2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications in HyNor

2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE

2009 Japan Mazda Motor Corporation (HIROSHIMA) announced that it has built the first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications, developed specifically for participation in HyNor, Norway’s national hydrogen project. The first unit will take part in ceremonies marking the official opening of HyNor’s hydrogen filling stations.

2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE

The initial opening ceremony will be held in Oslo on May 11, 2009. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will then undergo certification to meet local standards and will be used for maintenance staff training. Mazda plans to commence leasing of Norwegian specification RX-8 Hydrogen RE models in Norway in summer 2009.

2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE

Unlike the RX-8 Hydrogen RE currently being leased in Japan, the HyNor-specification Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is based on the latest European-specification Mazda RX-8 with left-hand drive and a manual transmission.

2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE

The HyNor project aims to enable hydrogen vehicles to travel along a 580-kilometer stretch of highway by establishing a chain of hydrogen stations between Stavanger and Oslo in Norway.

2009 Mazda Sports Car RX-8 Hydrogen RE

Mazda agreed to collaborate with HyNor on the project in November 2007 and began validation of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian public roads in October 2008.

Mazda RX-Z Concept 3.0 litre V6 and two electric motors Sports Car Coupe.

Mazda RX-Z Concept Sports Car Coupe

Mazda RX-Z Concept 3.0 litre V6 and two electric motors Sports Car Coupe.
The Mazda RX-Z concept is a proposal for a 2+2 sports coupe to replace the aging Mazda RX-8. The design was conceived by Andrus Ciprian, a design student from Romania whose previous work includes the Dacia MC concept. Like the MC the RX-Z concept was created using the 3d modeling program 3D Studio Max, and rendered with the help of Mental Ray. Mazda RX-Z Concept Sports Car Coupe

The RX-Z was developed as Ciprian puts it; "as a link between fossil fuel cars and more ecological ones." To achieve this the proposed drivetrain for the concept includes a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine up front - which replaces the notoriously thirsty rotary engine from the RX-8. And a pair of electric motors at the rear. Under normal conditions the RX-Z would be driven solely by the diesel engine. But at low speeds around town the electric drive can be used on its own for emission free motoring. At higher speeds the electric motors work in conjunction with the V6 engine to provide a boost function. A start/stop technology which is integrated into the engine further increases fuel efficiency.

RX-Z concept is equipped with four doors. The rear doors are half-sized and hinged at the rear. This helps to disguise them into the bodywork and reduce their impact on the flowing lines of the car.Mazda RX-Z Concept Sports Car Coupe

One of the more unusual features of the Mazda RX-Z concept is the rear light panel. In the middle is a display screen which can light up with any text written by the driver. Presumably you can only 'write' on the back of your car when stopped, otherwise this would be one surefire way of either getting in a crash or getting in trouble!

Sky Concept The Mazda 2010 Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction

Sky Concept The Mazda 2010

The next-generation compact concept car imbued with Mazda’s fun-to-drive character, will make its Japanese debut at the Tokyo show The Mazda Kiyora. Featuring the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction, the Kiyora achieves outstanding fuel economy, estimated to be 3.1 l/100 km (under Japan’s 10-15 mode test cycle).
To make its Japan debut * Mazda Kiyora concept car, which achieves 3.1 l/100 km fuel economy.
Mazda’s theme for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is “The Mazda SKY concept – Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all customers!” Under the headings of “Today,” “Tomorrow” and “The Future,” Mazda will display advanced technologies designed to improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by 30 percent before 2015 compared to 2008 levels. This is one of the goals of Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.
The SKY concept embodies Mazda’s desire to ensure an “everlasting blue sky” under which drivers will always be able to enjoy the pleasure of driving afforded by owning a Mazda. The concept also reflects the “sky’s the limit” aspirations of Mazda’s engineers as they employ unconventional thinking to achieve optimal performance in every vehicle that bears the Mazda nameplate.
Mazda is committed to significantly improving the core aspects of its vehicles that affect performance – engines, transmissions, and lighter vehicle weight – in order to achieve elevated driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety features. The Mazda SKY concept defines Mazda’s approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles.
Based on the SKY concept, Mazda’s “Technologies for Tomorrow” display at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show will include the next-generation direct-injection petrol Mazda SKY-G engine and the Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine. Both offer improved eco-friendliness and torque thanks to optimised combustion efficiency. Mazda will also reveal its first next-generation automatic transmission, the Mazda SKY-Drive, which offers first-rate fuel economy and a direct driving performance feel
Alongside the SKY concept exhibits, Mazda will also feature a “Today’s Technologies” exhibit that includes i-stop, a unique idling stop system that was introduced with the all-new Mazda3 (Axela in Japan). “Future Technologies” will showcase the advanced Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, with its hydrogen-powered rotary engine, and various vehicle technologies under development as part of Mazda’s drive to realise an accident-free and safe motorised society.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Sport Concept Car

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Sport Concept Car

Mazda showed the lightweight concept car - Superlight, built on the MX-5 roadster. This car is designed with European design division of the company, based in Oberursel, Germany. Concept built to commemorate the 20 anniversary model MX-5/Miata. Premiere of new concept planned for the international auto show in Frankfurt. Mazda Superlight weight is only 995 kg.
Mazda Superlight equipped with a standard four-turbocharged engine of 1.8 liter capacity 126 hp, maximum torque is equal to 166 Nm. Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 9.2 seconds with the concept. Roadster received 17-inch wheels with tires of dimension 205/45, Bilstein shock absorbers and springs Eibach.

2009 Mazda6 U.S. Spec Revealed – Larger & More Powerful Than Euro Version

Following on the heels of the European and Japanese spec versions, Mazda has revealed the North American market Mazda6 Sedan that will go on sale in the U.S. in late summer, 2008. Surprisingly, compared to the Euro Mazda6, the North American spec model does not only feature greater engine displacement but it has also grown in dimensions featuring a larger body.

Design-wise and from what we can tell from the initial images released, the US Mazda6 Sedan retains the basic shape of its European counterpart adding a few unique details like the new grille, the aluminum fog-light trim and most importantly, the restyled rear-end which incorporates a small lip spoiler on the trunk. There are no pics of the interior so we'll have to wait and see the differences.

The 2009 Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda’s newly developed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s already available in the European and Japanese spec models along with the CX-9’s 3.7-liter V6 unit (it produces 273Hp in the CX-9). A 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the 2.5L engine while the V6 will be coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. –Continued

Other mechanical changes include the suspension which has been tuned to meet tha particular demands of the North American market in terms of handling and comfort.

“This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO, from Denver, where the car was unveiled to Mazda dealers a day earlier at the company’s North American Dealer Meeting. “The midsize sedan segment – where MAZDA6 competes – is a real battleground, with some of the best vehicles in the industry going toe-to-toe for sales. This new MAZDA6 was designed and engineered specifically for the North American market – the third Mazda in a row to be so – and will take on the very best cars from Asia, Europe and the U.S.”

As with its predecessor, the 2009 Mazda6 Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company

The 2009 Mazsa6 will be available in North America only as a four-door sedan, and in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. More information and pictures on the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be available closer to launch.

Mazda6 Coupe & Cabriolet: Reality or Pipe Dreaming?

This scan depicting the Mazda6 Coupe and Cabriolet is sourced from a Japanese automotive magazine called “Best Car”. In view of the fact that the pics are nothing more than computer generated renderings that weren’t created by Mazda, there’s no point in making any judgements on the styling.

Now, is the Japanese carmaker is actually in the process of expanding the current range of the new Mazda6 (called Atenza in Japan) with a coupe and cabriolet version? Well, to our knowledge, the answer is no. However, that doesn’t rule out the possibility that Mazda might consider doing so in the very near future.

Via: Autoblog.it

Mazda’s Domestic Production Surpasses 1 Million Units in Fiscal Year 2007

Today, Mazda announced that production in Japan during fiscal year 2007 has exceeded one million units, marking the Japanese carmaker’s highest domestic production volume in 15 years since 1992. Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics, said:

“We want to thank all of our valued customers across the globe who have supported Mazda and helped us break the previous 15 year-old production record. Producing over one million vehicles in Japan during the first year of our new mid-term plan, the Mazda Advancement Plan, is extremely significant. This achievement shows we are on track to reach the targets set out in the plan. We will strive to maintain this momentum and drive Mazda’s growth forward.”

Mazda’s European Sales Up by 32 Percent in February

Recording the highest February result in 17 years, Mazda sales across Europe leapt by 32 percent the past month to total 27,300 units, a rise of 6,600 units over February 2007. A total of 20 European countries reported sales increases during the month. The highest increase was seen in Czech Republic + Slovakia, which booked its highest February volume ever, selling 420 units (+120 percent compared to 2007. February records for volume were set in Russia, at 5,700 units (+75 percent) and in Greece with a volume of nearly 900 units (+77 percent). This is Greece’s seventh consecutive month of double or triple-digit growth.

Facelifted Mazda RX-8 on Sale in Japan – New Images Released

Today, Mazda announced the launch of the facelifted RX-8 at its dealerships throughout Japan. The freshened version features subtle cosmetic changes on the outside, improved interior quality and minor mechanical upgrades (Details here). Price in Japan start at 2,600,000 Yen or about 25,300 USD with the current exchange rates. Along with the sales announcement, Mazda also released new set of images of the revised RX-8 that we’ve added after the jump. Just so you don’t get confused, the Blue color RX-8 is the sporty Type RS grade while the Black one is the Type E and the Gold, the Type E. –Click through for the image gallery

2008 Mazda2 / Demio Tuned By HKS

While we we’re trying to dig out more info on the HKS prepped Mitsubishi EVO X (see here) we discovered that the Japanese tuner is also working on the all-new Mazda2 or Demio, as it’s called in the “Land of the rising sun”. HKS however, is trying its best to make our life a translation-hell by offering Japanese only press releases.

We won’t dare to give you the translated version but we can tell you that HKS will offer a wide variety of accessories for the new Mazda2 including a full bodykit, various alloy rim options, upgraded suspension and brake components, and ultra cool Recaro bucket seats. The Japanese tuner says that they’re also working on engine upgrades, details of which will be announced at a later date. Until then follow the jump to check out our image gallery of the HKS prepped Mazda2. -Continued

2009 Mazda3 Photoshop?

If we had to choose between saying that the above picture is a photoshop or a “true-blue” scoop image we’d most probably vote for the first answer. However, even if the picture is the work of someone with a photoshop program and plenty of time in his hands, we must admit that the car doesn’t look bad at all. What do you think?

Via: Diariomotor

Mazda Launches New Zoom-Zoom Magazine

Mazda has announced the launch of its new cooperate global car magazine that will go by the name “Zoom-Zoom”. The publication will be published three times per year and it will cover a wide variety of Mazda related topics. Initially, the Zoom-Zoom magazine will be produced in five languages and it will distributed to eight different countries but Mazda plans to increase that number in the forthcoming months.

Roughly, 50 percent of the magazine’s content will be shared globally, with additional local content incorporated into the magazine tailored to each market. The first issue of the Zoom-Zoom magazine has a special feature on the 40th anniversary of the rotary engine. -One more pic after the jump

Video: Mazda3 Gets Pissed When Dog Takes A Leak

In this German market Mazda3 TV commercial, a dog decides to take a leak on the Japanese car, only to discover that the Mazda3 has a mind of its own giving our four legged friend a lesson to remember. Not bad if it’s your first “car vs animal” commercial but otherwise, nothing new. -See the video after the jump

Via: egmCarTech

Mazda Motonari RX: 2007 LA Show Design Challenge

Apart from your “everyday” production vehicles and concept car premieres, the LA Show also hosts one of the craziest design contests in the world, the “Design Los Angeles”. Entering its fourth year, the Design Los Angeles provides designers and carmakers unlimited freedom to create the most radical and wackiest propositions you’ll ever see on paper. This year’s contest is themed “2057 Robocars”. We’ll be showing the entries throughout the day but we though we’d start off with one of the weirdest designs we’ve seen, the Mazda Motonari RX. Named after a legendary Japanese warrior Mori Motonari, Mazda’s proposition looks like the love child between a Decepticon and Ripley’s Alien monster. -Press release and images after the jump

Mazda Motonari RX

The Motonari RX, named after legendary Japanese warrior Mori Motonari, non-invasively integrates the driver with the vehicle making each indistinguishable from the other. A driving suit serves as the primary interface between the occupant and the vehicle, which contains millions of microscopic actuators functioning as a haptic envelope. This allows the driver to experience the road psycho-somatically, receiving electrical stimulation to specific muscle groups.

The entire structure of the vehicle is comprised of a 100 percent re-prototypable, carbon nano-tube/shape memory alloy weave with a photovoltaic coating. This enables programmable tensiometry and fluid movement while insuring efficient energy transfer to the in-wheel electro-static nanomotors.

The four omni-wheels allow 360 degree movement. Acceleration and direction is determined by two armrest mounted control points. Occupant positioning controls the effectiveness of cornering and is comparable to street luge maneuvering in appearance.

Mazda R&D of North America

Designer: Matthew Cunningham