Niseko

 

SPECIAL 'MAZDA MX-5 NISEKO' BRIGHTENS WINTER GLOOM

 

The latest Mazda MX-5 can truly be described as an all-weather, all-year sports car with its enhanced heating and air-conditioning systems.  Now, to celebrate its continuing status as 'Britain's favourite sports car brand' this winter, Mazda is introducing a pair of special edition 'Niseko' models, named after Japan's most prestigious skiing resort.

 

As the latest edition of the world's best selling roadster, the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 Niseko boasts unrivalled handling and driving dynamics, and represents extremely competitive value for money.  Available from £17,995 on-the-road, the Niseko offers up to £2,000 worth of additional or exclusive extras over and above the equivalent standard models.

 

On sale from 1 January 2008, both the 'entry-level' 1.8i Niseko soft-top (126ps, five-speed) and the £19,995 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe (160ps, six‑speed) are available in an exclusive new bespoke colour 'Icy Blue' metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver metallic – for no additional charge.

 

"Mazda MX-5 customers have traditionally given a warm welcome to each new 'special edition' model introduced during our roadster's 18 year history," commented Mark Cameron, Mazda UK marketing director.  "Now, for the first time with the Niseko, we are offering a 'special' model in both soft-top and roadster coupe forms and with co-ordinated brown leather seats and interior trim.  Personally, I think the new 'Icy Blue' colour is going to appeal particularly to women buyers, although since launch the third generation Mazda MX-5 has achieved a 50/50, male/female sales mix as predicted.

 

"Traditionally, MX-5 buyers spend more on accessories and do more to individualise their cars, than other Mazda owners.  Although the majority of those buyers use their MX-5s all-year-round, the peak ordering period is from February through to May, so the introduction of Niseko in January will boost sales at the back end of winter and give us a head-start for a spring sales boom," added Cameron.

 

Special exterior features of the Mazda MX-5 Niseko include: unique design 17-inch alloy wheels, unique body-colour finish for the style bar trim, front fog lamps, Chrome Pack (door handles and headlamp bezels, and surrounds for the side‑repeaters, front grille and fog lamps) and special edition 'Niseko' badging on each front wing, plus a unique dark brown premium cloth for the fabric roof (soft-top only).

 

Inside, both Niseko models feature unique dark brown heated leather seats with co-ordinated door trim and icy blue stitching, plus dark brown leather steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake.  They are also equipped with a dark-silver dash panel, stainless-steel scuff plates and Niseko-branded luxury interior mats, with a suspension strut tower bracing bar beneath the bonnet.

 

As well as adding the special Niseko features, the generous standard equipment of the donor vehicles ensures that buyers can enjoy: driver's seat height adjustment, electric windows, central locking, MP3-compatible radio/single CD player with six-speaker audio system, climate control air‑conditioning, stainless-steel scuff plates, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

 

Niseko owners will also enjoy a degree of exclusivity as production of this latest Mazda MX-5 model will be restricted.  Just 240 examples of the Mazda MX-5 1.8i Niseko soft-top and 560 units of the MX-5 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe will be made available in the UK.

 

Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Niseko special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts – 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).

 

The new Mazda2 scores 5 Stars in NCAP crash testing!

 

5-STARS FOR NEW MAZDA2 IN LATEST Euro NCAP RATINGS

 

The all-new Mazda2 supermini has been awarded a 5-Star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests.

 

In terms of occupant protection, the new Mazda2 proved itself to be among the safest cars in the small car segment – earning the maximum 5-Stars for adult protection, plus a class-leading 4-Stars for child protection and a competitive 2-Stars for pedestrian protection.

 

“This is an excellent result for Mazda2, which is now officially one of the safest small cars,” commented Rob Lindley, Managing Director Mazda Motors UK.  “Mazda’s designers and engineers have demonstrated that lightweight construction, which is so important in cutting fuel consumption and reducing emissions, does not mean having to compromise on strength or safety.” 

 

The new Mazda2 weighs under 1,000kg, significantly less than the outgoing model, and its lightweight construction using ultra high-tensile steels, combined with sophisticated aerodynamics, enables the car to achieve reduced CO₂ emissions (from 129g/km) and fuel consumption (up to 52.3mpg), while ensuring brisk acceleration and agile handling characteristics.

 

The three-strong Mazda2 range of petrol models is available in the UK from just £8,499 (on-the-road), with diesel models in showrooms from March 2008.

 

FW: Furai concept & RX-8 news

 

MAZDA FURAI CONCEPT AND NEW MAZDA RX-8

TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT DETROIT SHOW

 

Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that it will stage the world premieres of the new Mazda Furai concept vehicle and the heavily revised version of the Mazda RX-8 sports car in Detroit on press day (Sunday 13 January, 2008), at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). 

 

Following its show-stopping debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in October, the Mazda Taiki concept vehicle also will make its North American debut, the first time it has been shown outside Japan.  Additionally, Mazda will have a special display of racecars on its stand during the press days, and the full line-up of production cars for consumers to view for the public days.

 

Mazda Furai –'Sound of the wind'

Inspired by the fact that, on any given weekend, there are more Mazdas and Mazda‑powered racing cars in action on circuits across the United States than any other brand, Mazda has created the Mazda Furai.  It is the sort of car that could only come from a company that incorporates the 'Soul of a Sports Car' into everything it builds, but with an eye toward the future and the environment through the use of synthetic fuel (cellulosic ethanol E100) produced by British Petroleum (BP).

 

Furai takes Mazda's unique Nagare (Japanese for 'flow') design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) sports racing car.  The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago, and the 450-hp three-rotor rotary engine that distinguishes it from anything else on the track.

 

 "Furai purposely blurs boundaries that have traditionally distinguished street cars from racing cars," says Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda's North American director of design.  "Historically, there has been a gap between single-purpose racecars and the sportiest of street-legal production models — commonly called supercars — that emulate the real racers on the road.  Furai bridges that gap like no car has ever done before.

 

"Mazda's critically acclaimed Nagare design language describes the flow of water, air, people or things moving in one direction.  Mazda Nagare is flow, with an insightful and spirited styling, which, in Mazda Furai, invokes a raw, unfettered desire to possess everything this car represents," enthuses Holzhausen.

 

New Mazda RX-8

Sporting a freshened design, improved handling, stronger acceleration, enhanced quality and extra features, the heavily revised new version of the Mazda RX-8 continues to be a 'Sports Car like no other' and shows that the rotary engine is still an important part of Mazda's future.

 

Since its launch in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 has been hailed as a genuine sports car, but with a totally new, four-door, four-seat format that delivers true sports car values and driving pleasure, together with unique passenger comfort.

 

Powered by the world's only mass-produced rotary engine, RX-8 is the spiritual successor to the 1967 Cosmo 110S, the world's first twin-rotor production car.  With almost two‑million rotary engines sold, and the company's legendary win at the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours – the only Japanese brand to ever win the endurance racing classic – the rotary engine is the sole preserve of Mazda.