Autos Remix: Mazda

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New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Comes to the States, will Debut in Chicago

Earlier today, we told you about the Australian market Mazda MX-5 Special Edition featuring a sports suspension kit and some exclusive styling touches. Well, we now learn that the same model will be offered in the States in a limited run of 750 units, albeit at a much lower price as the U.S. version starts at $30,925 with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when equipped with the six-speed Sport AT automatic. That's compared to US$47,800 for the Aussie market model.

The Special Edition is based off of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with the retractable hard top, and is available only in two new colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. It rides on 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, the limited run version of the MX-5 gets gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster, plus aluminum pedals when equipped with a manual gearbox.

The most important addition is the Suspension package, which is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring model, and includes Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension.

Power for the Limited Edition comes from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 167-horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda has not yet released a launch date for the limited edition MX-5, but we assume that it will be available shortly after its debut at this week's Chicago Auto Show.

Mazda MX-5 Achieves Another Milestone as Production Reaches 900,000 Units

The world's most popular roadster model ever, the Mazda MX-5 (also known as Roadster in Japan and Miata in North America), is celebrating yet another milestone in its enviable history as total production reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This latest milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000, with the record being updated when sales passed the 700,000 and, later, 800,000 mark. Mazda is currently reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, "Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5's spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people."

To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup, and from the looks of it, this isn't going to change soon with the Japanese firm planning to further develop the model.

"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units, Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5," said Mazda's executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai. "We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand."

Australia: Now you see the New Mazda2 Sedan, now you Don't

The Mazda2 four-door small sedan has been dropped from the firm's lineup in Australia, just eight months after launch. The reason is Mazda's decision to switch production of the Australian market version of the small car from its Thailand factory, which manufactures both sedan and hatchback body styles, to the company's Hiroshima plant in Japan, which builds only the hatchback version.

The Japanese automaker said the move was dictated by the success of the Mazda2 in the Thailand region and the fact it could not guarantee supply to the Australian market.

Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver told reporters that the company does not except the loss of the four-door model to harm local sales as the five-door model was the most popular in the range.

An updated version of the Mazda2 hatchback with refreshed trim and all-new colours is due arrive in Australian showrooms this month. It will continue to be offered with 76kW 1.5 litre petrol engine, available with both manual or automatic transmissions.

Nissan to Sell Rebadged Mazda5 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).

Minor Updates for JDM Mazda Premacy - Mazda5 MPV

The Japanese market version of the Mazda5 MPV, which continues to be named Premacy, has received a small number of upgrades for the 2010 model year. In particular, the range topping 20Z model grade comes with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels and fresh seat and door trims while Mazda also introduced the Dark Plum Mica exterior finish pictured on the Premacy above.

Changes for the rest of the range include the addition of two new exterior colors, newly designed fabric seat and door trims, an upgraded trip computer that includes a fuel economy gauge as standard equipment and a glossy piano black trim for the center stack.

The subtly updated Premacy goes on sale in Japan today with prices for the front wheel drive models ranging from 1,820,000 to 2,195,000 yen.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

Mazda launched the 2010 Shinari sports cars coupe at the Paris Motor Show in early October, a four door concept car that shows the new design. This design as well as to replace the Nagare design. Mazda Shinari Concept represents the profound connection of driver and machine and the beginning of Mazda's latest design theme 'KODO-Soul in Motion'. Shinari exhibits a functional aesthetic that will continue to evolve as Mazda continues to define its next generation of vehicles.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

The development of the Shinari Concept was actually a collaboration between three of Mazda’s design centers in Japan, Germany and the United States. Mazda also said it is working to improve the quality level of its interiors for future vehicles. With 2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car as the first step, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda's design division, aims to create original Mazda designs that will be recognized around the world. He summarizes his resolve in the following words:

"My goal is to create designs that people can point to proudly and say, 'This is a Mazda design'. There is no need for Mazda to build cars for people who are only concerned with 'style' and 'trends'. Whether working on sports cars or compact cars, I have always worked to create designs that evoke an emotional response in people and I hope to keep doing the same as I remain fully committed to develop designs for people who love and admire cars. It is my personal belief that the only way to create designs that fundamentally connect with people and to create designs they love, is if the people creating them are absolutely passionate about cars and are willing to make that passion a firm policy for design expression.

The Mazda Shinari is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sport cars coupe which perfectly expresses the 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme in a graceful and carefree form. All of Mazda Shinari Concept's body surfaces appear as if constantly undergoing transformation. There is no static shape to be found, as if the car is in perpetual motion. For instance the subtle control of the angle of the upper surface of the side sill, from the front to the rear, results in a form that suggests a flash of speed along the body of the car. Aerodynamic performance was a major priority for Mazda Shinari Concept, and the centre of the lower sections - on both the front and rear bumpers - are designed to optimize the flow of air along the underbody of the car.

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

The principle of 'dedicated driving ergonomics' is further reflected in the car's next generation Human Machine Interface (HMI). The availability of smaller electronic components has allowed Mazda Shinari Concept's designers to create a floating HMI three-dimensional display; a design element that represents the very latest HMI technology . The system offers three distinct modes: 'Business, Pleasure and Sport'.

Yasushi Nakamuta, the chief designer who led the design of the third generation Mazda MX-5, was the first to begin the ideation of the Mazda Shinari Concept: "The challenge for us was to create an innovative new expression for energetic and powerful movement; something that we had never attempted before. We began by developing the design around the image of a predator, as it strikes at its prey, or the stabbing movement in kendo, Japanese fencing, to express the instant where accumulated force is released.

Ikuo Maeda say, "Further, I consider it vitally important to have an awareness of Japanese originality in designing cars for Mazda. This is not merely about incorporating traditional Japanese elements into car design. I believe in reflecting the Japanese spirit in car designs as part of a subconscious practice. So, while I consider where this may lead in the future, my plan is to create cars that will be instantly recognizable as a Mazda, even when viewed at a distance. My ultimate goal is to create a brand presence that car lovers around the world recognize as representing both Mazda originality and Japanese originality. Future Mazda's will move people physically and emotionally - this is 'KODO - Soul of Motion'."

2010 Mazda Sport Cars Coupe Shinari Concept Car

2011 Mazda Sports Car Mazda6 Facelift

Mazda has released the first 2011 Mazda6 facelift images and details and announced that the new version will be premiered at the Geneva auto show in March. As far as the exterior design goes, the 2011 Mazda6 facelift features new headlights and rear light clusters. This new, upgraded version enhances the strengths of its predecessor, retaining its fun-to-drive feeling and excellent fuel efficiency; while improving refinement, cabin ambience, environmental compatibility and safety performance.