2012 Mazda 3

Mazda is getting ready to enter the raging mpg war in the compact passenger vehicle segment in the States with the launch of its facelifted 2012 Mazda3 that made its U.S. debut today at the New York International Auto Show.

While the exterior and interior refinements are modest, the updated Mazda3 debuts the first application in North America of the Japanese firm’s suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, achieving 40 mpg on the highway. Within it lies Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.

Approximately 4.4 pounds lighter than the current MZR 2.0-liter engine, which continues for the 2012MY, the SKYACTIV 2.0-liter unit adopts multi-hole injectors to enhance fuel spray characteristics and achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1. It delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, compared to 148HP and 135 lb-ft of the MZR 2.0L.

When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic, the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV sedan returns an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, a 21-percent improvement over the current MZR 2.0-liter engine equipped with the optional five-speed auto. City mpg for the sedan version also improves by 17 percent to 28 mpg.

When equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual, the sedan is rated with an estimated fuel economy of 27mpg city and 39mpg highway.

The SKYACTIV-G unit will also be offered on the five-door hatchback model, in which case it returns a fuel economy of 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-Drive AT). Mazda attributes the lower highway estimates “to different aerodynamics and the higher weight ratio between the sedan and hatchback”.

The SKYACTIVE models also feature several aero tweaks including larger underbody covers and increased rigidity of the front tire deflectors.

Cosmetically, all 2012 Mazda3 models gain a updated five-point grille opening, restyled front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Japanese automaker added new colors and trim options.

Furthermore, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models equipped with SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines are distinguished by certain unique elements such as an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the center lens, and the appropriate badges.

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2012 Mazda3 Facelift with New 40mpg SKYACTIV Engine Debuts in New York

Mazda is getting ready to enter the raging mpg war in the compact passenger vehicle segment in the States with the launch of its facelifted 2012 Mazda3 that made its U.S. debut today at the New York International Auto Show.

While the exterior and interior refinements are modest, the updated Mazda3 debuts the first application in North America of the Japanese firm’s suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving and performance-oriented technologies, achieving 40 mpg on the highway. Within it lies Mazda’s all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine hooked up to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.

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Mazda Minagi Concept is the New CX-5, Production Version to Debut at this Fall’s Frankfurt Show

Mazda today confirmed what many of us already suspected – that the Minagi concept shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon earlier this year will form the base for a production model that will be called the CX-5. In addition, the Japanese firm also announced that the compact crossover model will make its international debut in production guise at the forthcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to be held in Germany in September.

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Japanese Carmakers Lose More than 500,000 Vehicles to Earthquake, Toyota hit the Worst

It’s been over a month since the first of a series of earthquakes along with a catastrophic tsunami hit Japan’s shores resulting in devastating destruction and flooding, but the country is still feeling the effects in more ways than one.

According to a news report, Japan’s big seven automakers have lost more than half a million units of output since the March 11 quake. To make matters worse, even though many factories opened recently, they have not yet reached their full production capacity due to a lack of parts.

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Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume.

Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.

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New Mazda MX5-GT Racer with 275HP Completes 0-60mph Sprint in 3.0 Seconds

Meet the all-new MX5-GT, a featherweight race car with which Mazda will participate in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship 2011 taking on Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus, and BMW. It may seem like a difficult task but Mazda, in cooperation with Jota Sport, the race engineering team that will run the cars in the 2011 series, have a few tricks under their sleeves.

For starters, the GT is claimed to be the lightest and most powerful MX-5 ever built. Jota Sport took some 400 hours to build the car’s shell to a specification that ensured it was 17 times stronger than required by the FIA. Weight-saving measures include the removal of interior parts, reducing component weight and dipping the shell in acid to shave 15kg. The end result is a total weight of just 850kg or 1,873 lbs.

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Honda, Nissan and Toyota Donate $3.75 Million Each for Japan

The massive earthquake followed by the even more devastating tsunami that struck the north-east coasts of Japan last week has brought together the country’s biggest automakers including Honda, Nissan and Toyota, which announced today that they will donate $3.75 million each for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the disaster.
In addition to the contribution in money, Nissan said it is also studying further relief efforts including complimentary provision of vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, donation of medical supplies and daily commodities including blankets, antiseptics and masks, gift matching donation from Nissan employees, promotion, and support of blood donation activities.
Honda announced that it will donate a total of 1,000 power generators along with 5,000 gas canisters to the people left without electricity, while Toyota is considering the provision of goods and services as needed.
The three automakers have also announced the closure of some of their factories in Japan. From March 14 through March 20, Honda will suspend all production activities at its plants in Sayama, Saitama, Ogawa, Tochigi, Hamamatsu and Suzuka, plus all facilities in the Tochigi area, where damage was more serious. From March 15 through 20, Honda will also suspend production at the Kumamoto factory.
Nissan announced that operations at the Tochigi and Iwaki plants are suspended until March 18, while the Oppama, Kyushu, Shatai and Yokohama plants will be closed until March 16. As for Toyota, officials announced that the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Miyagi and Iwate plants are closed, with all employees having been evacuated to safe areas. The factories will remain closed at least until March 16.
Other automakers affected by the earthquake include Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki, which have either suspended or slowed down production because of supply shortages.

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2012 Mazda 3

Mazda has dropped the first photos and details on its 2012 model year Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback models that are making their world premiere at this week's 2011 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. In addition to receiving a cosmetic pick-me-up, the refreshed Mazda3 gains the Japanese firm's new Skyactiv-G gasoline engine and Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.  

The automaker has not yet released specific details on the new powertrain, but said that this is the first application of its Skyactive engine and transmission technologies in a production vehicle. All we know for now is that the engine will feature direct-injection tech and a high compression ratio, while the transmission is said to be compact in size and light in weight, with both contributing to an improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
In addition to the new powertrain updates, the 2012 Mazda3 receives reworked front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. Newly designed 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels round off the cosmetic changes for the 2012 model.
The 2012 Mazda3 will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.

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New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition with Bilstein-tuned Suspension

A new special edition version of the MX-5 with some very minor styling and suspension upgrades has been added to Mazda's vehicle range in Australia. A total of 200 MX-5 Special Editions are being brought into the country with Mazda announcing that the upgrades are being added at no additional cost.
However, this should not comfort Australian buyers as the list price of the limited edition model is a hefty AUS$47,200 (~US$47,800), or roughly the same as a 430HP 2011 Corvette Coupe (US$48,950) in the U.S. We understand that prices between different markets are not comparable for a variety of reasons, but close to $50 grand for an MX-5? The highlight of the special edition model is the addition of a Bilstein-tuned suspension, which promises to further improve the roadster's handling. A bright painted strut tower bar is also part of the suspension package.
On the outside, the MX-5 Special Edition gets new bright painted 17-inch alloy wheels and the choice of two new colors, Dolphin Grey Mica and Sparkling Black Mica, along with an Aluminium Metallic finish.

Inside, the driver and passenger are greeted by unique grey colored leather seats which are complemented by a leather steering wheel and handbrake both featuring grey highlight stitching, while the chrome meter rings and air vent bezels complete the look.
Mazda Australia marketing manager, Alastair Doak, said "The Mazda MX-5 is an iconic car with enthusiasts across the world making it the best-selling two seater roadster of all-time. Offering a limited number of MX-5 Special Editions to Australian consumers will ensure it appeals to the enthusiasts out there who are seeking something a little different."

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Abu Dhabi Car Hire – The Easy Way For Your Conveyance

Driving a car is an enjoyable activity and comfortable means of conveyance for the ones who have to travel during the day to commute to work and visit different places on daily basis. There are a lot of brands in cars and everybody has different opinions about the style and comfort which should be present in a car. Having a vehicle is a relaxation and it makes one feel good about the travel at any time according to his or her on convenience.

Moving out of country or traveling inter cities is a regular part for many business men and the representatives of high profile companies and it is obvious that they can’t move with their car all the time and they have to arrange a car on rent in which ever city they are staying. The Middle East is a prime location fro businesses and the estates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best ones to have business. If you are in Abu Dhabi, then Abu Dhabi car hire is the option to have a rental car Abu Dhabi at ease and you can have a peaceful journey during your stay there.

Hire car Abu Dhabi services also offer the facility of providing a driver with the car as this a requirement of many of their customers. The people who are visiting the UAE for the first time, they are certainly unaware of the routes and the traffic regulations could also put them in trouble if they differ from their own country’s traffic rules and regulations. On the other hand, many representatives form high profile companies simply are served with high protocol and they are provided with a driver so that they can concentrate on their world instead of learning about the traffic laws. So Abu Dhabi car hire services take care the customers of all types and they understand the necessities of all the clients.

The hire car Abu Dhabi services have to deal with numerous types of clients who belong to the elite class as well as the average backgrounds. Therefore, they have to arrange all the brands of cars which makes then t have a huge variety available to satisfy the need and fulfill the demand of every customer. They have almost all the popular and comfortable brands of cars including jeeps and vans. So you can ask for any of the make like Toyota, 4X4, Safari, Porches, Sedan, Pajero, Mazda, Mercedes, and many more.

Another advantage of rental car Abu Dhabi services is that you can book them in advance even before you land in Abu Dhabi and the ask them to give you pick up facility at the airport and you will find the driver waiting for you as soon as you come out of the air port.

Abu Dhabi car hire is a reasonable option and it is the only convenient source of transportation. Other than that you may opt for taxi, but hire car Abu Dhabi services to get a rental car Abu Dhabi is far better source for moving in the city.

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Nissan will sell Rebadged Mazda 5 MPV in Japan

Nissan and Mazda said Friday that they are expanding their original equipment manufacturing (OEM) projects to include the Mazda Premacy, otherwise known as the Mazda5 MPV in markets such as North America and Europe. Under the agreement, Mazda will supply a "clearly differentiated version" of the Premacy to Nissan for sale in Japan, starting from May this year, the two companies said in a joint statement.
No pictures or other details have been released at this point, but given the short timeframe, Japanese buyers shouldn't expect any significant changes over the Premacy. 

The two Japanese automakers are currently collaborating through a mutual OEM agreement, which enables Mazda to provide the Bongo Van/Truck to Nissan (sold as the Nissan Vanette Van/Truck), while Nissan supplies the AD/AD Expert to Mazda (sold as the Mazda Familia Van).


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