RX-8 is Out, RX-7 is Back in
Mazda will finally retire the RX-8 and resurrect the RX-7 nameplate. This has been speculated on for at least three years, but the move can now be verified. Not only is the moniker moving downward, but so is the target price. The RX-8 currently runs around thirty grand and starts at $27,200 (minus fees). Mazda will be seeking to move the new rotary coupe to a starting price around $24,000, along with a spec boost to better compete with America’s resurgent sport coupes. Expect more developments in the next quarter.
Next Miata to Be a Prius-Killer?
Looks like Mazda’s planning a mechanical revolution with the 2011 MX-5 roadster. Inside Line and Leftlane are reporting that the ‘11 Miata will be able to achieve 70 mpg. The astonishing number comes courtesy of a normally aspirated 1.3 L I-4 called the SKY-G. What’s even more shocking about the claim is that the engine will still produce around 150 hp, while helping to keep weight down to a mere 2,200 lbs.
We Were Right: Mazda and Ford Parting Ways
Bloomberg news agents confirmed that Ford Motor and Mazda will be branching apart.
“For a lot of designing and engineering, we’re going to be focused on Ford,” said Ford US president Mark Fields. “Our efforts will be focused on the Ford system, as opposed to relying on others such as Mazda.” CarVersation reported back in the spring of a growing rift within Mazda over its partnership with Ford. Ford acquired a sizeable minority stake in Mazda during the 1980s, and this helped to fuel joint-ventures in production. From Mazda, Ford produced the Probe; from Ford, Mazda gained the Tribute.
The tension came over the two sides’ rival products–not necessarily rebadged works. Ford began concentrating more cutting-edge features into its brand, at the exclusion (or long delay) of Mazda. The suprise popularity of the Fusion, and the expected strength of the Fiesta and updated Focus, are of concern to the Japanese company. Sales of the acclaimed 3 and 6 haven’t been what the company’s hoped for, and the 2 looks to already be trapped in the Fiesta’s shadow.
The lack of sharing, sale of stock, and formal separation from Ford have given Mazda execs much to worry. The company appeared secure with its Ford partnership, but now mumbles in the US shores are of the company becoming the next Mitsu.
Not a good spot to be in.
Image Gallery: Mazda2
The Mazda2 will fill company’s low-end niche for North America. Aimed to take on the likes of the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa, the 2 looks to make its mark the way the 3 did for compacts. Not much is known about the engine lineup, though we’re hearing a base inline-four will start things off in the 1.4 L range. The 2 has a good start: since its 2007 overseas launch, more than 370,000 units have been sold. Mazda proudly boasts of the car earning the New York Auto Show’s “World Car of the Year” Award in ‘08. Marketing is seeking to focus on the 2’s sporty angle as a way of undercutting segment-champ Honda. What we know from inside Mazda’s Irvine center is that they’re more concerned with stake-holder Ford’s Fiesta, which carries the similar design theme and spirited road manners. Read more
At Twenty, the Miata’s Still a Cutie
Mazda’s commemorating twenty years of topless glory with a special edition of its MX-5 roadster. Twenty years and she’s still a fun to look at top-off…
It’s hard to believe the impact the ol’ “Miata” had on the car scene at its ‘89 debut. The roadster had become an endangered breed in the 1980s, with only a handful of badly-aging Euro roadsters still hanging on in the US. With the Miata, Mazda was able to modernize the classic roadster while making it widely accessible.
From weekend racers to female fashionistas, the affordable Miata was a hot item for the masses the world over. Two decades have passed and the Miata is still alive and well. We don’t much care for a repackaged “special,” but there’s no denying the MX-5 remains the best in its class.
Mazda Makes an About-Face on Hybrids
Mazda will expand its hybrid offerings…at some point.
So comes word from the company’s PR department. With just one hybrid, the rebadged Tribute, Mazda is vulnerable within this growing segment of the market. With even smaller groups like Subaru and Mitsubishi now pushing ahead with hybrid development largely through partnerships, Mazda is playing catchup.
Execs desire to have their own dual gas-electric powertrain, but are seeking to arrange a mid-term deal with Ford to share its proven hybrid systems within the likes of the Mazda3 and watch last patrol the in divx 6. There’s no word on whether Mazda’s “crossover” CXs will receive the option.
There has been interest in somehow employing the such a system within its rotary works, but emphasis will be put on its two mainstays rather than SUVs and sports cars.
Tension Between Mazda and Ford?
There may be tension within the ranks of Mazda. Apparently some in the Mazda camp feel that Ford has stunted its Japanese partner’s own growth in the US. Among the sporting element in US operations, there was disappointment that not enough was done to keep the RX-8 competitive, especially when Ford’s less-expensive and much faster retro Mustang hit the scene and undercut the rotary sport coupe.
Of larger concern, Mazda only has a single hybrid in the US–a rebadged Ford Escape. Previous reports on the blogosphere have stated that the Mazda6 sedan will not receive a hybrid option for fear of intruding on the Fusion’s turf. Mazda has also wanted to bring its Mazda2 subcompact to the States, but there was worry that it would conflict with Ford’s Fiesta campaign.
agony and the ecstasy the free download
Video: 2010 Mazda3 MPS - Mazdaspeed3 Teaser
The Japanese auto maker published this 30sec teaser before the car is released officially in March. No one knows if it’ll have the same turbocharged 2.3-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine of the current model. It remains to be seen if Mazda’s engineers have performed any upgrades to the engine that delivers an output of 260HP in the 2009 Mazda3 MPS launching it to (62mph) in 6.1 sec and on to a top speed of 154mph. I think they could have done more work on the exterior especially that hideous grill. What do you think?
View the video after the jump… Read more
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