Details on Mazda1 revealed

High energy costs and growth in emerging markets have automakers scrambling to downsize their product plans, and ultra-small transportation like the VW up! is bound to bring low-cost city cars to the masses. Mazda intends to be a serious player in this burgeoning segment and will unveil the Mazda1 concept in Paris this fall, expected to look like the sketch above and influenced by the Nagare design language.
Mazda promises that the production vehicle will be more "radical" in production trim, though it likely won't carry fuel cells and batteries like the concept. The automaker does plan on offering amenities like navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and the micro will have sliding doors and seats to make getting in and out easier. Mazda engineers are also working hard to make sure the Mazda1 is environmentally friendly, which means low emissions, small powertrains, and low weight. Fortunately, those very same attributes will also help keep costs down, which should help Mazda offer the vehicle everywhere from India and China to more developed regions like Europe and the US.

[ Via: Auto Express ]
[ Tag: Bluetooth, concept, ipod, Mazda1, microcar, navigation, paris ]

Mazda2 5-door spotted in California

Although we've seen the Mazda2 before in 3- and 5-door configurations overseas, the presence of it at a local car meet in Southern California had us once again speculating about its sales potential in the States. The fact that the meet was held at Mazda's SoCal HQ means that the car could simply be undergoing evaluation, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, we think this has better sales potential than the 2009 Focus that was parked at the other end of the lot. While the exterior looked pretty spiffy, the interior looked cavernous. Smart design, and a worthy competitor for the Yaris, Versa and Fit. While we've heard that Ford's version of this car, the Fiesta, will make it to our shores eventually, we still don't know for sure about this lovely little Mazda. Mazda keeps waffling. We'll keep our fingers crossed, especially knowing there's that Mazdaspeed2 in the mix, at least overseas. But that's where all of the magic seems to start nowadays so there is hope.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: Mazda2 ]

Mazda sponsoring Japanese baseball all-star games

Are you paying attention? Because this could very well be the most important piece of automotive news we've reported since the couch-hauling Miata. Mazda is sponsoring this year's All-Star Games for the Japanese pro baseball league. Yes, you read that right.Unlike the MLB All-Star Game, the Nippon Professional Baseball Association holds two or three all-star games, on different days, in different cities around Japan, giving local fans of the sport a better chance to see their favorite players in the ultimate exhibition showdown. We hear Mazda is considering promotions that could include renaming the fastball the "zoom-zoom ball" to boost attendance. But then, we hear a lot of things. Press release after the jump. PRESS RELEASE
Mazda to Sponsor Japanese Pro Baseball's 2008 All-Star Games HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be the main sponsor for two all-star games organized by the Nippon Professional Baseball Association in Japan. The Mazda all-star 2008 games will be played at the Kyocera Dome Osaka on July 31 and at Yokohama Stadium on August 1, 2008. Why Mazda Will Sponsor These Games
Featuring team rosters comprised of marquee players from the Japanese pro baseball leagues, the all-star games have become a popular midsummer sporting event in Japan. Unlike the single all-star game held every year in the US by Major League Baseball, Japanese pro baseball all-stars play two or three games in different cities over a two or three day period. Mazda decided to support the all-star games as the main sponsor to contribute to the further development of Japanese professional baseball, and because the games are wildly popular with Japanese people. The charm, dreams and emotions conjured up by viewing the all-star games are similar to those evoked by Mazda's Zoom-Zoom vehicles-cars that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again." The Mazda Biante, the Hiroshima-based company's all-new minivan, will be the latest addition to Mazda's lineup in Japan when it goes on sale in summer 2008.Event Details
An overview of the "Mazda All-Star Game 2008" events will be made in an official announcement from the event organizers on May 27, 2008.Mazda will hold a variety of activities to support the all-star games. These activities include fan balloting for the all-star teams' player selection, which begins in late May and continues through to the "Mazda All-Star Game 2008" days on July 31 and August 1.




[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: japan baseball, JapanBaseball, japanese baseball, JapaneseBaseball, mazda all-star game, MazdaAll-starGame, nippon professional baseball, NipponProfessionalBaseball, npba ]

Noodle vs. Strudel: WebRidesTV pits MS3 against R32

Everyone loves a good shootout and it's even better when the two vehicles duking it out are actually attainable. Enter the WebRidesTV crew who setup shop at our new favorite road course, the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs, to run the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen R32 through their paces to see which vehicle provides the best bang for the buck in the hotter-than-hot hatch segment. While the performance and price discrepancy is rather high – the R32 is packing fewer ponies but comes in with a higher sticker – the reviewer is keen to point out that both models have their high and low points. The MS3 may put down better lap times, but the R32 might have it beat on interior accoutrements and a more Grand Touring demeanor -- as with any review, it comes down to what you value more.
You can view this newest review from WebRidesTV after the jump and check out their last shootout between the Roush and Saleen from last month.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda,mazdaspeed3,r32,volkswagen,volkswagen r32,VolkswagenR32,vw,vw r32,VwR32 ]

Miata? Impractical? BAH!

Why is this man smiling? Because he's probably as amused by what he's doing as we are. Autoblog reader Doc B sent us these photos he took when he came upon the unlikely sight of a Mazda Miata being used to haul a sofa loveseat. Here we thought a Miata was barely spacious enough to transport two adults and a couple of overnight bags, and this guy just turns the conventional wisdom on its head. Seriously, try moving that thing with, say, a MINI Clubman or a Honda Fit. Not gonna happen. When it comes to hauling couches, it looks like the Miata has all those supposedly practical small hatchbacks beat. Roadsters for everyone, we say! Help friends move in the morning, then autocross in the afternoon. It's the ideal blend of practicality and performance. U-Haul, your days are so numbered.
Thanks for the pics, Doc B.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda miata, MazdaMiata, miata as moving van, miata hauling sofa, MiataAsMovingVan, MiataHaulingSofa ]

From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon

You don't need to spend much time with a Miata to "get" why so many drivers are attracted to them. Perfectly executed and relentlessly entertaining, it's no surprise that Mazda's little roadster is the track-day weapon of choice for a number of people. While countless 4-banger Miatas do their thing on the autocross circuit, one Mark Snell was interested in kicking things up a level so he could run with the big boys in their 'Vettes and similar machinery. His solution? Drop a Mazda 2.5L V6 into his blue roadster's engine bay, then modify and tune it to the point where it's pushing 180 horsepower to the rear wheels. The view underhood is plenty cool -- we especially dig those Suzuki GSX-R1000 throttle bodies he's added. The Miata sounds pretty mean, too. Follow the jump for a video in which Snell gives a tour of his car and discusses the modifications he's made before taking viewers for a quick spin.

[ Via: Driving Sports ]
[ Tag: auto-x,autocross,mark snell,MarkSnell,mazda miata,MazdaMiata,miata,miata v6,MiataV6,v6 miata,V6Miata ]

Rendered Speculation: Way out there Mazda RX-9

The photo above looks too cool not to be a future RX-8 incarnation, but the rendering merely represents one Mazda fan's interpretation of the next Rotary-powered sports coupe. Forum poster Rhoadwh over at Fomoconews concocted the sweet-looking coupe after picking up on the most sensible parts of the Taiki and Furai concepts from this past year's auto circuit. Rhoadwh chose the front engine layout of the Taiki and the overall design theme of the completely badass Furai to make a race-ready RX-9 for the future.
Sure, this rendering is just one guy having fun, but we're with him in hoping that Mazda takes into account the outstanding design language used in the Taiki concept, and even more so the Furai. It's amazing what someone with Photoshop and a healthy dose of talent can do. Thanks for the tip, Mbuku!

[ Via: Fomoconews ]
[ Tag: Mazda Furai, MazdaFurai, Rendering, RX-8, RX-9, Taiki ]

Cosworth supercharger for NC Mazda Miata almost ready

Until the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 makes its debut, those of us looking for forced-induction power from Mazda's NC Miata must turn to the aftermarket. Of all the tuning firms looking to turbo- or supercharge the new MX-5, Cosworth has both the reputation and technological prowess to pull it off sans drama.
According to Eric Hsu, founder of XS Engineering and current Cosworth engineer, despite some set backs, Cosworth will be releasing it's bolt-on supercharger soon. The setup produces approximately 210 hp at the wheels, looks OEM clean and is designed to be legal in all 50 states. But Cosworth isn't stopping there. Hsu says that a Stage 2 version is planned that ups the boost, adds a set of headers and includes some hotter cams. We can't wait to check it out, particularly with the "1G" suspension package offered by Mazdaspeed.

[ Via: Beyond the Dyno ]
[ Tag: cosworth, mazda, mazdaspeed, miata, mx-5, nc ]

Mazdaspeed success proves you don't need NASCAR, F1 to prove your worth

Head out to any open track day and it's likely that you'll find more Mazda vehicles making the rounds on the tarmac than almost any other make. It's not rare to find out that at least one of the instructors doing a ride-along campaigns a Spec Miata, and during our last event, the same guy that flogged his caged MX-5 around the course (and was kind enough to help us figure out turn six) got into a Mazdaspeed3 for the long trek home from Thunderhill.
Mazdas currently account for around half the cars running during SCCA events, something that seems to be better for the brand than throwing big money at NASCAR or F1 in pursuit of serious performance credibility. And it's not just good for perception. Mazda sold $6.9 million in parts to grassroots teams last year and is expected to increase that amount to $7.8 million this year. While that's a small percentage of the overall Mazdaspeed sales for the year (MS products account for around $130 million total), it's obvious that Mazda has set the pace for any other automaker that wants to get in on the ground floor of racing.
Mazda's success is primarily based around its expansive lineup of products – everything from basic bolt-ons to ceramic apex seals for rotary engines –plus, SCCA-licensed racers can buy cars at discount, hit up the dealer for parts and if they forgot something come race day, there's a good chance that Mazdaspeed has a trailer at the event. The old adage of "race Sunday, sell Monday" holds less value today than it has in the past, but Mazda could redefine the saying to "Sell (parts) Friday, race hard Sunday."

[ Via: Autoweek ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda miata, mazda mx-5, mazda mx5, MazdaMiata, MazdaMx-5, MazdaMx5, mazdaspeed, miata, mx-5, mx5, spec miata, spec-miata, SpecMiata ]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda6 coupe, convertible

Mazda's 6 is having a tough time finding love in its home market where it goes by the Atenza moniker. 7Tune is reporting that Mazda's going to flip the script and introduce three new variants of the Atenza; a coupe, a convertible, and a high performance version called the Mazdaspeed Atenza for JDM consumption. Mazda looked to the holy-grail BMW 3 series for inspiration, though that car is rear-wheel-drive, and hopes to achieve the same build quality with its Atenza line.
The vehicles in 7Tunes renderings are more conservatively styled than the current 3-Series, though that's hardly a bad thing. We think the renderings are easy on the eyes, with clear RX-8 influences, though all suffer from a basket-handle spoiler tacked on to the trunklid. It's tough to imagine the Mazdaspeed Atenza amounting to anything other than a tasty snack for the monstrous M3, though we're sure the Mazda will comport itself sportily. If any of this conjecture rings true, it's tough to go wrong benchmarking the icon of the segment.

[ Via: 7tune ]
[ Tag: atenza, atenza convertible, atenza coupe, AtenzaConvertible, AtenzaCoupe, jdm mazda, JdmMazda, madza jdm, MadzaJdm, mazda 6, mazda 6 cabriolet, mazda 6 convertible, mazda 6 coupe, Mazda6, Mazda6Cabriolet, Mazda6Convertible, Mazda6Coupe, mazdaspeed, mazdaspeed6, rendering, spy shots, SpyShots ]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mazda3 caught testing in New Mexico

We've been all but assured that the covers will be pulled off the next generation Mazda3 before the end of the year, possibly in Paris, with sales expected to begin in the Spring of 2009. So it was just a matter of time before we started seeing spy shots of the new Mazda3 undergoing testing. Our new friend Chris came upon two heavily-camoed prototypes in northern New Mexico and was kind enough to send them along for our inspection.
Chris points out that while it was difficult to snap photos of the mules at 80 mph, he was able to get several shots that tipped us off to their origin. The central-mounted binnacle on the dash has been a fixture of late-model Mazdas, and the CX-9 leading the parade pretty much confirmed our suspicions.
When the new Mazda3 is finally revealed later this year, expect a similar fascia as that found on the recently redesigned Mazda6, along with a few cues pulled from Mazda's recent run of "Nagare"-inspired concepts. Four- and five-door variants are planned, with engines spanning the range from 1.5- to 2.5-liters.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: ]

Unhatched: Mazda2 sedan launches in China

There are certain things we may never understand about Eastern cultures. Somewhere down on the list comes the notion that compact hatchbacks look better with diminutive trunks. Take for example this Mazda2 sedan, which the Japanese automaker has prepared especially for the Chinese market. The sedan was unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show, and joined the hatchback variant in China this month with prices equivalent to $12,400 for the base 86-hp 1.3 to $16,500 for the fully-loaded 104-hp 1.5.Like the ironically-named Swift DZire launched by Maruti Suzuki in India, the four-door variant of the Mazda2, albeit considerably less gut-wrenching than the Suzuki, still leaves us scratching our heads. But apparently the Chinese market demands it. Take note, Ford: we don't. So please, if and when you decide to bring us the Mazda2, which has been such a huge success overseas, keep the trunk and give us the hatch. (Come to think of it, same goes for the Fiesta.)

[ Via: Winding Road ]
[ Tag: mazda china, mazda sedan, mazda2, mazda2 sedan, mazda2 sedan china, Mazda2Sedan, Mazda2SedanChina, MazdaChina, MazdaSedan ]

Mazda3 MPS to take on the Targa Tasmania, again

Mazda is heading Down Under to compete in the Targa Tasmania for its eighth campaign. The team, consisting of Rick Bates and Alister McRae, will be charging through the outback in one specially prepped Mazda3 MPS (or Mazdaspeed3 to those of us in NA). The 2WD Showroom Targa rules dictate that the vehicle has to remain somewhat stock, with the carpeting, power windows and audio equipment keeping things civil as the driving duo covers over 2,000 km during the six-day race. Naturally, the Mazda is outfitted with the necessary safety equipment, including a PCD roll cage, racing seats, five-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher, but the performance modifications are kept to a minimum. The MPS is equipped with upgraded springs and struts, brake pads, a new steering wheel, navigation equipment, cat-back exhaust (cats are still fitted), some additional ducting to cool off the brakes and a revised ECU. The race begins on the 15th of April and you can follow the teams' progress at Mazda Australia's Targa site.
Mazda's full press release is posted after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda3 mps, Mazda3Mps, mazdaspeed3, targa tasmania, TargaTasmania ]

Mazda unveils 2009 Mazda6 for North America

Mazda has released the first photos and initial details on the new 2009 Mazda6. Designed specifically for North America, the car shares many cues with the Japanese and European-market cars that hit the scene over the last year. The car Americans and Canadians will drive is, in fact, bigger than its overseas counterparts. Visually, the front and rear fascias differ from the Japanese and European models as well. The USDM car gets a bisected grille and has its foglamps pushed out to the corners below the bumper. As we'd seen in spy photos, the car gets a completely different trunk, rear bumper, and exhaust treatment that's more appealing than the plainer setup Japanese and Europeans get.
Since Mazda released only exterior shots, we'll have to wait to see what the passenger accomodations look like. Base power comes from the same 2.5L four-cylinder base engine used in the Japan/Euro car, mated to either a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto. The step-up 3.7L V6 is the same one you'll find under the hood of the CX-9. It's only transmission option is a six-speed auto with a manumatic sport shift feature. Horsepower and torque numbers for the USDM car haven't been released yet, but figure on seeing something in the neighborhood of 170 hp/166 lb-ft from the four. The six produces 273 horses and 270 lb-ft in CX-9 trim, so we'd expect something along those lines. Mazda's press release is pasted after the jump, in which you'll find no mention of either a wagon or 5-door hatchback variant. The '09 Mazda6 arrives as a sedan only, and it'll land in your local dealer showrooms later this summer.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: 2009 Mazda6, 2009Mazda6, breaking, mazda, mazda6, mazda6 sedan, Mazda6Sedan, north america mazda6, NorthAmericaMazda6, usdm mazda6, UsdmMazda6 ]

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.
In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.
Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[ Via: AutoExpress ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda2, mazda2 mps, Mazda2Mps, mazda6, mazda6 mps, Mazda6Mps, mazdaspeed, mazdaspeed2, mazdaspeed6, mps, paris, paris motor show, ParisMotorShow ]

2010 Mazda MX-5 is coming with Mazda6 cues

According to an attendee at a recent Mazda dealer meeting, we'll be seeing a refreshed version of the MX-5 late next year as a 2010 model. After catching a brief glimpse of the new MX-5, a forum member at Miata.net posted that the 2010 model will be sporting headlamps and taillights similar to those found on the redesigned Mazda6, and will benefit from a few other improvements including a slight increase in power. While we can't confirm any of this, we've heard similar rumblings in the not-so-distant past, and with the redesigned Mazda3 right around the corner, Mazda might be trying to lend a bit more stylistic cohesion to its lineup before full revamps take place after the turn of the decade.
However, one piece is missing from the Miata puzzle. What about the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5? It's been assumed that Mazda would release a boosted version of its iconic roadster before the next model debuts. If the facelifted version is indeed bound for the 2010 model year, that could be an indication that a Mazdaspeed MX-5 is on its way. Here's hoping.

[ Via: Miata.net ]
[ Tag: 2010, 2010 mazda mx-5, 2010 mazda mx5, 2010MazdaMx-5, 2010MazdaMx5, mazda, mazda mx-5, mazda mx5, MazdaMx-5, MazdaMx5, mazdaspeed, mazdaspeed mx5, MazdaspeedMx5, miata, mx-5, mx5 ]

Chinese authorities bring out the drug-sniffing dogs for Mazda Taiki

So you're a customs officer in Beijing, and out of the trailer you're inspecting is hauled a... a what? The Japanese people who have accompanied it, who claim to be from Mazda, also claim that it's a concept car. Frankly, it could also be a submarine, or it might eat people -- or it could be an elaborate ruse for hauling drugs or bombs. So the officials at Beijing airport let the dogs out to sniff for, well, probably everything. Finding nothing, the Taiki was allowed to roll on to the Beijing Auto Show. Nothing in there but coffee grounds, sir, just coffee...

[ Via: The Tycho ]
[ Tag: concept, drug, drugs, mazda, mazda taiki concept, MazdaTaikiConcept, taiki ]

Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6

Mazda recently sent out a survey request to potential customers, the purpose of which was to allow these survey takers to build a 2009 Mazda6 with whatever options, packages and colors they wanted so that the automaker could gauge which will be most popular when the car goes on sale. Unfortunately, Mazda was smart and the survey can only be taken once, but one person recorded all the information he saw and posted it on the Mazda6club.com forum. His notes after the jump give us an idea of what trim levels, options and pricing will be available when the car does go on sale, though none of it is written in stone.
It appears that the 2009 Mazda6 will be available in two basic versions: the Mazda6 i that comes with a 170-hp 2.5L four-cylinder with VVT and the more powerful Mazda6 s that's motivated by a 272-hp 3.7L V6. The Mazda6 i will be offered in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, while the Mazda6 s will be available as Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. As far as pricing goes, the Mazda6 i SV kicks things off with a base price of $19,850 while the Mazda6 s Grand Touring tops the range with a base price of $29,150. That's quite a large range that should satisfy the wants and needs of most buyers, and features like Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, a Blind Spot Monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers and wheels up to 18-inches in diameter should position the new Zoom-Zoom sedan well against its mid-size family sedan competition.
Check out all the packages, standard features and pricing info after the jump, but remember they may not be the same when the car officially goes on sale. Thanks for the tip, Joel!

[ Via: Mazda6club.com ]
[ Tag: 2009 mazda6, 2009Mazda6, mazda6, mazda6 features, mazda6 options, mazda6 pricing, Mazda6Features, Mazda6Options, Mazda6Pricing ]

Mazda creates disassembly line in wake of Cougar Ace capsizing

If you've ever smashed up a car in an accident, you've probably had the unpleasant experience of dealing with insurance agents who assess what can be saved and what has to be written off. In most cases, insurance companies might find ways to save as much as they can. But the insurers of the Cougar Ace want to make sure every last nut and bolt of some $100 million worth of new Mazdas are completely scrapped.The Cougar Ace, as you'll recall, was a ship full of Mazda automobiles that nearly capsized in the Pacific Ocean two years ago. Although the cars were securely strapped down, Mazda deemed it impossible to determine the extent of the potential damage caused to each of the vehicles on board, so rather than risk the cars making their way onto the market – like many Katrina-damaged vehicles from New Orleans three years ago – the company and its insurers decided each car had to be scrapped. The process of destroying 4703 vehicles, however, proved to be quite a challenge. Airbags had to be triggered, wheels sliced and tires purposely punctured. For the airbag process alone, it would have taken half an hour for each car, so Mazda developed a device to inflate them all at once on each car, saving countless hours of work. The result is a seemingly counter-intuitive disassembly line turns the nearly 5000 new cars into metal shards. Follow the jump to read more about the process.

[ Via: The Wall Street Journal ]
[ Tag: cougar ace, CougarAce, disassembly, mazda, mazda disassembly line, MazdaDisassemblyLine, scrap ]

Mazda Biante: JDM-only seating for eight

Click above for a high-res gallery, follow the jump for video
Meet the Biante, Mazda's new Japan-only 8-passenger minivan. The funky oversized headlamps, expansive greenhouse, and stylish frenched taillamps are the work of Iwao Koizumi, designer of the original Atenza (Mazda6 outside Japan) and CX-7.
Mazda announced the Biante earlier this week, and details are still a bit thin thin. According to the automaker, the new people-mover's name is derived from the word "ambient" and will deliver the most interior space in its class when it goes on sale later this summer. We expect to learn more technical info then, but in the meantime, we've got a promo video after the jump as well as a high-res photo gallery below.
If you can read Japanese, you can also stop by the official Biante website, which features a bunch of Gumby-like characters that represent a family of seven, plus one dog -- all of whom should fit in the new ride. You know, if they were real people. It's all very Japanese.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: biante, biante mpv, BianteMpv, jdm, mazda biante, MazdaBiante, new biante, NewBiante ]

VIDEO: Driving the Mazda Furai concept at Buttonwillow

Of all the Nagare-themed concepts that Mazda has released over the past two years, one stands out. The Mazda Furai concept was unveiled this past January in Detroit and it walked away with our internal Best of Show award. Built around Mazda's two-year-old ALMS Courage C65 chassis and motivated by a 450-hp, three-rotor Wankel juiced by E100 Ethanol, the Furai was a concept that stood above the rest. Part of that was due to its stunning design, but mainly because it was also runner. And run it does. We've already seen video of the Furai testing at a track in Japan, and now we get to experience what its like inside during a few hot laps around the Buttonwillow circuit. Hit the jump to check it out, and make sure your speakers are turned up to 11, unless you're still at work.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: buttonwillow, furai, mazda, mazda furai buttonwillow, mazda furai video, MazdaFuraiButtonwillow, MazdaFuraiVideo, video ]

Mazda1 city car coming to Paris Motor Show

Mazda is finally going to employ the styling cues shown on its Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and Furai show cars with a supermini concept, due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept aims to slot in below the Mazda2 and may be the first production model to benefit from the Nagare design theme. Other models utilizing Laurens van der Acker's swooping and sculpted lines are expected to come to production in 2010, including the redesigned Mazda3.
Mazda also plans to unveil a small crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year, which will likely be based of the Ford Kuga and utilize the same Nagare DNA. This new CUV will be specifically designed for the Russian market, which Mazda maintains could overtake Germany as the largest market in Europe. But bringing this cute 'ute to the UK and the US is a possibility, as consumers continue to downsize their rides.

[ Via: Autocar ]
[ Tag: mazda, mazda concept, mazda1, MazdaConcept, paris, paris motor show, ParisMotorShow ]