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AdminAF March 27th, 2009

Mazda’s head of research and development has announced that the automaker will tread a different path than its Japanese counterparts, looking to a future in diesel cars rather than hybrid ones.

Engineers at the company are currently working on a 2.0-liter diesel engine that would be as fuel-efficient as a 660cc gasoline engine or a similarly powerful hybrid car. The added bonus is that it would be significantly cheaper to produce and that cost savings would be passed on to consumers – who currently pay a premium for hybrid models.

One major reason for the cost savings is a new single-nanotechnology catalyst Mazda is working on, which requires significantly less precious metals in its construction. Another cost-savings measure is a new diesel particulate filter that would eliminate the need for costly exhaust treatment systems.

“We believe that improving today’s conventional engines at a low cost is the most effective way to get fuel-efficient cars to proliferate,” R&D boss Seita Kanai told reporters.

Mazda intends to bring such a diesel engine to market by 2011, although it is not clear if the engine would be in a new model and if that model would be available worldwide.

In addition, Mazda plans to increase the fuel-economy of its fleet by 30 by 2015.

At the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month Mazda took the wraps off a turbo-diesel CX-7. Using a 2.2-liter powerplant, this new engine produces 171hp at 3500 rpm and 295 ft-lbs of torque at 2000 rpm. It also gets a combined fuel economy rating of 31.4 mpg.

Future Mazda plans to increase fuel-economy also include advancements in automatic transmission technology (like the company’s new Start/Stop system) and an overall reduction in vehicle weight.

Kanai said that models released in 2011 or after will weigh roughly 220 lbs less than current models, with a further similar reduction in weight happening in 2016.

More: Future Mazda Models To Get Diesel Engines and Weigh 10% Less on AutoGuide.com

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AdminAF March 25th, 2009

The fourth generation Mazda Miata, due out in 2012 is going to be more in line with the original Miata, with a smaller engine and lower curb weight. There is also a strong possibility that Mazda will bring back the soft-top (as well as offer a hard-top) – a move that would easily save a bundle of weight.

This most recent news come from Australian publication GoAuto, which cites an inside (but unnamed) source.

The article claims that the new model will not only get lighter thanks to a traditional soft top, but do to the use of electric power steering (over hydraulic) and by using a new lighter suspension. Apparently the adapted RX-8 suspension parts used in the current Miata were forced upon Mazda engineers by the accountants at Ford (Mazda’s parent company) who wanted to keep costs down.

The target curb weight of the fourth-gen model is set at less than 2,200 lbs – significantly lower than the current 2,485 to 2,595 curb weight of the third-generation model.

The report also states that the Miata will be powered by a smaller and more efficient engine; possibly a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter engine with forced induction. A dual-clutch transmission is, however, unlikely.

More: Mazda Miata to Return to its Roots on AutoGuide.com

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AdminAF March 20th, 2009

Mazda will unveil a mid-cycle refresh to it’s award-winning CX-9 crossover SUV at the New York Auto Show. Mazda says the new 2010 model will be “heavily revised” from the 2009 model.

Included in the updates are a facelifted exterior as well as a revamped interior. Mazda also plans to add several new options and increase the overall safety of the vehicle with even more safety features.

Mazda’s press release says they also plan to further improve the “Zoom-Zoom” driving characteristics of the SUV. This might mean a revised suspension but it also might mean an optional V8 engine – we certainly hope so.

In addition to the new CX-9, Mazda will also have the 2010 CX-7 crossover on display – making it’s U.S.-debut after officially launching at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February.

The 2010 CX-7 also gets an exterior and interior refresh, as well as added safety and convenience features. One of the most notable new options is the new base engine. Previous models were only available with a 244hp turbocharged direct-injection 2.3-liter four-cylinder, whereas this new base engine is a non-turbo 2.5-liter four. Pricing has yet to be released but this new engine option should help make the 2010 significantly more affordable than the ‘09 model.

We’ll bring you full details on both models with our New York Auto Show coverage starting April 8th.

More: Mazda to Reveal “Heavily Revised” CX-9 at New York Auto Show on AutoGuide.com

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AdminAF March 20th, 2009

Officially unveiled as the Mazda MPS at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, the U.S.-spec MazdaSpeed3 will make it’s North American debut at the New York Auto Show on April 9th.

We don’t expect much to change from the Euro version, so don’t plan on any more power from the direct-injection 2.3-liter turbo-four. Power is rated at 260ps (256hp) and 280 ft-lbs of torque. Thankfully, the MazdaSpeed3 doesn’t need more power.

This is enough for a 0-62 mph run of 6.1 seconds, so the run to 60 might be able to get under the 6.0-second mark.

The engine does get some advancements though. For starters, emissions are reduced thanks to a new single-nanotechnology catalytic converter. As well, the 2.3-liter engine gets 0.5 liters/100km (0.1 mpg) better fuel economy.

In terms of technological advancements, the MAzdaSpeed3 has plenty of them. For starters the new engine features an advanced boost controller that reduces peaks for a more linear power delivery. The left and right drive shafts have been modified to reduce torque steer. The six-speed manual transmission now has wider ratios than before and the tranny uses a low-viscosity fluid to reduce shift effort.

With the new body and chassis, the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 is naturally better, however, it also gets large stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and shocks. As well, it now features 18-inch wheels with big brakes – 12.6-inches up front and 11-inches in the rear.

We’ll bring you full details in our New York Auto Show coverage starting April 8th.

More: 2010 MazdaSpeed3 to Make U.S.-Debut in New York on AutoGuide.com

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