2011 Mazda MX-5 ice racing

Mazda held an MX-5 race on ice recently with teams from around the world comprising journalists, TV fans and readers competing in Sweden.

The four-hour race featured 20 of the roadsters, all fitted with studded tires, battling it out on a three-mile circuit composed of snow and ice. The competitors not only battled each other, but chilly temperatures as low as -24 degrees Fahrenheit. The Australian team was the favorite going into race day and they held the lead most of the race until a late spin allowed the Russian team to take the win, having completed the most number of laps.

The drivers’ roster was made up of automotive journalists and Mazda fans who won contests to participate. As not all had racing experience, Mazda provided two days of instruction beforehand. Ice racing is dear to our hearts; we’ve raced cheap winter beaters on a frozen lake, and competed in a sanctioned event with our long-term Subaru WRX STI. See Mazda’s short video below for hot Miata-on-ice action.



Press Release

Mazda MX-5 on Ice

• 4 hour race for journalists, TV fans and readers

• 20 modified racing MX-5s set to start

• Extensive programme with training sessions, qualifying and the race

Åre, Sweden, 21 February 2011. Mazda opens the 2011 motorsport season on Swedish ice. After the successful MX-5 Open Race last year, Mazda is inviting racing enthusiasts to Sweden for the MX-5 Ice Race from 21 to 24 February 2011. A total of 20 modified MX-5s, tuned for driving on ice and wearing spike tyres, will participate in the four-hour race on the ca. 5 km grid.

The MX-5s will be piloted by teams from 26 participating nations, among them motor journalists with racing experience, and TV fans and readers who won tickets to the event in special contests. The four-day event in Åre, Sweden will include two extensive training sessions, a qualifying session to determine pole and starting positions, along with the race itself which is divided into two sessions. When the snow settles, the team that drives the most laps during the four hour race will win.

Mazda MX-5 Ice Race provides exciting Finish

Lake Kallsjön, Sweden, 24 February 2011. Mazda's MX-5 roadster proved again yesterday its pure sports cars genes, this time on ice in Sweden at the Mazda Ice Race 2011. Clear blue skies and polar temperatures provided the right conditions for an exhilarating festival of drift and control as drivers from 26 nations competed in specially modified roadsters for a podium finish.

Day 1 – the Aussie's make it look easy
After Tuesday's practice sessions and qualifying, a clear favourite emerged with the Australian team, which dominated Day 1 and took pole position. They also won the hearts of everyone by wearing swimming trucks over their racing overalls – in honour of summer down under – and driving with a tiny kangaroo mascot fastened to the top of their car's safety cage. They made it look easy on Day 1 with their only real challenge coming from the Russian team, which took second on the grid.

Day 2 – Russian Heroics and Belgium Consistency
Race day featured beautiful blue skies, glistening snow and a morning temperature
of -31º C. This ensured ideal conditions on the ice of Lake Kallsjön, which is located in the Östersund region of west-central Sweden. The race itself was conducted in two sessions, each two hours long, with the car completing the most laps the winner. Like last year's MX-5 Open Race in Italy, it was drifting control and not pure speed that proved the decisive factor in the race. The Australians continued to dominate as they had on Day 1 and led for nearly the entire race. But then a small mistake, a spin-out, and Russia overtook them at the end, holding on for the chequered flag; with Australia second.

Russia's win followed some amazing heroics from the team. They began the race in second place but spun-out early, fell back to 14th, only to battle their way back to second by the end of the first session. They then patiently held this spot, hoping for a miracle, and were able to capitalise on Australia's misfortune at the end of the final session for a truly exciting win. The Belgium team displayed the consistently good driving you would expect from last year's MX-5 Open Race winners, coming from far back in the pack to take third. The unforgettable day out on the ice culminated with a Champagne spray on the podium from the three winning teams.

The Mazda Ice Race 2011 was crowned later that evening at a gala dinner and show for pilots, teams and invited guests who had won a Mazda competition in their home countries for a place at the event. Jeff Guyton, Mazda Motor Europe's President and CEO, gave a short speech and presented trophies to the tired but happy winners. This was followed by dinner and a celebration of MX-5 Ice Race memories lasting late into the night.

Mazda MX-5 production hits 900,000 units

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has sold 900,000 units across the world since first being introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, which starts Feb. 11, back in 1989. Since its inception, it has sold 389,000 units in the United States.

The first-generation MX-5 Miata (1990-1997 model years) was equipped with a 1.6-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque. A removable hardtop was optional and initial color choices were red, white and blue. The starting price back then was of $14,000.

A redesigned second-generation model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 (model years 1999-2005 – there was no 1998 model-year car) and the third generation model was introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2005 (model years 2006-present).

The current-generation MX-5 Miata is equipped with an MZR-series 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, producing 167 horsepower (158 for automatic transmission) and delivers 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. The soft-topped Sport model starts at $23,110 with top-level, Power Retractable Hard Top Grand Touring models starting at $28,550.





Press Release

900,000th Mazda MX-5 to Set New Guinness World Record

- MX-5 reaffirms its position as the world's favorite lightweight, open-top, two-seat sports car -


HIROSHIMA, Japan-Total production of Mazda Motor Corporation's MX-5 sports car (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This significant 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. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup.

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."

Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, "More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was born. During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues and the depletion of the Earth's natural resources has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we are pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, grew from the long years of development work that have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies - to build cars that are fun to drive - is perfectly embodied by the MX-5."

"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units," Kanai continued, "Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. 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."

Mazda Minagi Concept

Mazda is primed and ready to go to the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, called Minagi.

The new model will be one of the first Mazdas to use the brand’s newest design language, Kodo, which was previewed on the Shinari concept. This new language means “soul of motion,” and should not be confused with the alien from The Simpsons, Kodos. (For starters, Kodo is Japanese, while Kodos is from Rigel VII.) The sketches show a nice evolution of Mazda’s basic crossover silhouette, as well as the disappearance of the controversial smiley-face grille.

The Minagi is a showcase of Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies, the brand’s designation for its new engine, transmission and safety packages. Mazda will show some Skyactiv hardware in Geneva, including a direct-injection gasoline engine, a clean turbocharged diesel and two transmissions.

Despite being labeled as a concept, the company hinted the Minagi "is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products." This seems to imply we could be looking at Mazda's version of the Ford Vertrek concept, which will go into production, possibly as the CX-5, to the replace the current Escape and Kuga.




Press Release

Mazda MINAGI Concept to Showcase Mazda's All-new SKYACTIV Technologies and KODO Design at the Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of its new MINAGI compact crossover SUV concept car during the press days of the 2011 Geneva motor show, which is being held from March 1-13, 2011. The Mazda MINAGI concept fully embraces Mazda's new SKYACTIV technologies and its new design theme, KODO - Soul of Motion. The exciting MINAGI concept is the forerunner to the launch of Mazda's upcoming next-generation products and symbolizes the evolution of the Mazda brand as it begins a new era.

The Mazda MINAGI is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies - which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance - with emotional KODO design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SKYACTIV technologies throughout, MINAGI is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Mazda's stand at the Geneva show will also feature new SKYACTIV technology exhibits and the Mazda SHINARI design concept car, among a wide range of products.

Officially titled the 81e Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the show's press days are March 1 and 2, and the public days are March 3-13, 2011. Mazda will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 1.

Mazda at 2010 SEMA Show

Mazda is taking its “zoom zoom” philosophy to a whole new level at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which is taking place in Las Vegas this week. It features an aerodynamic body kit, an H&R suspension, a roll cage, Sparco seats, and lightweight 15-inch wheels with Hoosier race tires.

The Mazda 2 Street is a bit less adventuresome, with wide-profile Toyo Proxes RA-1 tires mounted on 949Racing 6UL 15-by-9-inch wheels and a light gray metallic paint job with matte graphic accents.

For the Mazda3 Turbo, designers added black exterior accents, tinted windows, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Under the hood, power is provided by a 2.5-liter MZR engine which has been outfitted with a Garrett turbocharger.

Mazda’s iconic roadster also arrives in two souped up versions. The MX-5 Super20 celebrates the 20th anniversary of the droptop sports car. Under the hood lies a supercharged Cosworth engine and the paint scheme is black on gray, both of which give this MX-5 a substantially meaner aura. The other Miata at SEMA is the MX-5 Cup Car, which is a full-on spec racer outfitted with a plethora of racing equipment.

Also on show are two different Mazda3 sedans, as well as the Grand-Am GT Mazda RX-8. The SpeedSource Grand Am GT Mazda RX-8 is based on a tube-frame chassis jointly developed by SpeedSource and Riley Technologies, and powered by Mazda's three-rotor 20B Renesis rotary engine--a significantly more powerful unit than the smaller 13B engine used in the regular RX-8 sports car.  

Source: Mazda




Press Release

Mazda 2010 SEMA

Mazda's product lineup of sedans, sports cars and crossovers offers consumers and exciting choice for their transportation needs; a choice that offers the Soul of a Sports Car in every vehicle. Showcasing the depth and breadth of the brand, Mazda will display a slew of products, each one demonstrating Mazda's aftermarket capability and potential.

"The versatility of Mazda vehicles is extraordinary. With just minor modifications to a stock Mazda, it can be ready for the track or a car show," said Derek Jenkins, director design, MNAO. "Our SEMA cars demonstrate this ability; taking a vehicle from the dealership and making it a truly unique piece."

The newest member to the product lineup is the MAZDA2. With great styling, superb fuel economy and an affordable price tag, the 2011 MAZDA2 subcompact sedan is Zoom-Zoom in its most concentrated form. MAZDA2 is a car that only the engineers at Mazda could have created. It was designed and engineered from scratch to be a pure Mazda, offering the sort of driving experience that could only come from the company that developed the timeless MX-5 two-seat roadster, and it brings a combination of athletic design and dynamic performance to the subcompact class. Mazda Design Americas took two MAZDA2s and created a street car and a track car.

MAZDA Evil Track
The MAZDA2 Evil Track car was envisioned as a fully equipped car for series racing, and all required safety equipment to meet SCCA and NASA competition regulations. This iteration was inspired by the MAZDA2 Evil concept which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2009. The MAZDA2 Evil Track car has an enhanced motorsport aesthetic achieved through Mazda race-inspired graphics and colors.

MAZDA2 Evil Track car is equipped with a Mazda Design aero body kit, including side skirts, front and rear air-dam and carbon fiber rear deck spoiler. Modifications include H&R race suspension and coil over kit, AWR full custom safety cage, Sparco Circuit pro seat, steering wheel, safety harness and fire system, AIM MXL Pista data acquisition system, race-tuned Magna-flow exhaust, 949 6UL 15x9 lightweight wheels and 225/45/15 Hoosier race tires.

MAZDA2 Street
The Mazda2 Street is a streetwise, urban sport inspired version of the highly successful Mazda2.
This new tougher street version is reinforced visually by using smaller diameter light weight 949 6UL 15x9 wheels and wide profile Toyo Proxes RA-1 R-compound tires. The aesthetic enhanced through the use of a light gray, superfine metallic body color and matte graphic accents.

MX-5 Super20
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the MX-5 has been re-imagined with a darker, edgier attitude in the MX5 Super20. It's a purposeful combination of street-tough style and motorsports-inspired attributes. This third generation vehicle acknowledges the iconic first-gen iteration with modifications such as a supercharged Cosworth engine, small diameter wheels, more substantial tire profile and wider fenders.

A hardtop has replaced the soft-top and the interior stripped down and fitted with a roll-bar lending a GT-inspired look and feel. The seats have suede seat inserts and channel stitching, providing improved grip for the driver. Orange contrast stitching highlights the sporty seat profile as well as providing a polished look throughout, coordinating with the exterior graphic treatment which plays off the black and Storm Gray exterior.

Additional modifications include a DPTune reflashed ECU, Racing Beat 304-stainless steel header and exhaust, ACT organic street clutch, MAZDASPEED coil overs, Racing Beat hollow front and rear anti-roll bars, MAZDASPEED shock tower brace, Power Slot slotted brake rotors, StopTech DOT-compliant stainless steel brake lines and street performance brake pads, SpeedSource front brake ducts, 16x9 Enkei RPF1 wheels wrapped with 245/45-R16 Toyo Proxes RA-1 R-compound tires, 20mm H&R Trak+ hubcentric bolt-on wheel spacers in the rear and 15mm Sparco hubcentric wheel spacers up front.

MAZDA3 Redline Time Attack
The Redline Time Attack Super Modified series is where you see the fastest road racing tuner cars in the country. Full use of carbon/composite body panels, big wings, tires and lots of power are common. The fastest Super Modified class cars can run lap times faster than World Challenge GT cars and are close to surpassing American Le Mans Series GT2 lap times - top speeds at some tracks will surpass 180 mph.

The MAZDA3 Reline Time Attack car is a Super Modified (unlimited rules) class car with more than 500 horsepower at the wheels from a highly modified 2.5-liter turbocharged MZR engine. It features 280/650/18 Yokohama Advan Racing slick tires on 18x10.5 Volk Racing TE-37 wheels.

MAZDA3 Turbo Sedan
A small team of designers and engineers at Mazda R&D in Irvine, Calif., decided to have a little fun with a MAZDA3. The team took its knowledge of the Mazda parts bin and its close relationships with MAZDASPEED Motorsports suppliers, looked in the mirror, and decided to build a tuner car that shows its own vision of the MAZDA3.

The car is painted to mimic the MAZDA3 Time Attack race car, but in a more subdued Crystal White Pearl base coat with soft gray tone graphics. The scheme is a modern twist on the famous Renown graphics used on the Mazda 787B that won Le Mans in 1991. Exterior details, including grille inserts, side mirrors, fog lamp bezels, the roof panel, and the formerly chrome interior of the front lamps are all given a bright black paint treatment. Combined with tinted windows, and dark red taillight lenses, the dark details tighten the car visually, emphasizing the MAZDA3's taught, muscular shape much like a tailored black suit on an athlete. Wheels are forged aluminum 19x8-inch with 225/40-19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires straight off the RX-8 R3.

The sedan was sent to Tri-Point Engineering for a boost in power, so they installed a turbo kit utilizing a rugged cast iron turbo manifold feeding a high-efficiency Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo. At a mild 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is making well over 250 horsepower at the wheels. To handle this extra power, the front brakes were replaced with rotors and calipers from a MAZDASPEED3, while the rear rotors and calipers were sourced from a MAZDA5. Double-adjustable coil-overs from KW Suspension, paired with a Tri-Point adjustable rear stabilizer bar bring the handling back into harmony with the engine's higher output.

Grand-Am GT Mazda RX-8
The SpeedSource Grand Am GT Mazda RX-8 is based on a tube-frame chassis jointly developed by SpeedSource and Riley Technologies, and powered by Mazda's three-rotor 20B Renesis rotary engine. The 20B three-rotor engine is the cornerstone of Mazda's Grand Am GT RX-8 program, and based on the engine used in the RX-8 street car. With its compact size and light weight, the rotary engine brings with it a vast history in sprint and endurance racing. Revving to over 9,000 rpm, the distinctive 20B rotary engine sounds like no other engine on the Grand Am ROLEX GT grid.

The Mazda RX-8 dominated the 2010 Grand-AM GT season winning six of 12 races, and winning the drivers, team, and manufacturers championship.

MX-5 Cup Car
The most road-raced car in the world -- as well as being the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world - the MX-5 Miata is no stranger to the track. The MX-5 Cup is a series that pits similarly modified MX-5s together on the track. The MX-5 Cup car weighs just under 2,600 pounds and features an authoritative 195-horsepower motor. The series was launched in 2006 and has since enjoyed strong fields and close competition.

Engine Modifications: A MAZDASPEED cold air intake system is required.
Chassis Modifications: The only modification is the addition of the 3-piece front strut tower brace that comes with the sport package.

Transmission/Final Drive Modifications: The stock six-speed gearbox is used by all cars.
Suspension/Steering Modifications: The MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MX-5 Cup kit is comprised of double adjustable shocks, specified springs and threaded-perch coil-overs. All cars also run identical anti-roll bars and end links.

Brake System Modifications: Brakes must maintain stock brake rotor specifications.
Wheels: All cars run their choice of the stock alloy 17x7" wheels available on MX-5 Miatas.
Tires: The series spec tire is the BFGoodrich g-Force R1, size: 225/45/17.
Body Modifications: None
Safety Modifications: All MX-5 Cup cars run with full safety equipment, including an eight-point rollcage that must be welded into the car. Other safety equipment includes a racing seat, head/neck restraint, an electrical shut-off switch and an incorporated fire-extinguishing system.

Australian Motor Show: 2011 Mazda BT-50

The Japanese carmaker Mazda has just releases official photos and details for the 2011 BT-50 at the Australian International auto Show in Sydney.

The new 2011 Mazda BT-50 has been developed with the Active lifestyle vehicle theme in mind and offering a refined and expressive styling and a high quality interior. The front and of the 2011 Mazda BT-50 features the brand's "family face" with a five-point grille and boomerang shaped headlights. The rear of the 2011 Mazda BT-50 shows horizontally stretched taillights that aim to offer the pick-up a premium SUV look.

Mazda is staying mum on engine specifications, but choices will likely include a 110 kW (150 PS / 148 hp) 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I4, a 147 kW (200 PS / 197 hp) 3.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I5, and a 122 kW (166 PS / 164 hp) 2.5-liter Duratec I4 petrol.

Inside, the dashboard has an asymmetric design, while four metallic panel strips span from the door trim to the sides of the center console. A metallic outline highlights the two cylindrical dials and connects them via a center strip to enhance the sporty mpression of the instrument panel.

Mazda said it developed the all-new BT-50, which shares its basic platform with the Ranger, under the styling theme "Sophisticated Beast." The exterior design is, to say the least, rather unusual for the compact-truck segment.




Press Release

All-New Mazda BT-50

"Active Lifestyle Vehicle"

Mazda is proud to announce a brand new direction in the utility market.

At this year's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Mazda is unveiling the All-New BT-50 that signifies a new direction in the utility segment. It was developed as an "Active lifestyle vehicle," and is intended to further extend the appeal of a utility from traditional business users to a wide range of customers, including families and pleasure-seekers.

The current BT-50 is Mazda's only offering in the utility segment. It is an established one-tonne utility that has won numerous awards and gained a strong following all over the world. In developing the new model, Mazda intended to expand its appeal to customers who lead active lifestyles and have needs that cannot be met by conventional utilities. It offers all the functionality required for business use combined with passenger car-like comfort for family use; and for active customers in Australia and Europe, it is the perfect answer for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. In this way, the new BT-50 has been developed to fulfill the varied requirements of customers in every market.

To ensure all these aims were met, the all-new BT-50 was developed under the theme "Active lifestyle vehicle." The result is a utility that offers unique value; it has refined and expressive styling; a comfortable, high quality interior; a smooth ride with the feel of a passenger car; sporty and responsive driving dynamics that reflect Mazda's DNA; and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Design: "Sophisticated Beast"

We wanted to design a truck that car lovers would be deeply pleased with and proud to own. We targeted a unique and expressive design that people would find desirable, and we also wanted it to be seen as strong and dependable. This led us to define the design concept as a "Sophisticated Beast."

As Ryo Yanagisawa, chief designer of the all-new BT-50, explains: "Mazda's brand message is Zoom-Zoom, which refers to the emotion of motion first experienced as a child. With the All-New BT-50, we aimed to express this emotion through the design, and we drew a lot of inspiration from various "movements" in the world around us. For example, we had a photograph of a lion. He looked like a magnificent predator with his muscles all bunching up as though he was about to pounce on his prey. His sinews were stretched taut ready to strike, and his mane framed a sharp, masculine countenance that seemed to say, ‘I am the proud king of the beasts!' In profile, that lion appeared to be both intelligent and powerful. I really wanted the design of the truck to project that kind of image. This kind of inspiration was the basis of the emotional design that we worked so hard to achieve with the all-new BT-50."

Exterior - Lively and Imposing Styling

Without detracting from the strength or the level of functionality, we wanted to give the exterior of the All-New BT-50 an athletic design, overflowing with movement, that would make people immediately want to get in and drive. The crisp lines will have owners looking on with pride.

The finished car has a beauty and individuality that can be recognized at a glance from any angle, even up to 100 meters away.

• Dynamic wedge-shaped proportions evoke an image of a large carnivore about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. This is unlike any other utility.

• Casting off the conventional boxy image of a utility, sporty and dynamic lines are in tune with the rest of Mazda's passenger vehicle lineup.

• Further evolving Mazda's traditional prominent fenders, muscular lines flow from the fenders along the body sides.

A Front Fascia with a Bold, Overwhelming Presence and an Individual Rear End

• Mazda's family face, the five-point grille, is further evolved for a more imposing expression with the headlights and a chrome crossbar forming a large pentagon.

• The headlights have a bold boomerang shape, elaborate details and a functional beauty.

• A first in the segment - the taillights are stretched horizontally, reaching around the corners and across the tailgate, for a sporty and refined rear view that is similar to a premium SUV.

Interior - A Sporty and Personal Space

We wanted to give the interior of the All-New Mazda BT-50 a more sporty and personal feel to complement the dynamic exterior image, and create a comfortable space to rival Mazda's current passenger car standard. The cockpit is designed to wrap around the driver and provide an environment that supports enthusiastic driving. It raises anticipation for a sporty and responsive driving experience that goes beyond any conventional utility.

• The flowing design smoothly connects the center of the instrument panel to the raised center console, which has never before been seen in a pickup truck.

• The dashboard has an asymmetric design to create optimal space on each side; it reassuringly wraps around the driver and provides an open space for the passenger.

• Four bold metallic panel strips on the door trim and sides of the center console express dynamism and seem to be supporting the interior space.

• A metallic outline highlights the two cylindrical meters and connects them via a center strip to improve readability and enhance the sporty, driver-oriented impression of the instrument panel.

• The audio control panel and the climate control switch panel, which has independent driver- and passenger-side temperature controls, form a beautifully designed human interface.

With modern and refined styling both inside and out, the All-New Mazda BT-50 will raise the bar in the utility segment and for the first time provide a realistic alternative to the family wagon and 4x4 SUV.

Mazda Shinari Concept

Mazda has releases its future design direction with the sleek Shinari concept car. which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. The stylish four-door coupe previews the look of the next generation of Mazdas and ushers in a new design language.

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."

The coupe shows the future face of Mazda's family of vehicles -- an aluminum signature wing, the line that runs through the headlights and under the grille -- as well as the overall styling trend for future production models.

The Shinari as a four-door coupe is a clear signal that Mazda is targeting the premium segment where similar vehicles such as the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and upcoming Fisker Karma already reside. In order to do so Mazda officials ackowledged that interior quality levels must improve.

The company has not released any official information on the Mazda Shinari yet. When it will, we'll be able to show you high resolution images of the Mazda Shinari and to offer a full set of details on the new concept.



Source : Automotive News Europe

Mazda2 “Skins”

Mazda Canada has Releases the Mazda2 Skins personalization program.Mazda realizes that a large number of 2 buyers are young, and they like to customize their vehicle so this program is just what they want.

The program will not be offered outside Canada, unfortunately. If you are a Canadian resident, though, you can choose one of the following “skins”: three music-based themes (Rock, Pop and Urban) and one performance-inspired theme (Speed).

Owners can choose from one of four themes: Rock, Pop, Urban and Speed. Each Skins design comes in three different sizes (small, medium and large) and seven different colours, for a total of 84 different decal variations! Depending on the size, the cost is $375, $455 or $595 plus installation.

The Skins are made from 3M automotive vinyl, are safe on the vehicle’s paint and are included in the vehicle’s 3-year, 80,000 km warranty.




“Today’s young people are all about standing out from the crowd, and expressing their own style and taste,” says David Klan, of Mazda Canada Inc.




Press Release

In a move towards personalization, Mazda Canada is offering something unique when it comes to car accessories for the Mazda2: vinyl decal "Skins" that are applied to the outside of the car.

As the new entry point into Mazda's line-up, the all-new 2011 Mazda2 will appeal to a younger generation of drivers who value individuality and self-expression, especially when it comes to their vehicles. For that reason, Mazda Canada assembled a youth marketing committee made up of eight young men and women from different departments within the company, who fit the Generation-Y demographic. They were charged with coming up with launch ideas for the Mazda2, as the economical and sporty subcompact has strong appeal to Canadians in their twenties and early thirties.

One of the youth committee’s ideas was the Mazda Skins program. Exclusive to the Canadian market, the Skins program offers Mazda2 owners the ability to add their personal style to their car by applying a unique vinyl decal ‘Skin’ design. Owners can choose from one of four themes: three music-based themes (Rock, Pop and Urban) and one performance-inspired theme (Speed). Each Skins design comes in three different sizes (small, medium and large) and seven different colours to match the body colours of the Mazda2, for a total of 84 different decal variations! Depending on the size, the cost is $375, $455 or $595 plus installation.

“Today’s young people are all about standing out from the crowd, and expressing their own style and taste,” says David Klan, Senior Director of Marketing and Sales at Mazda Canada Inc. “Demonstrating their ‘personal brand’ is important, and we are offering them a unique new means of self-expression with both our Skins program as well as our Mazda2 Yozora special edition.”

Mazda2 owners will be able to choose their Skin theme, colour and size at www.mazdaskins.ca. Application happens at the dealership and takes approximately an hour, depending on the size. The Skins are made from high-quality 3M automotive vinyl, are safe on the vehicle’s paint and are included in the vehicle’s 3-year, 80,000 km warranty.

Originally launched in 2007, the Mazda2 was first introduced in Europe, Japan and Australia. Since then, it has been highly acclaimed throughout the world, winning 48 automotive awards, including “Car of the Year” accolades in many markets and, most notably, the “2008 World Car of the Year.” Total global sales of the Mazda2 have surpassed 400,000 units in the three years since its introduction. The all-new 2011 Mazda2 is in Canadian dealerships now.