The Mazda Day.

All te posts today will be about the Mazda Cars Co.

2009 Mazda RX8 SP

Mazda is looking for some promotion during the 2009 Targa Tasmania by calling its entry "the only rotary-powered performance car in Australia". This Aussie race is something that we normally wouldn’t cover very heavily, and low-level news like an RX-8 entering the competition would usually only be posted on a very slow day, but then something interesting caught our eye in the press release.

As it turns out this RX-8 will be allowed to compete with a turbocharger. The rotary cars from Mazda haven’t been turbocharged since the RX-7, which was discontinued in 2002 (1995 in the U.S.)

Mazda didn’t release performance figures on the car it’s calling the RX-8 SP. We’re betting there is a significant increase to the 232 hp and at least a second shaved off the standard car’s 0 to 60 time of six seconds.

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept

Another four door sports coupe for all to love or hate. This one comes from Mazda and was unveiled in Milan, Italy. The new Shinari is a four-door concept car that illustrates the direction Mazda will be taking for the design of their future cars. This direction is the result of a collaboration between Mazda’s styling studios in Germany, the United States, and Japan.

With the launch of the new concept, Mazda also announced that the company’s future design language will be described by the word Kodo, which is Japanese for soul of motion. Talking about the new design language, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda Motor Corp.’s design division said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements."

Mazda is taking a little of a vivacious step for them with this new design concept and they are increasing the move by announcing that they will also be working on improving the quality level of its interiors for future vehicles: "We want to play in the same group as BMW and Audi. On fit and finish we want the same level of quality." That’s a little of a reach, don’t you think?

2010 Mazda Demio/Mazda2 13C-V HID EDITION

Mazda has chosen to celebrate its 90th anniversary in a subtle way by bringing out a special edition that will only be available in the Japanese market. Going on sale today, the Mazda Demio 13C-V HID EDITION will feature high intensity discharge headlights and fog lights and will be available in eleven exterior paint colors including Copper Red Mica. This particular color will be exclusive to this special edition.

The Mazda Demio compact car features a 1.3L DOHC Miller cycle engine mated to a CVT transmission. It can produce 90 hp at 6000 rpm and 91 lb-ft at 3500 rpm and can travel up to 23.0 kilometers per liter.

Pricing for this special edition Demio/Mazda2 is 1,330,000 yen with tax and 1,266,667 yen without tax. The price jumps up by 31,500 yen if the customer opts for the Crystal White Pearl Mica exterior paint color.

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miyako Special Edition

Mazda continues to celebrate the MX-5’s 20th Anniversary with the unveiling of a new special edition in the UK market. Called the MX-5 Miyako, this special edition will be limited to only 500 units and will go on sale in July at a price of £18,385 for the convertible model and £20,885 for the roadster coupe version.

The new MX-5 Miyako will be available in Aluminium Silver Metallic, while the soft-top will also be available in Velocity Red Mica. It will be distinguished by unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with a red underlay and stitching, special badging, floor mats, and climate control air-conditioning. The exterior includes front fog lamps, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a front suspension strut brace (for improved steering response), and free metallic paint.

The 1.8i 126Hp Miyako soft-top hits the 62mph mark in 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with its 160HP engine makes it just two seconds under that.

2010 Mazda Biante 20S NAVI 90th anniversary special edition

Ninety years is a pretty long time. When you live to be 90, you have every reason to celebrate and you can do it any way you can. Mazda seems to be running on this train-of-thought because they’re rolling out just about any special-edition vehicle they can, even if these vehicles don’t really count as ’special-editions’ in every sense of the word.

The first couple of models unveiled for the festivities were the Mazda3 90th Anniversary edition and the Mazda3 Sport Anniversary edition which made sense because the Mazda3 is actually one of their moneymaking cars. The latest one to be introduced by Mazda is the commemorative Biante 20S Navi Special minivan. Yes, that’s right; a special-edition minivan. Go figure.

The limited-run Biante 20S Navi will only come in 400 units and will go on sale today. Prospective buyers have the choice to opt for a 2.0-liter DISI engine linked to a 5-speed auto or a 4WD with a similar 2.0-liter DISI engine, only this time, it will be linked to a 4-speed auto transmission. Actually, apart from a voice-controlled HDD navigation system, a star-stop system, and parking assist, this special edition minivan pretty much is no different from the standard model, which once again leads us to believe that Mazda will do just about anything to celebrate birthday number 90 by slapping a special-edition tag on all of its models. And we won’t be surprised if they actually do that.

But hey, it’s not like they’re doing it for kicks, right? So, we’ll cut them a little slack.

2010 Mazda2 Yozora Edition

Mazda Canada announced the launch of the special edition Mazda2 Yozora ("night sky"). The car will have a black exterior with an unusual amount of "2s" plastered on it. Okay, any amount of decals with the number two is a little odd on a car, but apparently it’s a design that will spark interest among Canadians. There will be only 500 units built, each priced at $19,280. Sales will begin in July.

The Mazda2 Yozora Edition is distinguished by its unique decal design located on the front driver’s side bumper and fender, a unique raised rear spoiler, short stubby antenna, chrome tailpipe, and 195/45R16 Toyo Proxes T1R performance tires mounted on special edition 16-inch alloy wheels finished in silver and contrasting black. Also included in the special edition are 185/55R15 winter tires on Mazda steel rims.

This special edition will be offered with standard air conditioning and a convenience package consisting of heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry, jackknife key, steering-wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, two additional speakers, exterior temperature gauge, trip computer, body-colored door mirrors and handles, and interior silver accents throughout.

2011 Mazda2

The North American version of the Mazda2 compact car made its debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The model will be launched into North American market in late summer, 2010 and will have a very serious competitor in the new 2011 Ford Fiesta.

The new Mazda2 is characterized by a combination of dynamic performance, sportiness and simplicity. The car’s exterior is characterized by a sporty wedge shape that conveys a strong sense of forward motion; a deeply sculpted form in which the body is drawn inward fore and aft of the A-pillars; and distinctive character lines that extend from the front fender arches to the body shoulders.

There is one thing Mazda did not reveal about their new model: the engine line-up. But they did announced the Mazda2 will feature an improved steering and braking systems and a highly regarded suspension system, which has MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam axle at the rear.

Updated 03/31/2010: Mazda announced today at the NY Auto Show prices for the new Mazda2 that will go on sale in June. Mazda2 will be offered in two trim levels – the entry level Sport and top grade Touring, and prices will start at $13,980 and $15,435 respectively (or $16,235 for a Touring version with four-speed automatic transmission).

UPDATE 08/23/2010: Mazda’s lightweight, entry level hatchback will be getting an upgrade for 2011 with the same focus on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions as other models in the lineup. This focus is thanks to the Euro 5 standards for cars that have many automakers changing things up to progressively move forward. The Mazda2 will be unveiled at this year’s Paris Auto Show and will come with a bit of a facelift.

The facelift Mazda2 will get new front styling featuring Mazda’s unique family face, a new interior, upgraded Euro V compliant powertrain line-up, and an upgraded chassis for even better ride comfort. An automatic transmission will also be offered for the very first time.

2010 Mazda3 Sport 90th Anniversary Special Edition

This is what happens when you’re company is celebrating a milestone anniversary. Mazda Japan has revealed today yet another special edition vehicle - the Axela Sport 90th Anniversary, or as its more popularly known on this side of the world, the Mazda3. This special edition is based on the Sport 1.5 S Style trim and comes to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary.

The new Mazda3 Sport 90th Anniversary Special Edition is distinguished by 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, side spoilers, LED rear combination lights and dark tinted glass and on the interior discharge headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 4.1-inch multi-information display.

2010 Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

Mazda of Japan has just revealed a special edition MX-5 in celebration of the lightweight roadster’s 20th Anniversary as a member of the automaker’s lineup. Since its inception, the Mazda Miata has been awarded the title of world’s highest production two seater roadster by the Guiness Book of World Records. All of the double decade Miatas will be covered in Crystal White Pearl Mica, True Red or Aurora Blue.

Mazda will unveil the special edition MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition in March at the Geneva Motor Show with plans to produce only 2000 units being sold exclusively in the European market. This special edition Miata is based on the 1.8 Liter powered soft top production roadster and is distinguished from ordinary MX-5’s by a special exterior styling package complete with chrome accents on the grill, door handles and headlight fascia; along with silver look fog lamp frames, specific 17-inch alloy wheels and bespoke 20th Anniversary logos.

2010 Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

Mazda of Japan has just revealed a special edition MX-5 in celebration of the lightweight roadster’s 20th Anniversary as a member of the automaker’s lineup. Since its inception, the Mazda Miata has been awarded the title of world’s highest production two seater roadster by the Guiness Book of World Records. All of the double decade Miatas will be covered in Crystal White Pearl Mica, True Red or Aurora Blue.

Mazda will unveil the special edition MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition in March at the Geneva Motor Show with plans to produce only 2000 units being sold exclusively in the European market. This special edition Miata is based on the 1.8 Liter powered soft top production roadster and is distinguished from ordinary MX-5’s by a special exterior styling package complete with chrome accents on the grill, door handles and headlight fascia; along with silver look fog lamp frames, specific 17-inch alloy wheels and bespoke 20th Anniversary logos.

2011 Mazda6

The Japanese automaker Mazda will unveil a face lifted version of the Mazda6 sedan this March at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While we wait for the global update of the car we know here in the U.S. the Japanese market Mazda Atenza serves as a very authentic preview. In it’s domestic market, Mazda will offer the Atenza in three different body styles including a four door sedan, the Sport five door hatchback and a plus sized Sport Wagon, with sales beginning today.

Starting with the exterior, the new Mazda6 will get a redesigned five point front grill, bold flowing lines along the top of the fenders that connect the front end with the A pillars and even more contours that extend from below the grill into the new larger fog light housings as well as a larger Mazda emblem smack dab in the middle of the new front end. Mazda i is also offering their sporty mid size sedan with a set of all new aluminum alloys measuring 17 and 18 inches in diameter.

The Mazda6’s engine lineup has also been updated to become even more environmentally friendly. The 2.0 Liter DISI power plant benefits from direct injection, meaning that it will burn more efficiently while producing even more power. Aside from the standard mill, Mazda will offer both a 1.8 Liter and a 2.5 liter DISI engine, but also a 2.2 Liter diesel burning four cylinder with outputs ranging from 129 HP all the way up to 180 HP as well as an optional four wheel drive system.

2011 Mazda5

The Japanese automaker Mazda will unveil at the next generation Mazda5 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Like all previous models, the new Mazda5 speaks the same Nagare design language and is powered by a fuel efficient direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies with sales slated to begin this fall. The new model will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.8 Liter gasoline engine mated to a six speed manual transmission and a 2.0 Liter engine with direct injection and i-stop.

2010 Mazda3 5-door

Part of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom theory behind automobile building is that every model in the lineup must have the spirit of a sports car. Thanks to this creed, the entry level Mazda3 is entering the 2010 model year refreshed, redefined, reengineered and restyled. Offered in both Sport and Grand Touring trims with prices ranging from $19,230 to $22,300 the compact people mover promises not to disappoint.

Under the hood Mazda offers a choice of two engines. Mazda3i models will be powered by a 2.0 Liter engine that makes 144 HP and 132 lb-ft of torque, while Mazda3s models will receive a larger 2.5 Liter power plant complete with variable intake valve timing and a two mode composite intake manifold to make the most of the power plant’s 167 HP and 168 lb-ft of torque that gets 21 MPG around town and 29 MPG on the highway with a manual transmission and 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG at speed with the new automatic.

The Mazda3 comes with a host of creature comforts like heated front seats as well as an 8 way power adjustable driver’s bucket and key fob that automatically opens up the doors. The Japanese automaker also offers Bluetooth hands free conectivity, dual zone climate control and the most intricate multi function steering wheel of any new economy car on the market today.

2010 Mazda CX-7

Mazda revealed at the Toronto Auto Show the 2010 CX-7. The SUV comes with a subtle facelift and also new engine: a a 161 hp, naturally aspirated 2.5 litre four-cylinder that is also found under the hood of the 2009 Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3.

The new engine comes with Front-Wheel Drive coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Continuing as the top engine option is the familiar MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo (direct injection DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder) engine. Output remains the same, 244 hp at 5,000 rpm with 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.

The exterior design of the 2010 CX-7 features revised front and rear fascias with the front adopting the larger five-point grille design similar in appearance to recently redesigned RX-8, MX-5 and Mazda3.

2010 Mazda RX-8

First launched in 2003 as a replacement for the rotary powered RX-7, the Mazda RX-8 received a face lift in 2009. Even if the four door sports car was a success from the beginning, the little 13B equipped RX-8 made the most of a refreshed exterior and interior with bolder lines and even more details, it was exactly what the car needed to stay ahead in the sport compact market. Available in three trim levels: Sport, Grand Touring and R3, the new RX-8 offers something for everyone from the entry level rear wheel drive shopper to the hard core enthusiast with prices ranging from $26,495 to $32,660. For 2010 the RX-8 receives a new front bumper design with a larger grille opening and more pronounced front lip that was actually requested by the racing team, new headlamps, wider front fenders, LED clusters in the back and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust tips.

The inside of the freshened RX-8 benefits from some new trim materials making a sportier cockpit and the tachometer now features a variable red zone that rises as the engine comes up to temperature, just like the V8 powered BMW M3. However instead of an octet of pistons pumping up and down under the hood, there lies a compact 13B twin rotor Renesis engine making 232 HP at a screaming 8,200 RPM and 155 lb-ft of torque. This allows the RX-8 to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 MPH.

2010 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is a young model on the market. Even if just launched in 2007 the crossover became an instant success, just like any other Mazda model. For 2010 the CX-9 will be offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring and AWD and FWD versions. Prices will range from $28,635 to $34,045.

Like with all the Mazda models, the CX-9 features a Nagare inspired design: a bolder five-point grille, radiator grille, front combination lamps and fog lamps, larger, more aerodynamic side mirrors and a rear combination lamps that mimic the same Nagare-inspired texture as front lamps, while incorporating a new red lens at the bottom to show stability.

Under the hood there is a 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that delivers a total of 273 hp @ 6250 rpm and 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm. The CX_9 comes with an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with manual-mode as standard equipment.

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

First revealed back in 1989, the Mazda Miata MX-5 has gone on to become the most popular sports car ever built with over 850,000 units sold since its inception. The open top rear wheel drive roadster is currently in its third design phase and for 2010 is being offered in two different variations with the MX-5 starting at $22,810 and the MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top available as a either a Touring or Grand Touring model with sales starting at $26,850.

The MX-5 Miata is powered by an all new 2.0 Liter four cylinder that puts out 167 HP when shifted manually or 158 HP in the automatic version and 150 ft-lb of torque. While that may not sound like very much grunt, the 2,593 pound Miata is able to play on the track all day long and even though it may take 7.4 seconds to get from 0 to 60 MPH, the thought won’t cross your mind as you are passing more powerful cars in a turn.

For the 2010 model year, the MX-5 only receives some minor updates including a few new exterior colors and trim packages. The new MX-5 will be offered as a Sport, Touring and Grand Touring model with standard equipment varying per trim level. New car buyers will be able to choose from items like a six speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary jack for MP3 players as well as fun stuff like a limited slip differential, cruise control, fog lamps and high tech stuff like Bluetooth hands free connectivity and SIRIUS satellite radio.

2010 Mazda6

When launched in 2001, Mazda put lots of hopes in the Mazda6 sedan. But things weren’t quite as they have expected: during its life time there were only around 80,000 units sold, while its competitors went easily over 100.000 units. So Mazda had to do something about that. And in 2009 they have revealed a new Mazda6. It came with a new design, new engines with improved fuel economy and better performance. In just a few words it offers all the standards in its class.

The 2010 Mazda6 is offered in two different versions: i and s, with prices ranging from $18,450 to $28,390.

Under the hood Mazda placed a range of two engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 272 hp at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The engines are mated to either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive ratios for the top two gears.

2010 Mazdaspeed3

The fun to drive front wheel drive turbocharged Mazdaspeed3 is the Japanese automaker’s high performance variant of the award winning Mazda3 has just entered its second stage of life with an all new Nagare insired hot hatch that also packs in a new engine and improved handling into the sport compact performance package.

The new Mazdaspeed3 is powered by a 2.3 Liter four cylinder MZR DISI Turbo engine that produces a total output of 263 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque shifted via a six speed manual transmission capable of reaching a top speed limited to 155 MPH, making the MazdaSpeed3 is the fastest hatchback under $25k. Distinguishing the high output version from the standard fun faced economy car, the Mazdaspeed version features a larger front air dam with two large round fog lights on either side framing a metallic black grill with a very organic design as well as a functional hood scoop to feed lots of cold air onto the engine’s intercooler and a pair of flared front fenders to house the wider 18x7.5 inch lightweight high performance wheel and tire package.