Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cutting room floor: Mazda3 sedan designs that didn't make it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/cutting-room-floor-mazda3-sedan-designs-that-didnt-cut-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/cutting-room-floor-mazda3-sedan-designs-that-didnt-cut-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/26/cutting-room-floor-mazda3-sedan-designs-that-didnt-cut-it/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of unused Mazda3 designs

It takes a lot of time and effort to redesign any vehicle, but the problem is magnified when the model in question is an automaker's best-seller. So it's not surprising that Mazda would have a number of unused concepts left over from the team tasked with updating the popular Mazda3 compact. What's more intriguing, however, is just how good some of these unused sketches are. For instance, while we like the overall design of the new '3, take a look at this alternate front face - meaner and more aggressive than the propitious look of the final car.

Not only is a critical eye necessary to be a designer, it also requires a desire to get your hands dirty at times. Full-size clay models need to be shaped and refined in wind tunnels before getting final approval, and the new car needs to at least share a passing resemblance to its predecessor. See the whole process through which Mazda designers trudged in our gallery below.

Gallery: Unused Mazda3 Sketches


[Source: Carscoop]

Cutting room floor: Mazda3 sedan designs that didn't make it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mazda32010 mazda3 sedan2010Mazda32010Mazda3Sedancar sketchesCarSketchesmazdamazda3Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mazda3 sedan

Mazda has unveiled its 2010 Mazda3 sedan here at the LA Auto Show and we managed to snap some nice shots off as it was spinning around on a huge rotating stand. It's a good looking car that Mazda says carries on its "family face" with stylish bulges and creases that attract the eyes, and we're really looking forward to seeing the hatchback version as well. Underhood is a newly-enlarged 2.5-liter version of Mazda's MZR inline-four that offers up 167-horsepower and can be mated to either a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto. As before, a standard 148-horsepower 2.0L four will be available and can be had with either a manual or auto tranny with 5 forward ratios each.

Considering the low price class in which the Mazda3 competes, features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Xenon self-leveling head lamps, push-button start and hands-free Bluetooth are very nice touches, as is the iPod integration and an optional leather interior. Increasingly important these days is fuel mileage, so the 3's low .29 coefficient of drag is an important piece of the overall efficiency puzzle and helps the 2010 Mazda3 hit 33 mpg on the highway with the smaller engine option. See the full press release past the break for all the details and be sure to check out our live shots below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3


Gallery: 2010 Mazda3


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio, Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mazda32010 mazda3 sedan2010Mazda3Sedanbreakingla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mazdamazda3Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2010 Mazda3 gains 167-hp 2.5L]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-preview-2010-mazda3-gains-167-hp-2-5l/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-preview-2010-mazda3-gains-167-hp-2-5l/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-preview-2010-mazda3-gains-167-hp-2-5l/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for three high-res gallery of the 2010 Mazda3

Mazda has let loose a few more details on its 2010 Mazda3 just two days ahead of its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show. As before, there will be a base 2.0-liter engine that comes standard along with an optional larger unit, now enlarged to 2.5 liters. The displacement bump comes with a power increase, naturally, up to 167 galloping ponies from 156. Both engines sit under a newly-domed hood and gulp air from a smiling front grille that seems to be the new car's most controversial styling feature. As before, both a four-door hatch/wagon and a sedan will be offered, though we're only scheduled to see the trunked model this week in LA with the five-door set to debut shortly thereafter. Here's hoping that the zoomy Mazdaspeed3 sees additional improvements beyond the new digs, as well. Check out the official press release from Mazda that arrived today for all the details we know so far.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda3


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2010 Mazda3 gains 167-hp 2.5L

LA Preview: 2010 Mazda3 gains 167-hp 2.5L originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mazda32010 mazda3 sedan2010Mazda32010Mazda3Sedanla auto showla auto show 2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mazdamazda 3mazda 3 sedanmazda3Mazda3SedanTue, 18 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST