Best Luxury Cars | 2010 Mazda 3 - What We Know So Far

The 2010 Mazda 3 is no stranger to the automotive press with dozens of spy shots popping up over the past few months and speculative renderings coming from all around the world. Because the Mazda 3 is Mazda's top selling vehicle in the U.S. it's not hard to see why it is drawing in so much excitement surrounding its unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The redesign couldn't come up at a better time for Mazda when, even in the midst of a languishing economy, the Mazda 3 continues to be a hot seller among the ultra competitive compact car segment against the likes of the newly revised Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Although nothing is set in stone (read: confirmed by Mazda) yet we have created a list of what to expect when the Mazda 3 is officially unveiled by Mazda: First, the current 2.3 liter motor will be swapped out in favor of Mazda's 2.5 liter currently in the 2009 Mazda6. This will bring power up to around 170 hp, from the current 150-156 hp of the Mazda 3 s-line and will offer both a six speed manual transmission and a five speed sport automatic transmission. The Mazda 3 i-line is expected to carryover its 2.0 liter engine and transmission options.

When it comes to design the 2010 Mazda 3 can best be described as evolutionary with a similar overall body profile and a few changes around the front and back. From the spy shots we can see styling cues borrowed from the new Mazda6 and up front, with flared wheel arches and an upwardly sculpted front bumper reminiscent of the recent Mazdaspeed RX-8 concept car. Following the Mazda6's march towards luxury car dominance, the upcoming Mazda 3 has been spotted with previously unseen luxury amenities in the compact car segment like integrated mirror turn signals, Mazda's advanced keyless entry system with push button start, mp3 hard drive, and numerous steering wheel based controls.

These new features are in addition to the current Mazda 3's options including HID headlights, auto rain sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, Bose sound system with aux input, lighted vanities, auto down driver's window, one-touch moonroof and power seat controls. None of the new features listed above are set in stone (they were observed on what appeared to be a near final prototype model during testing) it is very likely that the features will remain and be available on the final retail product. The stage is set and Mazda will officially reveal the 2010 Mazda 3's design at the Los Angeles Auto Show which runs between November 17th and 26th.

Learn more about the Mazda 3, including the upcoming 2010 Mazda 3, by visiting our enthusiast website and Mazda 3 Forums.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Ferris

Sports Car World | Mazda Creates the Economical Sports Car the 2010 RX-8

The 2010 Mazda RX-8 is a nice little powerhouse with an economical price tag. In fact, U.S. News and World Report recently ranked it as 1 of the 5 most economical sports cars for your money. So what about the engine of this beauty? The 2010 Mazda RX-8 has a rotary engine, which the technology is called RENESIS, and it is available as either a 232-hp 6-speed manual or 212-hp 6-speed sport automatic transmission.

The RENESIS rotary engine is the next generation of rotary engine that powered the RX-7, retaining the power of the previous rotary model 13B-REW, holding onto all the power of the RX-7, while increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions, while the rotors weigh about 14% less than the ones used in the engine of the RX-7. The RENESIS engine also has its intake and exhaust ports in the side housings, which allows better heat dissipation and a longer power stroke.

RENESIS also sports a six port induction system, called 6PI. Each rotor uses 3 of the ports, and each also uses a variable intake timing mechanism, which allows it to maximize compression efficiency at both high and low speeds. In addition, the RENESIS has two exhaust ports for each rotor. This allows a massive reduction in exhaust resistance.

Both the automatic and manual models have a 1.3 liter, 2 rotor rotary engine, capable of 159 lb-ft of torque at 5500 rpms and are capable of a displacement of 1308 cc and a compression ratio of 10.0: 1, being sure you'll get a lot of power for your dollar. The fuel economy is improved from the RX-7 as well... this car averages 16 mpg in the city and 22-23 on the freeway (23 for the sport automatic, 22 for the manual transmission).

In conclusion, the engine of an RX-8 is a nice piece of machinery, and if you take care of it, it will take care of you for years to come.

Find out more about Mazda RX-8 Engine and other industry specific topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronnie_W_Tanner

Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe

According to the crew at Auto Motor und Sport, the Mazda RX-8 won't be coming back to Europe for the 2011 model year. Why? The rev-rific rotary can't pass the Euro-5 emission standards and a replacement won't arrive until 2013.

Mazda Germany exec, Joseph Alois Schmid, told AMuS that retrofitting the current engine would be too cost prohibitive and the Wankel can't adapt quickly enough to Europe's stringent emission standards.

Although a replacement is in the works – and a hydrogen version could arrive within the next few years – the next rotary mill will have to be significantly reworked to adhere to the new standards. But even a revised rotary could have problems in 2014, when the new Euro 6 emission rules take effect.



[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

Geneva 2010: 2011 Mazda5

Mazda's Nagare design theme has infiltrated nearly every model in its lineup, with only a few lone hold-outs. Here in Geneva, one of the last unmolested models has finally gone under the knife and the result is the 2011 Mazda 5.

In addition to the new smiling fascia, five-point grille, deeper chin spoiler and flared front fenders, the new 5 gets a trio of dramatic, wave-live character lines sweeping from the front door and terminating into the deeply drawn rear tailamps. The combination ditches the somewhat anonymous profile of the previous model, it's just a shame the rear looks disproportionately top heavy.

The interior gets a quick once over, with thicker, wider seats, power sliding doors and a reworked center stack, with the standard seven seats carrying over and the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the new Mazda3 finding its way underhood when it hits the States later this year.

All-New Mazda5

The Eye-catching, Eco-Friendly C-MAV with 7-Seat Functionality – World Premiere

The next generation of Mazda's compact people-carrier, Mazda5, takes centre stage at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It replaces a successful model that has been popular with families looking for 7-seat functionality in a sporty and safe package. Since launch in 2005, Mazda5 has found 470,153 owners worldwide, 168,107 of them in Europe (as of December 2009). It has also won 37 automotive awards and has consistently been voted one of Europe's most reliable and safe small vans.

The all-new Mazda5 carries forth this tradition with family-friendly attributes and a new design that includes "Nagare Flow" elements. This design is optimally balanced with superb aerodynamics. There are also practical dual sliding rear doors and easy step-in access, more comfortable seats and instruments that are easier to use. For added convenience, power-sliding rear doors are available (according to version and country).

Compared to the original model, the all-new Mazda5 is easier on the pocketbook too. Its engine line-up has been renewed and now includes an eco-friendly 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with the Mazda i-stop system, evolved especially for this vehicle. This version delivers an approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol it replaces. It also features a 1.8-litre petrol engine, now with six-speed manual gearbox, and an economical diesel engine. Combined with one of the segment's lowest coefficients of drag (Cd: 0.30), the all-new Mazda5 uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than ever before. Yet, despite this frugal nature, it is fun and predictable to drive with a stiffer body and suspension updates contributing to a linear driving feel. These features – and a host of new options – make the all-new Mazda5 even more appealing and even better at meeting the needs of families with active lifestyles.

2011 Mazda Taillight Wallpaper

2011 Mazda2 Front View

2011 Mazda2 Headlight

2011 Mazda2 Car Wallpaper

2011 Mazda2 Side View

2011 Mazda2 Interior

2011 Mazda2 Photo

2011 Mazda2 Rear View

2011 Mazda2 Taillight

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

The MX-5 is 20 years old, and Mazda will celebrate the world’s most popular roadster’s success with a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition which will get a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Limited to just 2,000 units, it will only be available in Europe, bearing a special edition scuff plate in stainless steel with a serial number.

Based on the 124 bhp/167 Nm 1.8-litre SE soft-top roadster, the 20th Anniversary Limited Edition adds chrome to the grille, door handles and headlight fascia plus silver fog lamp surrounds, unique 17-inch alloys and of course – 20th Anniversary logos. It can be ordered in three exterior colours – True Red, Crystal White Pearl and Aurora Blue; the latter is a new colour specific to this edition. The hue you choose will get repeated in the cabin.

There are no changes under the skin except for an additional bracing bar for the front suspension.

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specs

- Halogen Headlights, AM/FM Radio With Seek, Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3/WMA Player

- 2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is 2.0-Liter, VVT 16-Valve, MPFI Engine; Front/Longitudinal Mounted With Horsepower Of 167@7000, Torque Of 140@5000.

- Leather Steering Wheel, Front Carpeted Floor Mats, Black Vinyl Located On Doors

- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Switch, Front Side Airbags, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Automatic Locking Retractor

- Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering

- Front Stabilizer Bar, Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers, Rear Stabilizer Bar, Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers

The 2010 MazdaSpeed3

The 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Specs

- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors, Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch With Automatic Locking, Selective Locking/Unlocking

- Audio and Navigation Pre-Wiring, 2 Front Power Outlets, 1 Integrated With Cigarette Lighter

- Turbocharged 2.3-Liter, 16-Valve, EFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 263@5500, Torque Of 280@3000

- Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices, AM/FM Radio With Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player

- Front and Rear Body Color 5-MPH Impact-Absorbing Bumpers, Body Color Rear Spoiler

- Black Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area, Front Carpeted Floor Mats, Leather Steering Wheel, Rear Carpeted Floor Mats, Alloy Located On Foot Pedals and Scuff Plates

- Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering

- Rear Stabilizer Bar, Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type, Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type, Front Stabilizer Bar

New Mazda5 previewed ahead of Geneva!

This is a case of when, not if. With the entire Mazda range adopting the big smiley corporate face, it was only a matter of time before the Mazda5 (Premacy in some markets) was forced to wear the new look. Like what you see?

The new Mazda5 will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Embracing “dynamic and elegant Nagare design”, it emits about 15 per cent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” system, a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine (paired with a six-speed manual for Europe) plus other measures. The Hiroshima based carmaker also claims a more comfortable ride, perhaps by retuning the suspension.

Mazda says that the 5 is the first production model to fully adopt its Nagare design language. Besides the Mazda3 style front end, there are other familiar Mazda cues such as the sculpted wheelarches, but the MPV’s flanks get wavy lines only seen on Mazda’s concepts prior to this. Nagare means flow in Japanese, and there’s certainly plenty of flow in the shape of the new 5. Inside, the dashboard design mimics the 3 and is more driver centric now.

Mazda RX8

Mazda RX8

Mazda RX8 Side

Mazda RX8 Super Car

Mazda RX8

Tokyo 2009: Mazda RX-500

One of the coolest concept cars here at the Tokyo Motor Show isn't even new. In fact, it's almost forty years old. Originally displayed at the Tokyo show in 1970, this Mazda RX-500 Concept features styling similar to the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO Breadvan, gullwing doors that swing forward, and a 491cc rotary engine just behind the seats. Weighing in at just 1873 pounds, the 247-horsepower concept was said to have reached nearly 150 mph on Mazda's test track.

Mazda 3 New Pictures

Mazda 3 New Pictures

Mazda cx 7 new pictures

Mazda cx 7 new pictures

mazda rx7 wallpapers

mazda rx7 wallpapers

mazda rx7 pictures

mazda rx7

mazda rx7

mazda rx7 wallpapers

Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.

Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and us in the process), but the Superlight goes to show what an inventive mind and a skilled hand or two can do with the iconic Mazda roadster. Characterized by its windshield-less shape, the Superlight also features an exquisitely crafted cockpit of brushed aluminum and saddle brown leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber rolls hoops with integrated brake LEDs, an aluminum rearview mirror mounted on the hood, a wider track, dropped suspension and upgraded brakes.

While the engine essentially carries over from the stock 1.8-liter, 126hp four, the Mazdaspeed intake and exhaust, coupled with the reduced 2,194-pound curb weight, bring the 0-60 run down to 8.9 seconds. Which may not sound like breakneck acceleration, but with the wind rushing at your face,

The Retrospective Mazda RX-7 Series Look

The RX7 model from the house of Mazda was introduced for the first time during the year 1978 and the production of the vehicle was stopped in the year 2002 after a massive production of about 811,634 units in total. The Mazda RX7 falls under the category of midsize sports cars. The vehicle was released as a predecessor to the Mazda RX3.

The base model of the RX7 features the twin rotor 1146cc Wankel rotary engine with front mid ship, providing the rear wheel drive. The base model RX7 was a sports coupe model built with the lightweight body style and compact rotary engine or the Wankel engine mounted behind the front axle.

The vehicle was offered as a two seat coupe in the states of America with optional rear seats in the countries of Australia, Japan and in the other countries of the world. The Mazda RX7 was in a list of ten best lists conducted by the Car and Driver magazine for five times.

The last model produced in the RX7 series was offered in three types of engines - the 1.3 liter 13B REW that produced 188 kilo watts of power, 1.3 liter 13B REW that produced 206 kilo watts of power and the 1.3 liter 13B REW that produced 195 kilo watts of power. The sports variant of RX7 was offered in both the 4-speed automatic and in the 5-speed manual transmissions.

The current generation RX7 models are offered in three different types - R model, the touring and the base model in the North American market. The touring model comes with the leather seats, Bose Acoustic Wave system and sunroof.

Learn more about latest generation Mazda RX7 Cars Here

Here's a great online collection of the latest Mazda RX7 Car Pictures

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan

Review: 2010 Mazda3

We can't talk about the new Mazda3 without lovingly gushing over the old Mazda3. Introduced in 2003 and produced until this year, the first generation was a segment buster. For about the same coin as its competitors, the Mazda3 gave you more: More sportiness, more refinement, more space and, being a Mazda, more reliability. The Mazda3 was just a better car. And of course there was the beloved MazdaSpeed3 – aka lightning in a reasonably-priced bottle. For 2010, Mazda has built a new, slightly larger 3 packed with polarizing styling, a bigger engine and more creature comforts.

In our First Drive, we mentioned the styling and how it's either a love it or gag on it proposition. Like many contemporary cars, the new Mazda3 has such complicated surfaces that when seen two-dimensionally via a computer screen, much of the subtlety is lost. Porsche's new Panamera shares a similar fate. In real life, the new Mazda is both flowing and cut. Of course, the big news is the grinning proboscis, which you either love, hate or love to hate. Again, we found it much more acceptable in real life than in photographs, but as with all things aesthetic, your mileage will vary.



We tested two Mazda3s, a 2.0-liter "i" sedan and a 2.5-liter "s" sedan. In other words, no five-door. As far as chunky little sedans go, with its new mega-mouth and stubby trunk, the Mazda3 shares a passing resemblance to the Mitsubishi EVO X – that's no bad thing. One aspect we particularly dig are the headlights. They're complicated yet elegant and finely shaped. Some reviews have pointed out the the clear taillights are pretty seven years ago, but we think they look fine. And Mazda did an excellent job with the wing mirrors.

Inside is a darker story. If you've ever found yourself inside a 1980s BMW, you get the idea. Lots of black and a bit of red. Darth Vader would feel right at home. The deep set gauges are inspired from the old car, but we're happy to report they're much more legible. The little 3 now comes with a nav screen (if you get the Grand Touring package), but it's the size of a credit card and hardly worth getting. Also, you can only map stuff with the steering wheel buttons, so its not very useful, either. The Grand Touring package adds all sorts of other luxury amenities including heated seats, dual zone climate, XM/Sirius radio and a quarter acre of leather. But it also burdens the steering wheel with 15 buttons.



Now we come to the transmissions. Our 2.0-liter "i" came with a five-speed automatic. It works just fine, but if you're craving any sort of sportiness from your three, you'd be much better served the five-speed manual. The autobox is simply a mechanical downer. Our 2.5-liter "s" tester came with a six-speed manual, and while we've long been a fan of Mazda's manuals (particularly the stellar 'boxes fitted to the RX-8 and MX-5), sadly, we were thoroughly underwhelmed by the quality of the row-your-own tranny in the new 3. It just felt floppy. The throws are old-school long, akin to a '70s Corvette, and the shifter comes off as chintzy. The "leather" shroud conceals a curved piece of metal where it's been spot welded to the bottom of the knob, and while that's hardly a deal breaker, we simply expect more from Mazda. Tumbleweed.

Our decadently optioned Grand Sport came in at $25,115, and now you're in WRX territory.

On the road, the tale of two engines isn't as different as you might think. Obviously the 2.0-liter "i" mill is aimed at the budget-minded consumer. It's 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque move it around and... that's about it. We would have liked to try wringing this motor out with a manual, but didn't get the chance. For those on a budget or worried about miles per gallon, this is your Mazda3 motor. The sad news is that those looking for some get up and go in the compact class, the 2.5-liter "s" motor isn't the answer. Yes, it's bigger and makes some more power (167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque), but on the road there isn't very much difference. Considering the Subaru Impreza's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer-four makes 170 ponies and 170 torques, yet the 2.5i Premium starts $1,000 cheaper than the s Mazda3 – $18,495 versus $19,490 – choosing the 2010 Mazda3 over the Subie becomes even more difficult. Thrown in the fact that our decadently optioned Grand Sport came in at $25,115, and now you're in WRX territory.



It's obvious at this point that after a week with the "i" and a few days with the "s", we simply weren't feeling the new Mazda3. Both cars' saving grace is the eager to boogie steering. Regardless of engine/transmission, turning the 3's wheel feels fabulous. Like nearly all Mazda's, the brands sporting DNA shines the brightest through the suspension. The parts aren't novel – MacPherson struts with coilovers up front and multilink coilovers behind – but it's all tuned brilliantly. Maybe then, the key to the 3's salvation lay up in the hills? Off to the canyons we went.

We selected Glendora Canyon – a wonderful, curve-imbued 20-mile blast – to put the 2010 Mazda3 through its paces. We set off with a friend's Hyundai Elantra in hot pursuit. First of all, pounding the holy snot out of (relatively) underpowered cars is a very underrated endeavor. Because the limits are so low, you can reach them quickly (red line in third gear, why not?), and because the chassis are modern the (safety) first tendency is always to understeer. Unlike a Viper, little cars aren't actively out to kill you.



As suspected, up in the canyons is where the Mazda3 came alive. Speeds rarely crested 45 mph, but even still the 3 flowed from one curve to the next. The new 2010s come standard with stability control, which we left off for the entire run – it simply wasn't needed. Aside from the aforementioned understeer, there isn't any bad behavior. There's even enough torque to let the engine do most of the braking for you. This prevented us from riding the grippy 11.8-inch front and 11-inch rear disks into flaming oblivion. Case in point: At the bottom of the mountain the Hyundai's brakes sat and smoked for a good five minutes while the Mazda looked as if it had been strolling through a park.

Without question, the old Mazda3 was the best car in its segment. Luckily for the new model, it's a pretty weak segment. Aside from the nearly-absurd price of our Grand Touring test car, there's nothing glaringly bad about the new 3. But unlike the old car, there's nothing too great about it either. Still, minus a few options and/or trim levels, this is a vehicle that many people will purchase and happily own for years to come. The 2010 Mazda3 will undoubtedly remain the go-to choice for non-pistonhead family members, but for those of us craving more from our compact runabouts, we're keeping our fingers crossed for the 2011 Mazdaspeed3.


[Source: Autoblog]

2009 Mazda MX5