Autoblog

Next Mazda MX-5 Miata to get Mini-like levels of customization

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda, Rumormill

Much is expected of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, primarily significant weight savings and a bit more power. The new roadster will be co-developed with Alfa Romeo as part of a joint-venture agreed upon last May. A report in What Car? suggests that that Mazda's benefits won't be limited to the hard bits, claiming that personalization possibilities for the new car will be "similar" to those of the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. The stated aim is for additional customization is "to help a customer's relationship with the car," but on a more basic level, they are popular within the segment. And depending on how Mazda structures pricing, it can fatten up the profit margin significantly.

The date of arrival is predicted to be 2015, and What Car? says the coming roadster should be around 220 pounds lighter than the current model, weighing in at 2,200 pounds. True, that isn't the 700-pound drop engineers were aiming for, but it's not small beer on such a tiny car. Power is said to come from a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 200 horsepower which would represent a 33-horsepower bump over the 2012 to propel a lighter, stiffer car. Sign us up.

Next Mazda MX-5 Miata to get Mini-like levels of customization originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda releases first info on upgraded 2013 Roadster, a.k.a. MX-5 Miata

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Mazda

Mazda has released a spate of information on its 2013 Roadster, known domestically as the MX-5 Miata. As you may recall, images of the newest refresh made their way to the internet via a few snapped brochure photos. As it turns out, those shots were spot on. The 2013 Japanese domestic model (and presumably the North American one, too) will wear a heavily revised front fascia with a version of the five-point grille we first saw on the Spyder Concept. Engineers have also reworked the convertible's throttle and brake booster for improved control as well.

As we heard before, the JDM Roadster will also come with an active hood that will raise if sensors detect an impact at certain speeds to reduce the chances of pedestrian injury. New interior and exterior colors have also made their way to the option sheet for the first time as well. Take a look at the full press release below.

Continue reading Mazda releases first info on upgraded 2013 Roadster, a.k.a. MX-5 Miata

Mazda releases first info on upgraded 2013 Roadster, a.k.a. MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #284 LIVE

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Aston Martin, Lotus, Mazda, Fiat

We record Episode #284 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, meaning 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 #284

Fiat and Mazda shacking up on a roadster
Consumer Reports eco-model test
Aston Martin AM310 and BMW Zagato Coupe from Villa d'Este
Dany Bahar suspended from Lotus

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #284 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon, Design/Style

While the Tokyo Motor Show is a stage for the world's manufacturers to strut their production models, the Tokyo Auto Salon allows designers and engineers to stretch their legs with custom hardware. This year, Mazda is bringing 10 special models to the Tokyo Auto Salon, including a custom version of the recently-released CX-5.

The custom CX-5 wears special paint, a lowered ride height and unique wheels for a significantly sportier appearance. Likewise, the company's Demio also receives a little attention, and visitors to the show can expect to see the Demio 13 Skyactiv Smart Stylish bow alongside the CX-5. The pint-sized hatch makes use of a few aero treatments including a front underspoiler, side skirts and rear underskirt.

The new Axela Skyactiv will also be on display, complete with a body kit of its own, along with a sharp-looking set of wheels. Visitors can take a closer look at a pair of custom Roadster models as well, including the Black Tuned version and a racing-spec version called the Jimba-Ittai, or Rider and Horse as one. We like the sound of that. Hit the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars

Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Japan, Mazda, Design/Style

Even the plucky Mazda MX-5 isn't safe from the temptation of a black edition. Mazda has just rolled out a Black Tuned Roadster in Japan, complete with a little more style than your run-of-the-mill convertible. The package is largely aesthetic thanks to the addition of a Brilliant Black retractable hard top roof and door mirrors as well as Gun Metallic 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, both the seats and the steering wheel are covered in black leather with sand-colored contrasting stitching. Mazda is only offering the Black Tuned Roadster in three colors; Spirited Green Metallic, Velocity Red Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. But not... ummm... black.

As befitting a retractable hard top model, the Black Tuned Roadster comes as loaded as they get with standard gear like a Bose sound system and heated front buckets. Mazda isn't saying how many of the models it plans to build, but we do know that base models come with a six-speed manual transmission while a six-speed automatic is also available. Japanese buyers can expect to shell out ¥2,904,762 for the machine (around $37,896 at current conversion rates). Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan

Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mazda

CAR magazine has gotten an opportunity to try out the refresh of the MX-5, which has left them impressed enough to say it's "still the best car Mazda makes." There's nothing revelatory coming for 2009, just more consistent refinement of a winning formula. The biggest change is a bit of rhinoplasty that adds more of the family nose to the MX-5's visage. The headlamps have taken on a shape that echoes the car's siblings the 3 and the 6. Grille openings, and the shape of the front airdam, call to mind the RX-8, and new sill extensions stretch between the wheels. The tweaking adds a whiff more aggression to the convertible's look, which some have found effeminate in the past.

Rather than get caught up in the recent massive horsepower war, Mazda's been careful to maintain the MX-5's stellar chassis manners that allow drivers to make the most of the horsepower with the car's penchant for serving up handling enjoyment. There have been refinements to the hardware: the transmission now has shorter throws, and the engine gets a forged crank connected to new pistons, and a new valvetrain also helps orchestrate a power peak 300 rpm higher, now at 7,000, and redline bumps out to 7,500. For those that don't want to shift themselves, there's a six speed automatic, and the front suspension has been revised to improve steering feel and action. The MX-5 has evolved from an MGB throwback to a classic in its own right. Now, if they'd just make a proper fixed-head version. Thanks for the tip, Nguyen Ta!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

[Source: CAR]

CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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