Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

Filed under: Aftermarket, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Mazda

Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda’s apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It’s an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

In the Autoblog Garage:

Honda CRZ
Lexus RX450h

News:

• BMW 1 Series M Coupe
• Volt sub-30 mpg claim
  
• Mazda Shinari concept
  
• Roush Mustang supercharger
  
• Lotus Evora S and IPS
  

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

Runtime: 50:59

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Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Mazda, Design/Style

When Mazda invited us to Milan to see its new concept car, we knew it must be something important. Normally concept cars get their 15 minutes of fame at an auto show, and then it’s off to the next press conference to see what the following automaker will introduce. Not so with Mazda’s latest styling endeavor. The Japanese automaker wanted our full and undivided attention, with the center of international design and fashion in Italy as a fitting backdrop.

The Shinari concept, which roughly translates to “resistance to being bent,” will serve as a the basis for Mazda’s new design language, and many of the styling cues will make it to future production vehicles. That means that the Shinari will essentially affect the design of every vehicle coming from the Japanese automaker for the next several years. An important car for Mazda? You bet.

The Shinari was officially unveiled earlier today, and we spent several hours talking with Mazda’s artists about the design and how it will affect the automaker’s forthcoming vehicles. Follow the jump to learn more about the Shinari and what it means for the brand’s future.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style

Mazda Shinari Concept debuts new face of the brand in style originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5

Filed under: Performance, Mazda

The original Mazda MX-5 made its U.S. debut in 1989, and back then, the Miata was a lithe little roadster that immediately drew praise for its superior handling and a fun-to-drive nature. Each generation that followed packed on more pounds and additional amenities, slightly blunting the car’s appeal as a simple roadster at an affordable price. But the next MX-5 – due to arrive in 2012 – Mazda has set a target weight of 2,200 pounds and returning it to its former glory.

At just over a ton, the next-gen MX-5 will tip the scales slightly more than the original 1989 model, but it will still retain its 50/50 weight distribution that makes the roadster a wonderfully balanced machine. To keep weight in check, Mazda will employ one of its newly-developed, SKY-G gasoline engines which the company claims will boost efficiency by 15 percent while also increasing power over previous engine designs. Mazda predicts that its next-gen MX-5 could touch 50 miles per gallon, a remarkable achievement for the quintessential roadster.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5?

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda spoke of expanding its line with a small crossover as far back as 2008, with such talk led by the appearance of the Kazamai Concept. According to Autocar, Mazda is preparing to have said “new small SUV” prepped for sale at the end of 2011. When it was mentioned two years ago, the idea was that the vehicle would help position Mazda as an aspirational brand; now it sounds like it could be extravagant design meeting frugal economy.

For Mazda, a CX-5 would provide an option in a segment it knows consumers are moving toward, and the vehicle being discussed could be a gas mileage champ. Mazda is reportedly boasting of a 100kg weight savings vs. the competitors (that’s a not-insubstantial 220 pounds), as well as power from the company’s already frugal Sky engines. Some whispers about three- and five-door versions have been recorded, but remember, for the moment these are all still whispered rumors, not facts.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5?

Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda spoke of expanding its line with a small crossover as far back as 2008, with such talk led by the appearance of the Kazamai Concept. According to Autocar, Mazda is preparing to have said “new small SUV” prepped for sale at the end of 2011. When it was mentioned two years ago, the idea was that the vehicle would help position Mazda as an aspirational brand; now it sounds like it could be extravagant design meeting frugal economy.

For Mazda, a CX-5 would provide an option in a segment it knows consumers are moving toward, and the vehicle being discussed could be a gas mileage champ. Mazda is reportedly boasting of a 100kg weight savings vs. the competitors (that’s a not-insubstantial 220 pounds), as well as power from the company’s already frugal Sky engines. Some whispers about three- and five-door versions have been recorded, but remember, for the moment these are all still whispered rumors, not facts.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mazda working on CX-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revival

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

Rumors about a true successor to the FD RX-7 have been kicking around automotive circles since… oh, just about exactly when the car left the world for good way back in 2002. While it could be argued that the Mazda RX-8 is a spiritual progeny of the Zoom-Zoom kingdom’s white night, the four-door sports car doesn’t quite stack up to its curvaceous predecessor. It would seem that Autocar is doing its best to keep the flame alive for the return of the RX-7, this time with – gasp – a new set of leaked details from an insider close to the project. Consider us stunned.

According to Autocar, the project could yield a car much closer to the original RX-7 recipe by as early as 2013. Supposedly – and stop us if you’ve heard this one before – the company is working on a new rotary mill to be used with an electric turbo for a little extra grunt. With the RX-8 on its way out the door and no word of a replacement on the horizon, it would seem only fitting for Mazda to be working on something rear-wheel drive with a Wankel at its heart, but given the lack of hard sources and solid details, we’re going to have to take this one with a jumbo-sized side of skepticism.

[Source: Autocar]

Shocking Rumor! Mazda considers RX-7 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zoom – Zoom, The New Mazda BT-50 (by tsikot)

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Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Filed under: Car Buying, Mazda

Quite a few automakers have had success with certified pre-owned used car programs, and now Mazda is jumping on board by offering a CPO plan of its own. After all, used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection are more attractive to potential buyers, even though certified cars commonly carry a heavier price tag than their non-inspected lot mates.

Mazda is offering its CPO program on all 2006 to 2010 model year vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. Depending on the auto’s age, certified used cars will offer the remaining balance of Mazda’s warranty, or will be sold with an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. What’s more, Mazda offers roadside assistance on its CPO vehicles.

Expect the certified pre-owned program to make its way across the vast majority of Mazda dealers in the United States in the coming months. For the full details, hit the jump to read the release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Mazda launches certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda, UK

Mazda is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the company will show off a number of its more exciting models from the past, including the ever wicked 787B edition MX-5 and the more recent MX-5 Superlight Concept, the biggest news is that the display will feature a life-size Scalextric track. Yep. Mazda will build an automated track with real-life cars in an interpretation of every hoon’s favorite childhood toy. Mazda has chosen a handful of cars to celebrate the 20-year history of the MX-5, including a 1990 Miata, a 2000 10th anniversary edition and a California Special Edition.

If that’s not enough to get your eyebrows up, visitors will be able to drive the actual hill climb course in a new MX-5 or ride shotgun in a special-built racer. Not that we needed any more of a reason to want to be in West Sussex this weekend, but these Mazda goodies sound like a good time. The event kicks off on the first of July and runs through the fourth. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Mazda, UK

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been electromagnetic when it comes to special editions, nearly as powerful at attracting check-this-option-box versions as the Ford Mustang. The next one to be rung up is the MX-5 Miyako for those roadster-loving Brits. Part of the year-long celebration of 20 years of Miata production, the “summer special edition” Miyako gets the requisite leather interior upgrade with highlighted stitching and badging, unique colors and 17-inch wheels.

It is the first special edition that you can have in both ragtop and folding tin-top forms, with 500 each available to the consuming public. It goes on sale July 1, priced from £18,385 ($27,722 U.S.) on-the-road. Have a read on all the specs after the jump, and check the fun you’re meant to have in it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market

Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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