Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Get the full details on the feature rich, 2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV with SKACTIV Technology during a virtual test drive!
Click to take a virtual test drive.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
THE ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA6 SEDAN MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN MOSCOW
Mazda to Showcase Redesigned Sedan With All-New Technology and Safety Features
Aug 28, 2012
"MOSCOW, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From design concept to final production, the all-new 2014 Mazda6 has been a feast for the eyes. Spawning from its TAKERI Concept beginnings, which made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last November, the redesigned Mazda6 was adapted for more practical wheels-to-road use yet did not sacrifice style or its appeal of being a game-changer in the mid-size vehicle segment. The second Mazda to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV®[1] technologies, the Mazda6 will launch in Europe this year with an added slew of all-new safety features and fuel efficiency-improving technologies. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in early 2013.
Similar to TAKERI, the Mazda6 features a bold new front fascia with a five-point "signature wing." Part of the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language, this new family look evokes a tempered aggression, controlled yet taut beneath the three dominant character strokes that flow alongside the sculpted body. The Mazda6 sits on a 111-inch long wheelbase, allowing for a roomier interior and ample storage space. Compared to the previous generation, the front wheels have been pushed forward nearly four inches in relation to the A-pillar, resulting in reduced overhang while the rear deck has been shortened, further enhancing the vehicle's lower, leaner and longer stance.
Under the hood of the Russian-specification Mazda6 is a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine that offers 134 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 can be paired with either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. A SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine also will be available in the Russian market and boasts 189 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 189 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 will be available with the SKYACTIV-Drive transmission. Final specifications for other global markets, including the U.S. and Canada, will be disclosed at a later date.
To feed the rest of one's senses, the interior offers a driver-oriented cockpit with knobs and controls within intuitive reach. The luxurious interior overwhelms in its clean simplicity and quality materials. Cavernous but comfortable, the 2014 Mazda6 features a new instrument panel in two new metallic finishes – Bordeaux and Dark – as well as soft fabrics on frequently touched surfaces such as the door trim and along the instrument panel. The instrument cluster is presented with white scale markings on a dark spindle groove-and-honeycomb pattern to accentuate clarity and readability. An encircling metal ring provides a distinctive finishing touch.
Wrapped in an all-new "Soul Red" metallic paint finish, itself developed through a unique technological process that balances depth and shading while providing vividness, the Mazda6 rests upon 19-inch, five-double-spoke alloy wheels, which offer added stability to the dynamics of the vehicle's SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis. The SKYACTIV-Body structure utilizes more ultra-high tensile steel resulting in fewer materials used (and a lighter weight) while increasing torsional rigidity by almost 30 percent. The SKYACTIV-Chassis has a finely tuned front strut and rear multi-link suspension system, which deliver agile driving performance in the low- to mid-speed ranges and precise handling in high-speed driving. Engineering efforts also improved NVH performance to target class-leading quietness as well as optimizing the under-floor design to further improve aerodynamic airflow to a class-leading 0.26 coefficient of drag (Cd), which also contributes to increased fuel economy.
Additional environmentally-conscious, fuel-efficient systems in the Mazda6 include the production debut of "i-ELOOP," the Mazda-engineered, world's-first capacitor-based regenerative braking system. In real-world driving conditions, which feature frequent acceleration and braking, i-ELOOP will improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent. The "i-stop" idling stop system also is available and offers a class-leading engine restart time of 0.35 seconds. The accelerated restart equates to a smoother, barely noticeable pick-up as well as significant improvement in stop-and-go fuel economy. Also, an award-winning single-nanotechnology in the catalyst improves the exhaust gas after-treatment process and reduces the amount of precious metal required.
For the Russian-specification 2014 Mazda6, all-new safety features coupled with the brand's current array of advanced technologies offer an added sense of security and stability. Providing hawk-eyed vision in the moonlight, signature LED headlights paired with halo ring light guides are adopted for the first time in a Mazda production vehicle. With the available Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), the headlights beam and embrace curves on the road just as the vehicle does for added visibility.
Other featured safety systems include:
- High-Beam Control (HBC): Uses a sensor to detect oncoming vehicles and automatically adjusts between high and low beam to avoid blinding other drivers at night.
- Hill Launch Assist (HLA): Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards while the driver's foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when taking off on a hill.
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Causes the hazard lights to rapidly flicker on and off in the event of panic braking at speeds of 31 MPH or higher in order to warn vehicles behind.
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM): Goes into effect at speeds of 19 MPH or higher and detects vehicles approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot area on either side, and alert the driver should s/he turn on the indicator signal to change lanes.
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): Uses a camera to judge the position of lines on the road and alerts the driver of unintentional lane departures, thus minimizing the risk of collision due to driver inattention or fatigue.
- Smart City Brake Support (SCBS): Uses a near-infrared beam sensor to help prevent collisions and, in cases where prevention is not possible, reduce the impact of frontal collisions at low speed (up to 19 MPH) by automatically applying the vehicle's brakes.
More information on the 2014 Mazda6 will be announced during a press conference on Wednesday, August 29. All specifications and technologies disclosed will be specific to the Russian market."
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Mazda MX-5 GT4 Makes 320 HP, Costs $197,000
Luke Vandezande | Aug 22, 5:30 PM
"Despite having the same engine as its street-legal parent, this Miata makes 320 hp through a potent turbo kit and brags a low 2,204-lb curb weight. Built by U.K.-based Jota Sport, Mazda is selling the fully homologated GT4 car to compete with the likes of Aston Martin and Lotus.
Little is left of the original roadster which not has an FIA spec roll cage and loads of aero parts like a carbon fiber rear diffuser and front lip, a single racing seat and a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.
As is standard practice with race cars, the interior has been entirely scrapped in favor of carbon fiber to save weight."
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Today is the FINAL DAY to register for Speed Camp 2012, an awesome opportunity to have a great time learning how to sharpen your overall and performance driving skills!
Also, for those already registered, don't forget about the Pre-Event Briefing/Tech Inspection for Speed Campers on Thursday August 23rd, 7pm at Dublin Nissan!
Click for details and to get your registration in today!
http://www.speedcamp2012.com/
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
2013 Mazda CX-5
"The 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with features such as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Hill Launch Assist.
2013 Mazda CX-5
Engine: 2.0-liter, 155-horsepower four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,426 pounds
Base price: $28,295
As driven: $30,415
MPG rating: 25 city, 31 highway
At A Glance
Point: The new CX-5 is nicely styled, has sharp handling and delivers exceptional fuel economy for its segment. The cabin is comfortable and well equipped.
Counterpoint: The 2.0-liter engine feels a bit anemic for a vehicle of this size.
Compact crossover utility vehicles are my favorite because they marry the function of an SUV with the handling and fuel economy of a small sedan or station wagon. Plus, these mini-CUVs actually have enough cargo space to accommodate the needs of most buyers, with the exception of those that need a third seat for carpooling.
Mazda’s all-new CX-5 has fresh styling with a new design theme that is called KODO, Soul of Motion. It is a welcome departure from Mazda’s grinning face grille.
The CX-5 reflects the company’s fun-to-drive philosophy by showcasing sharp and responsive handling while returning excellent fuel economy.
The CX-5 comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $20,695 for the Sport, $23,895 for the Touring and $27,045 for the Grand Touring. The Sport can be equipped with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Touring and Grand Touring are only available with the automatic. I drove an all-wheel-drive Grand Touring and its base price was $28,295.
For Midwestern winters, I would choose all-wheel drive over front-wheel drive, but buyers in southern climes will be happy with front-wheel drive.
The CX-5 uses what Mazda calls Skyactiv Technology to achieve fuel economy that is rated at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version with the six-speed manual transmission. The highway number is mighty impressive for a vehicle with such a tall and boxy profile.
All-wheel-drive models with the automatic transmission are rated at 25 city and 31 highway, which is still quite good compared to competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Skyactiv is more of a strategy than a technology. Mazda uses high-strength, lightweight steel for the chassis to keep weight down, and that means a small, highly efficient engine can be used. The one used in the CX-5 is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 155 horsepower. It has an aluminum block, dual overhead cams, direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and a high compression ratio. It runs on regular fuel.
A 2.0-liter engine is small for a vehicle this size, and it shows when you load the vehicle with people or need a strong burst of power for climbing hills or entering the freeway. The hot-selling Honda CR-V has 30 more horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 has 24 more. Clearly, Mazda chose fuel economy over performance, and that may be wise in a time of expensive gasoline.
The CX-5 makes driving actually fun because it has such nice handling. It acquits itself at least as well as, and sometimes better than, the Mazda3, and that’s not an easy task for a vehicle that is relatively tall.
Ride quality is an excellent combination of comfort and control. The electronic power steering has a nice feel, and body roll is held in check nicely during cornering. The tight suspension that yields good handling is not so firm that it makes the ride harsh or choppy.
Compact crossovers are about function and versatility, and that means the interior is a key to how useful the vehicle is over a long period of time. The CX-5 shines in its ability to carry various-sized cargo, be comfortable and offer popular convenience items.
The Grand Touring test car was equipped with the technology package that included GPS navigation, satellite radio, high-intensity headlights and keyless ignition. Other standard features included stability control, heated front seats, Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and dual-zone climate control.
The leather-trimmed sport seats had excellent lateral support and were quite comfortable.
One or both sides of the rear seat can be folded.
Other safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and front, side and side-curtain airbags.
Price
The base price of the test car was $28,295. Options included navigation, high-intensity headlights, satellite radio, keyless ignition and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The sticker price was $30,415.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty"
Monday, August 20, 2012
Learn everything you wanted to know and more about the 2013 Mazda6 Sedan during a virtual test drive!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Mazda: We Want Each New Car To Be 220 Pounds Lighter
By Antony Ingram; Aug 7, 2012
"While all automakers realise the benefits of making their cars lighter, it's only been relatively recently that some models have actually weighed less than their predecessors.
Demands for saftey, equipment, larger engines, more comfort and more space have pushed vehicle weight up so far that some cars are fifty percent heavier than their equivalent from 20 years ago.
Mazda started reversing this trend several years ago, and now it's making a bold statement: it wants to eliminate 220 pounds of weight every time it re-designs one of its models.
That will obviously become increasingly difficult with each new generation, but it's a realistic proposition for at least the next couple, and Mazda sees it as an important step in meeting fuel economy and emissions regulations.
Speaking with Automotive News, Mazda vehicle development engineer Dave Coleman explained that Mazda "focused so much on the low-hanging fruit that we still have a lot of room."
That suggests that Mazda's current techniques, such as ensuring every nut and bolt it a little lighter than before, and preventing weight from climbing too much--the MX-5 Miata sports car has only increased around 15 percent in over two decades, much less than the norm--are only the start.
Use of high-strength steel, and using less steel where strength isn't an issue, is another technique Mazda has used and will continue to use to reduce weight.
Vehicle downsizing may be another option. The current Mazda2 is smaller and over 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which wasn't sold in the U.S.
Materials technology may also play a part. The MX-5 has always used an aluminum hood to ensure a large, usually-heavy part weighs less, and it's possible that aluminum and carbon fiber will play a larger part, as more widespread use brings down the cost. BMW agrees, and is set to use more aluminum in future models.
As we already know, reducing weight is a virtuous circle too, enabling manufacturers to fit smaller, lighter, more economical engines without sacrificing the performance that buyers desire.
Mazda may not be able to keep up the 220-pound fat-fighting for too long, but you can be sure that the next generation of Mazdas will be considerably lighter than the last."
Monday, August 13, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
A Hopeful Buying Couple Applauds The Five-Star Effort of Alfonso and Chris!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Enjoy the Red Tag Sales Event
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
2014 Mazda CX-5 CUV To Receive 2.5 liter SkyActiv and New SkyActiv-D Diesel Offerings
"Last month, Mazda reported that the Mazda CX-5 compact crossover has been so successful, the automaker maxed its production capacity in order to meet the climbing demands.
Now, the blockbuster CUV from Mazda gets even better. According to a source, after a Mazda dealer meeting in Chicago, the CX-5 is slated to offer a more powerful 2.5 liter SkyActiv 4-cylinder powerplant option that is expected to make 170-hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2.0 SkyActiv engine in the current CX-5 produces 150-hp and 150 lb.-ft. of torque and is capable of 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway in FWD automatic guise. However, EPA details of the 2.5 liter equipped CX-5 remains limited.
Past rumors have also suggested a diesel equipped CX-5 as well. For now, the 2.5 liter SkyActiv and the new Skyactiv-D diesel engine options will be available in the upcoming Mazda6 midsize sedan first. The engines are scheduled to debut as early as October 2013."
Monday, August 6, 2012
Come in With This Coupon to Get Your Full 5,000 Mile Service for Just $59.95!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Mazda CX-5 Commercial - "Better. Stronger. Smarter." - 60-second | Mazda USA
Click to watch the commercial.
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