Mazda Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the global premiere of the Mazda TAKERI next-generation midsize sedan concept car at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. The show will also see the Japanese debut of the new CX-5 crossover SUV outfitted with the complete range of Mazda's breakthrough SkyActiv technology, as well as other new technologies and production models.
by on October 13, 2011
They say good things come in threes, and that will certainly be the case with the 2012 Mazda3. The best-selling model in the Mazda lineup was significantly refreshed for the new model year, with the lineup adding the automaker's breakthrough Skyactiv powertrain technology while removing hundreds of dollars from its starting price.
It all starts with the Mazda3 i SV sedan, with an MSRP of $15,200?$600 less than the 2011 model. Introducing the new look of the Mazda3 roster, the car is thoroughly restyled inside and out, with a revised front fascia and grille, new cloth seats, and a bold, black cabin. Upgrading to the Mazda3 i Sport sedan, with remote start and other athletic enhancements, brings a starting price of $16,845. Both sedans holster Mazda's proven MZR 2.0-liter I4 engine.
Mazda appears to have addressed the "will they or won't they" rumors regarding further development of the rotary engine and the answer seems to be that they will. A tweet from the automaker's Japanese Twitter account contained the following statement, translated from the original Japanese:
"Thank you so much for all your supportive messages concerning the RX-8 and the rotary engine! We are also excited. Mazda is aiming to achieve a breakthrough with the Skyactiv technology, and we are zealously working on new models to house the next generation rotary engine. Thank you for your continued support!" [click to continue?]
Mazda has finally released pricing on the updated 2012 Mazda3, which features the automaker's all-new SKYACTIV powertrain technology. The base Mazda3 i SV sedan now carries a price tag of $15,200. This model comes equipped with the previous generation 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's good for 148-horsepower.
Stepping up to the Mazda3 i Touring ? priced from $18,450 ? will give drivers the chance to sample the all-new SKACTIV 2.0-liter engine. This four-cylinder engine is EPA-rated to achieve 40 mpg on the highway. [click to continue?]
Mazda had strong sales last month, selling 25,521 vehicles, up 37.4 percent versus September, 2010. Additionally, year to date sales are up 9.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
Among Mazda's strongest sellers was the CX-7 crossover, which racked up 4,909 sales, up 90.8 percent. The larger CX-9 garnered 4,201 sales, up by 73.6 from last year. Mazda's crossovers and SUVs continue to see demand, as they've reported best-ever monthly sales. [click to continue?]
Mazda has just offered a special edition of the MX-5 to consumers in its home-market. The Mazda Roadster Black Edition receives a black embellishments and a hefty price tag.
Based on the Roadster RHT, which is fitted with Mazda's power retractable hard top, the Roadster Black features a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. It will come standard with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. Although the word "tuned" is in its name, changes for this limited edition are largely cosmetic. [click to continue?]
Mazda has just announced its all-new "MyMazda" Service iPhone Application. The app will give customers easy access to service offers personalized to their vehicle, scheduled maintenance reminders, factory maintenance schedules, and other information about their Mazda.
According to Mazda, the new app is the first of its kind to provide drivers with real-time information about their vehicle. The app will also give users quick access to a range of helpful information including maintenance schedules, vehicle service history with brake and tire inspection results, and recall information. [click to continue?]
Overall U.S. gasoline demand fell to a 10-year low in August, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API). Also, year-to-date demand is two percent lower the same period last year.
"The U.S. economy is still struggling. Retail sales are weak, and we're seeing a reflection of that in the gasoline demand numbers," said API chief economist, John Felmy. "The rise in distillate demand accords with data that suggest modest growth in manufacturing, but consumers remain cautious." [click to continue?]
The Mazda CX-5 will essentially replace the automaker's Ford-based Tribute crossover, and help the brand compete in the crowded compact crossover segment. But the CX-5 won't be just another "me too"" entry. Instead, it will undoubtedly rock the segment with more style and performance.
Although the first application of Mazda's new SKYACTIV powertrain technology will be available on the 2012 Mazda3, the new CX-5 will receive ever more SKYACTIV goodies. The crossover features a potent 2.0-liter gasoline engine as well as a 2.2-liter diesel that features the industry's lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine. Both engines promise to pair performance with fuel economy. [click to continue?]
As the 2011 racing season nears its end, Mazda has secured two manufacturers championships and almost scored a third. The end of the season marks another incredible championship season for Mazda.
"As any racer will tell you, championships actually take years to accomplish as you need to develop both the people and the products," said John Doonan, Director of Motorsports for Mazda North American Operations. "We can't thank our partners enough." [click to continue?]