Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat to assemble Mazda models in Fiat and Chrysler plants?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/fiat-to-assemble-mazda-models-in-fiat-and-chrysler-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/fiat-to-assemble-mazda-models-in-fiat-and-chrysler-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/fiat-to-assemble-mazda-models-in-fiat-and-chrysler-plants/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne cracks a smile in his trademark sweater

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, whose refrain is "We're willing to engage in discussions with anyone else" when it comes to making deals to achive a larger economy of scale, has opened another front according to a report in Reuters. When the deal was announced for Alfa Romeo to codevelop a roadster with Mazda to be based on the next-generation MX-5 Miata platform, further cooperation in Europe was mentioned as an aside. It could go beyond that, though, with Reuters reporting that that Fiat is open to building Mazdas in Fiat and Chrysler plants worldwide.

Such an agreement would allow Fiat to address unutilized factory capacity and the platform-sharing necessary to the arrangement would lower development costs - a hot-button priority for both Fiat and Mazda. Of course, this is only a statement of willingness on Marchionne's part, but with the same statement being made so often and Mazda being in a bit of a cost pickle, it's probably only a matter of time before something more serious comes of it.

Fiat to assemble Mazda models in Fiat and Chrysler plants? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factoryfiatmazdamiatamx-5 miatasergio marchionneMon, 28 May 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/fiat-to-assemble-mazda-models-in-fiat-and-chrysler-plants/20245760/article-detail.xml 20245760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sergio-marchionne-facial-hair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/sergio-marchionne-facial-hair.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda and Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on next-gen MX-5 Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mazda-and-fiat-to-co-develop-a-roadster-based-on-next-gen-mx-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mazda-and-fiat-to-co-develop-a-roadster-based-on-next-gen-mx-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mazda-and-fiat-to-co-develop-a-roadster-based-on-next-gen-mx-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will have a sibling, but it won't be a Mazda, it will be an Alfa Romeo. The Japanese automaker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alfa parent Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on the MX-5 platform that is expected to see production in Mazda's Hiroshima factory, with the Alfa version coming in 2015.

Pegged as "a successor to the MX-5," the production date will push the next-gen Miata's arrival back a bit. In 2010 it was predicted we'd see the new Miata this year, with its 2,200-pound weight target, 50/50 weight distribution and potential twin-backbone chassis structure. Obviously that isn't happening.

Whenever the new model and its Alfa mate do come, each brand will get "differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive," using in-house engines provided by their own brands.

The link-up is excellent news for Mazda, the small, independent company searching for just these kinds of "technology and product development alliances" to help rescue it from years of losses, and supporting CEO Takashi Yamanouchi's assertion that it's "partner or die." The negotiations also include further cooperation between the two brands in Europe.

Fiat head Sergio Marchionne's search for partnerships to provide scale is no secret, nor his desire to improve Fiat's position in Asia, which Mazda might also be able to assist with. And the idea of a properly sporting Alfa would be welcome round the world; with the loss of the Brera GT and Brera Spider in 2010, the Alfa line is down to two hatchbacks and a long-in-the-tooth sedan, none of them particularly sporty. With the 8C Spider beyond most budgets and the 4C still living in the ether, it's been almost 20 years since the then 33-year-old Alfa Spider represented (or was meant to, at least) the kind of purposeful, two-seater Alfa being announced here.

The final agreement should be finalized later this year, and you can scroll down to read the press release.

Continue reading Mazda and Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat to co-develop a roadster based on next-gen MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeofiatmazdamazda mx-5 miatamiatamx-5mx-5 miataWed, 23 May 2012 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/mazda-and-fiat-to-co-develop-a-roadster-based-on-next-gen-mx-5/20243285/article-detail.xml 20243285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-miata628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-miata628opt.jpg <![CDATA[MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland Part 2

The crew at MotoMan has rolled out the second episode of its Targa Newfoundland coverage. This time around, Brandon Fitch and I spend plenty of time talking with the guys about the challenges of Day One, how the Flyin' Miata supercharged NC MX-5 Miata handles some of the more technical stages and joy of hauling ass through a subdivision. Meanwhile, team MotoMan gets a few valuable lessons on competition in targa from veterans of the race like Rob Pacione and learns a little about Newfoundland hospitality at the same time. As the week continues, competitors are forced to overcome a variety of challenges, from an entire engine swap in a Lotus to a water-logged 911.

Part Two gives us all a better idea of what it's like to compete in Grand Touring, where the goal is to hit a specific time and speed, rather than simply beat a time like in Targa class. Both competitions are challenging in their own right, but we have to sympathize with MotoMan's frustration at being forced to limp a Dodge Challenger 392 along at 40 miles per hour with an open road ahead of you. Scroll down to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengerdodgedodge challengerflyin miatamazda mx-5 miatamiatamotomanmx-5targa newfoundlandTue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/20233608/article-detail.xml 20233608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motoman-targa-newfoundland-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motoman-targa-newfoundland-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #280 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-280-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-280-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-280-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Episode #280 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #280

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #280 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartalitmaautoblog podcast 280 topicsautoblog podcast topicsbrzchryslerchrysler salesdartfr-smazda mx-5miatamx-5 miatascion fr-ssubaru brzMon, 30 Apr 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227590/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-280-live/20227590/article-detail.xml 20227590 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Japanese TV show pits MX-5 against BRZ and FR-S at Twin Ring Motegi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/japanese-tv-show-pits-mx-5-against-brz-and-fr-s-at-twin-ring-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/japanese-tv-show-pits-mx-5-against-brz-and-fr-s-at-twin-ring-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/japanese-tv-show-pits-mx-5-against-brz-and-fr-s-at-twin-ring-mot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Japanese sports cars at Twin Ring Motegi

A Japanese motoring show, complete with titles in comic fonts, put three racing pilots behind the wheels of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S (Toyota 86, in this case) for three laps of the 2.1-mile East Road Course at Twin Ring Motegi. Of course the segment producers know that putting the 167-horsepower roadster against the 200-hp coupes isn't exactly fair, so they gave the Mazda a small head start of about three grid positions.

Ex-sports car racer Takayuki Kinoshita handles the Mazda, former open-wheel pilot Naoki Hattori drives the BRZ, and former Le Mans-class winner Keiichi Tsuchiya gets fast and loose in the FR-S. The drivers offer copious on-track commentary, but it's in Japanese. That said, watching the MX-5 try to stay in front and watching Tsuchiya start drifting are universal gearhead languages. You'll find the action after the jump.

Continue reading Japanese TV show pits MX-5 against BRZ and FR-S at Twin Ring Motegi

Japanese TV show pits MX-5 against BRZ and FR-S at Twin Ring Motegi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzfr-sft-86mazdamiatamx-5mx-5 miatascionscion frssubaru brztoyotatwin ring motegivideoSun, 29 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226672/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/29/japanese-tv-show-pits-mx-5-against-brz-and-fr-s-at-twin-ring-mot/20226672/article-detail.xml 20226672 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mx5brzft86_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mx5brzft86.jpg <![CDATA[MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MotoMan Targa Newfoundland video

It's been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata with the Flyin' Miata crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

Continue reading MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandchallengerdodgedodge challengerflyin miatamazdamazda miatamiatamotomanralph gillessrttargatarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland documentarySat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/20214298/article-detail.xml 20214298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda takes the long and winding roadster to the British isles with MX-5 Venture Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/mazda-takes-the-long-and-winding-roadster-to-the-british-isles-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/mazda-takes-the-long-and-winding-roadster-to-the-british-isles-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/mazda-takes-the-long-and-winding-roadster-to-the-british-isles-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition

Go back half a century or so and nobody owned the concept of the little roadster quite like the British. These days it belongs to Mazda and its ubiquitous MX-5 Miata, but as if to pay homage, the Japanese automaker has launched a new special edition in the UK.

Called the MX-5 Venture Edition, it bundles a dozen or so additional features into one slick little package. Gunmetal-finish 17-inch alloys, fog lamps and chrome grille are all part and parcel, but the nicest touch is the Havana Brown leather trim inside, with alloy pedals and piano black trim. TomTom sat-nav with a 5.8-inch touch screen and full connectivity keep it current.

It's available in special shades of black, white or grey, and buyers can choose between soft-top or retractable hard-top, but only 250 examples of the former and 550 of the latter will be made available exclusively in the UK. Check it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mazda takes the long and winding roadster to the British isles with MX-5 Venture Edition

Mazda takes the long and winding roadster to the British isles with MX-5 Venture Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda mx-5 venturemazda mx-5 venture editionmiatamiata venturemx-5mx-5 venturemx5Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/23/mazda-takes-the-long-and-winding-roadster-to-the-british-isles-w/20175715/article-detail.xml 20175715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-mx5-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-mx5-special.jpg <![CDATA[Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda Miata V-16

As far as two-seaters go, they don't get much farther apart than the Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Mazda is as cheap as the Bugatti is expensive, and the Veyron has as many turbochargers - and digits in its output figures - as the Miata has cylinders. But this homegrown example aims to bridge the gap.

Someone, it seems, has stretched out their Miata's wheelbase and fitted a pair of eight-cylinder engines (which is essentially what powers the Bugatti) under the extended hood - or where the hood used to be, anyway. The result, as you can see from the brief clip after the jump, is rather rumblesome. Here's hoping the next vid has a bit more action...

Continue reading Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone?

Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamiatamx-5twin enginev1-6v16Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/20170073/article-detail.xml 20170073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bugiata_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bugiata.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition shows off its new black hat and shoes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-chicago-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Chicago Auto Show and the Mazda MX-5 Miata have quite a history. After all, the very first Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago show, and since then, Mazda has routinely used the Windy City expo to showcase some sort of new roadster hotness.

For 2012, we've been introduced to the MX-5 Special Edition (clever name, we know), which dons a new black power retractable hard top and gunmetal wheels, among other small updates.

Underneath the skin, Mazda has fitted its standard suspension upgrade kit, which includes Bilstein shocks, while inside you'll find black accents and heated black leather seats, along with a full kit of tech options. Pricing starts at $31,225, and only 450 will be sold in the United States. Get it while it's hot.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition shows off its new black hat and shoes

2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition shows off its new black hat and shoes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda mx-52012 mazda mx-5 special editionchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showmazdamiatamx-5mx-5 miataWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-chicago-2012/20167019/article-detail.xml 20167019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-1328713405-1328713538_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-1328713405-1328713538.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition priced from $31,225]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-priced-from-31-225/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-priced-from-31-225/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-priced-from-31-225/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Behold, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition. The Japanese automaker will officially unveil the limited-production Miata under the lights of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show later today, featuring new goodies like a contrasting black retractable hard top and 17-inch gunmetal wheels.

This is the first time in the vehicle's history that the MX-5 Miata has been available with a non-matching hard top in the States. Mazda will only produce 450 units, and each one carries black leather heated seats with contrasting stitching as well as piano black trim panels indoors. Outside, buyers can choose between two exclusive colors: Velocity Red and Crystal White Pearl.

If you want one as badly as we do, Mazda will kindly ask you to hand over $31,225 for models boasting a six-speed manual transmission or $31,675 if you want the automatic (you don't). That cash will buy you a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 158 horsepower pushing a 2,593-pound vehicle and all of the niceties that come with Grand Touring trim. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition priced from $31,225

2012 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition priced from $31,225 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2012chicago auto showmazdamazda mx-5 miata special editionmiatamx-5 miatamx-5 miata special editionspecial editionWed, 08 Feb 2012 08:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165361/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-priced-from-31-225/20165361/article-detail.xml 20165361 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Flashback to 1989, and you'll recall the Mazda debuted the very first Miata under the lights of the Chicago Auto Show. Because of that, Mazda has had a tendency to debut many a special edition Miata at the Chicago expo, and this year will be no different.

Limited to just 450 units here in the Untied States, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition takes the top-trim Grand Touring model a step further with a new black-only power retractable hard top - the first time a non-body colored hard top has been available - as well as new 17-inch gunmetal wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior trim. Two new exterior colors - a special white and red - will be offered, and the car can be had with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda makes no mention of powertrain upgrades for the MX-5 Special Edition, but the normally optional Premium and Suspension packages will come as standard equipment. This means buyers will be treated to goods like Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension. Pricing and detailed specs will be released as part of next week's Chicago festivities, but for now, follow the jump for Mazda's initial press release.

Continue reading Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago

Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda mx-5 special editionchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showmazdamiatamx-5special edition miataThu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/20163223/article-detail.xml 20163223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/miata1-628-1328215523_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/miata1-628-1328215523.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder

Mazda has given SEMA goers something to get excited about with a pair of MX-5 Miata concepts. The MX-5 Miata Spyder Concept has done away with the standard car's folding soft top or retractable hard top mechanism in favor of a lightweight grenadine-red canvas covering à la Porsche's Boxster Spyder. The look lends the already lithe roadster an even more svelte appearance, and the Spyder's 17-inch Advan alloys and Mazdaspeed coilovers ensure that the driver should have plenty of fun when the road turns twisty. Mazda has also rolled in quite a few excellent details, including etched brushed stainless Spyder badging on the front fenders and a clean MX-5 Spyder logo on the passenger-side dash.

While the 2.0-liter MZR four-cylinder underhood looks familiar, Mazda says the MX-5 Spyder runs on isobutanol, the same biofuel that powers in Mazda's/Dyson Racing ALMS car. To further the company's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" effort, the Spyder also has a lightweight lithium ion battery, among other changes.

Does the Spyder have a chance at production? Well, probably not the isobutanol powertrain, but a lighter model with a similar top configuration might have a shot. As Mazda's design director, Derek Jenkins, notes "...because the stock models are extraordinarily versatile, who's to say some elements of these SEMA concepts can't be ready for public consumption?" Sign us up.

The MX-5 Super 20 - which debuted last year - brings more of a motorsports flavor to the convertible. A fixed hardtop has replaced the standard folding mechanism and the interior has been stripped bare in favor of a full roll cage. Additional power comes courtesy of a DPTUNE ECU reflash, a 304-stainless steel header and exhaust. Racing Beat hollow front and rear sway bars, Mazdaspeed coilovers and a Mazdaspeed shock tower brace help lend sharper handling, too.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas

Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Truth be told, we find most SEMA concepts to simply be gaudy aftermarket overkill. These two Mazda models, however - now these are something we'd like to sink our teeth into.

Let's start with the MX-5 Miata Spyder concept. The most obvious alteration here is the removal of the stock MX-5's folding soft top (or hard top) for the sake of a stretched canvas roof, similar to the rakish and flying buttressed Porsche Boxster Spyder. That, combined with larger wheels, a lowered stance, aero kit and a revised front fascia make this a Miata we'd definitely want to spend a lot of quality time with. We're already madly in love with the standard car, so making it lighter and improving the dynamics promises to be nothing short of motoring bliss.

Mazda Turbo2 conceptThe second concept is something we've been begging Mazda to create for quite some time, too. The Turbo2 is, according to Mazda, "one of our most powerful turbocharged engines in our lightest platform." That's a recipe for success if we've ever heard one. We can do without the ground effects kit and graphics package, but the thought of a turbocharged engine under the hood of a better-tuned Mazda2 (read: Mazdaspeed2) is a project we're more than willing to get behind.

We'll see both concepts live from Las Vegas next week. For now, feast your eyes on the hotness in our high-res image gallery.

Mazda previews hot MX-5 Miata Spyder and Turbo2 concepts for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Point. Shoot. Grin.

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Wedging myself into the cockpit of Keith Tanner's 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata turned Targa Newfoundland podium finisher, I'm struck with the realization that most race cars are the automotive equivalent of a pet electric eel. They look fantastic lounging around, and you may even be struck with the impulse to get close, but the reality is that it's only a matter of time before it reaches out and lights you up like a cheap string of Christmas lights. This notion is only underscored when Tanner hands me a set of noise-cancelling headphones with an integrated com system.

"Here. You'll probably want these," he says. "It can get kind of loud in here."

With a 400-horsepower General Motors L33 wedged between the fenders of the poised Miata, it's only a matter of time before the stripped interior resonates with the sound of eight furious cylinders. I ask if there's anything I should know before I hit the ignition. Tanner says no. I'm beginning to suspect he's lying to me.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.
My helmet has just been crammed into the cross ribs of the roof of our Miata for the third time in less than a kilometer, driving a guttural "OOMPH" from my lungs mid-sentence at the same time. I regain my breath, look from the route book to the kitchen timer that's Velcroed to the rally computer on the dash, and start counting out the seconds on my fingers. My tiny brain is already too overloaded for simple math, and I've reduced myself to elementary school tricks for quick calculations. It's the fifth stage of the fourth day, and the verdict isn't good; we're a far cry from our target time.

"We are 17 seconds slow," I say into the mic, doing my best to stifle any tones of urgency.

"Seventeen seconds? Are you sure?"

The short answer is that no, I'm not sure. For the first time in a full week's worth of time-speed-distance rallying, our time intervals are making no damn sense. We'll pass one and be 25 seconds down only to pass the next and be within five seconds of our target. I'm all kinds of crossed up, but mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.

"I'm sure. Beat on this thing."

Always project confidence.

Continue reading How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]

How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland 2011

Two mistakes. After six days of late nights bent over the route book with calculator in hand, long days of non-stop rallying and lengthy transits, we've covered over 2,200 kilometers, raced 41 stages and made two penalty-worthy mistakes. There simply aren't words to convey the spectrum of emotions that accompanies the Targa Newfoundland, and the Flyin' Miata crew experienced its fair share of highs and lows throughout. While Wednesday saw both teams leading their respective classes, Thursday had nasty surprises in store for both the V8 Roadster and the supercharged NC.

Due to a transcription error, I fouled the finish time for stage 4-5, Garnish. We were supposed to cover the 13.25 kilometers in 8:43; I directed Brandon to the finish in 8:51, which landed us three seconds of time-over penalty plus another four seconds of interim time-control penalties. That seven seconds alone knocked us off of the podium, but the last stage of the day, Marystown North, saw an additional 7 seconds tacked onto our time after we missed the first turn and were forced to turn around.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland

It's a good day to be in the Flyin' Miata camp. As of the conclusion of Day 3 of competition, both the Targa Miata and the Supercharged 2006 MX-5 hold the top position in their respective classes. While Keith and Janel Tanner have managed to sling their 430-horsepower machine through Wednesday's nine stages to take the top slot, Brandon Fitch and I overcame a few small obstacles to zero all of our times through the day. Despite my fat-fingering the egg-timers ahead of the incredibly technical Greenspond stage, we came in just two-seconds outside of dead zero and well within our plus or minus nine-second window.

I also received a front-row showing of Fitch's driving prowess after the car stalled at the start of the third-to-last stage. In a desperate push to make up lost time, the Flyin' Miata engineer pushed the 240-horse Miata to 128 kph through a series of undulating turns. That figure is just two kph shy of our maximum allowable speed. Crossing that barrier brings all sorts of unsavory penalties.

Thursday will bring forth a whole new set of challenges as our window narrows to plus or minus five seconds. While we used today to train ourselves to arrive at the flying finish well within our final day tolerances, fatigue is beginning to set in on both Brandon and I, greatly increasing the chance of a careless error that could cost us our lead. Regardless of how we wrap up on Friday, the fact that we can say that we tied for first across the first three days of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland is a story I'll be blathering at cocktail parties for years.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin Miata at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland

While I thought that I grasped just how unique and amazing the Targa Newfoundland is in the world of motorsports, the breadth of this event's character didn't hit home until I got here. We spent the majority of yesterday's morning and afternoon tackling stages in and around Gander, a small town about 206 miles north of St. John's. Despite my completely misinterpreting the route book on stage one and a near miss with an time control, we managed to zero every stage and avoid any penalties, but the two final stages of the day presented a challenge that we weren't exactly prepared for.

Though the stages we had covered so far had given me gracious periods of three, four and even five kilometers during which I could insert my own time and distance way points to keep the 2006 Flyin' Miata Mazda MX-5 on course and on time, the last two did not. Both stages took place on the same seven kilometer course that wound through a dense subdivision. That's right, kids. We would be attempting to carry a 57.5 kph (35.7 mph) average through a series of 29 90-degree turns. I would have no more than 300 meters at most to alert Brandon Fitch, my valiant driver, of the direction of and distance to the next turn as well as monitor our time as we passed each instruction.

I'll be honest; I didn't have much hope for our chances.

We lined up, the lights went hot and in a second, we were blurring through the subdivision. With Fitch's help, I was able to glean enough time to glance at our egg timers and equate the figures with our actual distance. We were going to nail it.

We zeroed Gander on the first run and managed a repeat performance for the second pass. As Fitch put it, "This is the most awesome thing. Ever. In the history of the world."

I'm inclined to agree. Our efforts today managed to place us in first for the second day in a row, but with days of 12-hour driving and calculating quickly stacking up, our chances for careless errors are increasing drastically. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on the 2011 Targa Newfoundland site for our times.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zach Bowman and Brandond Fitch with Flyin Miata at the Targa Newfoundland

The 2011 Targa Newfoundland is officially underway after three prologue stages on Sunday. As our first real taste of targa competition, the day was instrumental in alerting Brandon Fitch, driver of the number 1680 Flyin' Miata Supercharged Mazda Miata, and myself to the fact that we had no holy clue as to what we were doing.

As a co-driver in the Grand Touring class, it's my job to make sure that we arrive at the flying finish line as close to our target time as humanly possible. Early in the event, we get to enjoy nice, wide 30-second time windows. Later in the week, that gap will narrow to a slender six seconds. During the prologue, we either under- or over-shot our times by as much as 30 additional seconds outside of our window.

Mercy.

What was the problem, you ask? Our rally computer, the infamous Terratrip, seems to have been designed specifically to confound and infuriate. With Brandon doing his best to keep us shiny side up during a stage, I'm trying to call out the distances to the next instruction in descending intervals of 100 meters, the instructions themselves, monitor our time as we arrive at the instruction and hopefully keep an eye on our average speed to tell us whether or not we were close to hitting our time. It didn't work that way.

For starters, the Terratrip seems to have a preference for calculating average speed not from the time that the vehicle begins moving, but from the instant that you turn the machine on. Not helpful. If I cleared the screens in preparation for our start time, the computer began factoring two minutes of zeros into our average speed, rendering a completely useless number.

Keep reading to see how it turned out...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata Supercharged NC MX-5

While Keith and Janel Tanner took Friday to hash out setting the odometer on the Targa Miata, Brandon Fitch and I continued on with our education with the Open Road Motorsports Targa School in our trusty Supercharged NC. The day's instruction orbited around two simulated stages on Bell Island just a short ferry ride from St. John's. With our notes prepped, our own Terratrip rally computer properly calibrated, and a closed course through the winding roads of the island ahead of us, we were understandably enthusiastic about putting our freshly-gleaned skills to use.

We arrived early, took the first spot in the queue just ahead of a vicious-sounding Ferrari Enzo and waited for the stage lights to go green. When the time came, Fitch dropped the hammer and I immediately began rattling off instructions.

Continue reading to see how it went...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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