2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 leakage continues courtesy of km77, with a host of new images showing the facelifted roadster in both soft- and hard-top guise.
These newest shots show the already revealed and revised front end, pulling a few cues from the RX-8, along with a set of new taillights and a slightly redesigned rear bumper. Engine selections remain unchanged, with buyers abroad able to choose between a 126 hp, 1.8-liter or a 160 hp, 2.0-liter. Inside the 2.0-liter four-pot, the pistons and valve springs have been replaced with lower friction parts and the intake has been revised to provide a slight increase in power along with a more aggressive note.
The six-speed manual is still standard and features new synchronizers to smooth shifts, while a six-speed auto 'box with manumatic shifting will be made available in Europe for the first time. The front suspension geometry has been tweaked to provide more feedback through the steering wheel, low-rolling resistance tires are fitted at all four corners, traction control is standard and new baffles in the front bumper keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum.
Both the hard-top and soft-top equipped models benefit from a new layer of sound insulation to reduce wind noise, allowing owners to fully enjoy the Bose stereo and Bluetooth system, along with an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The interior also features new seat heaters that come up to temperature quicker and allow five levels of heat, while two new colors – Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica – join redesigned wheels choices sized 16- or 17-inches. Our friends in Spain can also opt for Recaro seats when they choose the "Sportive" package, and when the new MX-5 debuts this week at the Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to find out if a similar seating option will be available in the States.

[ Via: km77 ]
[ Tag: 2009, 2009 mazda mx-5, 2009MazdaMx-5, mazda, mx-5, paris, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow ]

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda3 smiles back

We have an idea of what the next Mazda3 will look like based on some trademark renderings that Mazda supplied the European Union Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market; basically what they amount to are patent drawings. Based on these very rough outlines, somebody named Pascal Boissé from Auto-Motive D&C has created a rendering that gives us a slightly better idea of what the new compact car will look like. The results are a bit mixed, with the fenders and greenhouse meeting our expectations, but that happy-go-lucky front end may be a bit off. Recent spy shots don't show the snout protruding out quite that far. We may see character lines along the door's bottom edge, leading up to the rear arches as the rendering clearly shows. What we know for sure is that Mazda has been getting more expressive with its styling, as the revised 6 and recent concepts prove. We'll see the Mazda3 in person at the upcoming LA Auto Show and here's hoping that it's a bit more refined than the rendering above.

[ Via: MSN ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda 3, 2010 mazda3, 2010Mazda3, mazda, mazda 3, mazda3, mazda3 rendering, Mazda3Rendering ]

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The state of California has the toughest vehicle emissions regulations in the world in its LEV II (and the corresponding national Tier 2 Bin 5) standards. Those rules treat all engine types the same regardless of what fuel they use. It doesn't matter if the engine runs on gasoline, diesel or cow dung, the emissions standards are the same. These rules are so tight that no manufacturer has been able to sell light-duty passenger vehicles powered by diesel engines in California and four other states for the last several years. That's all about to change beginning with last month's sales launch of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta TDI is the first new diesel-powered car to meet the tough T2B5 standards, and it's fitting that VW invited us out to the birthplace of these emissions regulations to drive it. We spent a day driving the Jetta TDI in and around Santa Monica to gauge whether it has the right balance of Fahrvergnügen and low fuel consumption to be a viable alternative to cars like the Prius, Civic and Focus. Continue after the jump to find out more.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 volkswagen jetta tdi, 2009 vw jetta tdi, 2009VolkswagenJettaTdi, 2009VwJettaTdi, featured, first drive, FirstDrive, jetta tdi, JettaTdi, volkswagen jetta tdi, VolkswagenJettaTdi, vw jetta tdi, VwJettaTdi ]

Mazda developing vehicles for people with special needs

For the thirteenth year running, Mazda has created a number of vehicles for those with special needs to be showcased at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in Japan. The AZ-Wagon gets a lift-gate out back so that folks limited to wheelchairs can enter and exit through the converted rear hatch while still in their wheelchairs. The MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat (pictured) is also for those in wheelchairs, but those who have the mobility to sit in a conventional seat. And the Biante Autostep has, like an RV, a step that extends whenever the rear door is opened. All of the vehicles are JDM-only, but now that we know Mazda has this kind of expertise, we'd like to speak to them about getting a Kazamai with an ejector seat. Hit the jump for the press release.
PRESS RELEASE
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will exhibit three special needs vehicles at the 35th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2008, organized by Japan's Health and Welfare Information Association, from September 24 through 26, 2008, at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center.

Mazda will display three special needs vehicles intended for the Japanese market. The AZ-Wagon i is equipped to carry wheelchairs, the MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat vehicle features a second-row passenger seat with a lift-up function, and the Biante Autostep is based on the Mazda Biante mid-size tall 'high-roof' minivan that was launched in July 2008.

The International H.C.R. Exhibition covers medical and health care equipment ranging from handcrafted self-help devices to state-of-the-art special needs vehicles from all over the world. Mazda has participated in this event since 1995.

AZ-Wagon i (aftermarket model)
The AZ-Wagon i is based on the space-efficient micro-mini AZ-Wagon. People in wheelchairs can get in and out of the vehicle through the rear liftgate opening.

MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat (aftermarket model)
Based on the mid-size Mazda MPV minivan, the MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat vehicle is designed to transport and assist wheelchair users. The second row seat automatically elevates and rotates for ease of use.

Biante Autostep (reference model)
Mazda's newly developed tall 'high roof' Biante minivan features an "Autostep" function to help passengers step into the rear cabin. The Autostep automatically extends and withdraws when the sliding door is opened and closed.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: az-wagon i, Az-wagonI, biante, mazda, mazda az-wagon, mazda az-wagon i, mazda biante, mazda mpv, MazdaAz-wagon, MazdaAz-wagonI, MazdaBiante, MazdaMpv, modification, modifications, modified, modified vehicles, ModifiedVehicles, mpv, special needs vehicles, SpecialNeedsVehicles ]

Spy Photos: Mazda3 sedan wearing skin-tight camo

When is camo not really camo? When it's black and white tape stuck to the body of the 2010 Mazda3 sedan. The new 3 was recently caught in the U.S. and the new front end is essentially a reworked version of the Mazda6's, with a grinning, two-piece grille split by an angular bumper. Notice the bulges and fairings around the foglamps next to the lower grille, and the way the stretched headlights and flared fenders turn the hood outline into a wild polyhedral. The sculpted leather seats and roomy cabin look a treat as well. Assuming Mazda won't jack up the price or sink the driving dynamics, this could exceed the success of the current car. We'll bring you the full story from the LA Auto Show in just about sixty days. Thanks for the tip, Kris!


[ Via: Auto.cz ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda 3, 2010 mazda3, 2010Mazda3, la auto show, LaAutoShow, mazda, mazda3, sedan, sedans, spy shots, SpyShots ]

Mazda introduces clever start-stop system with direct injection

Mazda has announced a clever new start-stop system that promises fuel economy gains of 10% or more without the need for an electric motor. The Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) uses only direct injection and combustion to restart your vehicle, while most start-stop systems use an electric motor and traditional engine start-up process. SISS stops the pistons in the optimal position for an engine restart, and then injects fuel into the cylinders before the engine begins to rotate and lets the power of combustion turn the engine over to start. This enables an SISS-equipped Mazda petrol engine to restart in 0.35 seconds, or half the time of start-stop systems using an electric motor. The catch: SISS only works with automatic transmissions.
Mazda's SISS system will be available in 2009, but the Japanese automaker hasn't yet announced which models will receive the fuel-saving technology, nor has it disclosed whether SISS will be available in the States at launch. With Americans becoming increasingly sensitive to fuel economy and petrol prices, we hope we're not left out in the cold. Hit the jump to review Mazda's press release.
PRESS RELEASE
Mazda Motor Corporation has independently developed an idling stop system, called the Smart Idle Stop System (SISS), which improves fuel economy by about ten percent (in Japan's 10-15 mode tests*1) in urban areas where vehicles frequently stop at traffic lights or in heavy traffic during operation. The SISS uses direct injection technology to achieve an excellent engine restart, ensuring drivers do not experience any discomfort with the new system. Mazda plans to introduce this core environmental technology to the marketplace in 2009.

Idling stop systems save fuel by shutting down the engine automatically when the car is stationary, and restarts it when the driver resumes driving.

Conventional idling stop systems restart a vehicle's engine with an electric motor using exactly the same process as when the engine is started normally. Mazda's SISS, on the other hand, restarts the engine through combustion. Mazda's system initiates engine restart by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder while the engine is stopped, and igniting it to generate downward piston force.

In order to restart the engine by combustion, the pistons must be stopped at exactly the correct position to create the right balance of air volume in each cylinder. The Smart Idle Stop System provides precise control over the piston positions during engine shutdown to accomplish this. The SISS indexes each cylinder and initiates fuel injection before the engine begins to rotate. This enables the engine to be restarted in just 0.35 seconds*2, roughly half the time of a conventional electric motor idling stop system.

In addition to saving fuel, Mazda's Smart Idle Stop System ensures that the engine will restart quickly and with exactly the same timing every time. Drivers will feel no delay when resuming their drive, which means they can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free ride.

*1 The 10-15 mode test is the Japanese standard for emission certification and fuel economy for light duty vehicles. It consists of two separate drive cycles. The 10-mode drive cycle is a low speed drive cycle test, while the 15-mode is a higher speed assessment.
*2 For vehicles with automatic transmissions. Restart times measured by Mazda.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: direct injection, DirectInjection, Mazda stop-start, MazdaStop-start, smart idle stop system, SmartIdleStopSystem, stop start tech, StopStartTech ]

No plans to release Mazda6 hybrid

Despite having the ability to snatch the 2.3-liter gasoline-electric hybrid from FoMoCo's arsenal – the same engine found in the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and 2009 Fusion – Mazda has decided to keep the new Mazda6 hybrid-free for the time being. Jay Amestoy, veep of public and governmental affairs for Mazda, told InsideLine that the automaker is content that the new 6 can hold its own against the competition, despite the high cost of fuel. "Our real-world MPG numbers will be strong, and we think the fuel economy is pretty good the way it is."
The 2009 Mazda6, equipped with the base 2.5-liter four and a manual transmission is rated at 20/29 mpg on the EPA's city/highway estimates, while the 3.7-liter V6-equipped model comes in at 17/25 mpg.
Sales of hybrids continued to rise, but consumer's tastes seem to favor dedicated hybrid models like the Prius, instead of hybrid sedans and cute 'utes based off normal models originally equipped with traditional powerplants.

[ Via: InsideLine ]
[ Tag: 2009 mazda6, 2009 mazda6 hybrid, 2009Mazda6, 2009Mazda6Hybrid, mazda6 ]

VIDEO: Live from Dearborn: Microsoft and Ford demo Sync

At Ford's recent 2008 product information event, the Blue Oval showed that it's catching up to the competition on many fronts, including powertrains, interior quality, and overall refinement. The fact is, the folks over in Dearborn are playing catch-up vs. the competition, and in some ways Ford has a lot of work ahead of it. One area where the automaker's been lacking was with regards to iPod compatibility and integration in its vehicles, but with Microsoft's Sync technology rolling out for 2008, Ford's ready to jump to the head of the class.

We sat down with representatives from Ford and Microsoft during our recent trip to Dearborn, and we got an in-depth walkthrough of Ford's multimedia initiative. Sync integrates MP3 players and Bluetooth phones into the stereo system to give drivers greater flexibility to their digital assets. One very exciting aspect of Sync is that high-end stereo and nav systems aren't needed to use the technology. Sync will be standard on all Lincoln models and available as an option on most Fords and Mercurys for MY 2008. During our demo, we saw a Zune player (like we said, it's Microsoft) plugged into the audio jack inside the armrest storage area, plus a Blackberry device connected via Bluetooth, all running through the stereo. More on Microsoft's and Ford's Sync software, as well as an in-depth demonstration video is available after the jump.

Songs, artists, and genre can be selected off the MP3 player by voice command via the "Push to Talk" button on the steering wheel controls. This feature worked very well, as evidenced in the video, but if you ask for a song or artist that doesn't reside on your MP3 player, Sync gives you the song or artist that sounds most like the one you asked for. We'd have preferred it if Sync came up with nothing vs. a guess that's likely wrong. Due to shortcomings of Bluetooth technology, Sync had trouble accessing MP3 music from phones, but the folks at Microsoft say that a fix is on the way.

Using Sync with a Bluetooth-enabled phone allows for easy hands-free calling. Sync takes in all your contacts, and if you try to call any one of your saved contacts that have multiple numbers, it asks you which one you want. Users can also receive text messages and select from a few canned messages to return the text. The onboard computer reads the message to you, deciphering all text shortcuts like "LOL." During the demo, we were promised that users can also access Internet radio on Sync provided the phone has the capability to get online, but we didn't see it for ourselves.

We found the Sync system to be easy to use during our limited time with it, and the voice recognition software was quite impressive. Other OEMs are offering onboard hard drives and software that's integrated with navigation systems, but the options are generally priced out of range for many in the highly-coveted 18-29 demographic. Ford says Sync will be both affordable and widely available (we don't have specific pricing or availability yet), and that will likely be key to its success. We don't believe many people will switch away from an import just because of Sync, but for tech-savvy buyers sitting on the fence between Ford and the competition, the features of Sync might help win Ford a few more customers. Check out the video above and let us know if you think Sync is something you'd want in your next vehicle.

[ Via: Autoblog (Audio) ]
[ Tag: Ford,Lincoln,Mercury,Microsoft,Sync ]

Leaked: Official updated Mazda MX-5 image

The current styling of the Mazda MX-5 could well be described as just a bit boring with very round corners that play it safe. Mazda would like to change the image of its iconic little roadster and revised styling is certainly on the way. We have an early shot of the changes courtesy of the interwebs and, while they are a welcome refresher, the design team didn't quite go far enough. The only real changes visible to the naked eye are in the front fascia, which sports styling inspired by tweaks made to the latest rotary-powered RX-8. Front and center is a gaping grill that features five distinct corners instead of the old oval opening. Flanking that new mug are angled fog light surrounds and swept-back headlights above. The changes are mostly design elements seen on Mazda's latest batch of concept cars, though overall it's a safe update for an already safe design – and very close to what we were expecting – but we're still hoping for more from the next-gen MX-5.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: breaking, mazda, mazda miata, mazda mx-5, MazdaMiata, MazdaMx-5 ]