All-new Mazda3

1. At A Glance
2. All-New Mazda3 5-Door Hatchback
3. Technical Data

All-new Mazda3
At a Glance*

* Global sales of the first-generation Mazda3 achieved year-on-year increases from launch to the present day
* Five years after the sales start, total sales have surpassed 1.8 million units, making it the top selling Mazda model
* The Mazda3 has won a total of 90 automobile awards around the globe since launch in 2003
* All-new Mazda3 to be launched in Europe in spring 2009
* All-new Mazda3 characteristics blend sporty driving and dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance

Exterior

* Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu describes the all-new Mazda3 as: “Remaining faithful to an inherited identity while evolving the design to make it more expressive.”
* Powerful emotional design with a richer expression and more dynamic stance
* Two distinct body styles – hatchback and saloon
* A new purposeful face that integrates the front grille’s lower section into the 5-point grille to further distinguish the unique character of the Mazda brand
* Aerodynamics improved with drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.28 (sedan) and 0.30 (hatchback), some of the best in the C-segment
* All design elements focus on and flow into the centre to express power and dynamism
* Subtly curving lines along the sides and a wedge-shaped character line extending from the prominent front fenders communicate dynamism that makes the model appear to be about to run and reflect a design theme shared with the Mazda2 and Mazda6
* The bold curve and low centre of gravity of the protruding rear shoulders on the 5-door hatchback inherit the distinctive ‘Mazda3 look’ established by the previous model
* The saloon’s refined flowing lines feature a coupe-like silhouette
* Functional beauty as symbolised by the design of the airflow management system
* Minimal gaps between body panels signify solid quality

Interior

* Benefits from a 6-11 % noise reduction vs the previous generation, thanks to aerodynamic work, increased suspension rigidity, optimal positioning of vibration dampening material, increased bodyshell and panel rigidity
* Sporty and sophisticated interior design that combines a sense of roominess with a dashboard turned to the driver for sense of oneness with the car
* Use of soft grained surface material on the upper section of the dashboard combines with minimal join lines to achieve a vastly improved look of interior quality
* Practical central console with sliding armrest
* Gear shift lever placed closer to driver for easier shifting
* State of the art ergonomics and HMI with ‘zone layout’ for less distraction from the road
* New multi information display (MID)
* New interactive lighting control and illumination entry system
* New sport seats with optional 3 memory function
* 10-speaker Bose® premium surround sound system with Audiopilot2® noise compensation and centerpoint® surround system, and a hands-free system for Bluetooth-equipped cell phones and mobile audio players

Powertrains

* New MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel with high and standard power versions both reaching Euro Stage 5 emission standard. Mazda unique technology Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) offering reduced regeneration times
o High power version: 136 kW/185 PS at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at just 1,800-3,000 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)
o Standard power version: 110 kW/150 PS at 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and combined fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km (CO2: 144 g/km)
* MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) produces 80kW/109 PS at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm of maximum torque at just 1750 rpm, and uses 0.3 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km)
* MZR 2.0-litre petrol produces 110kW/150 PS at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode
* MZR 1.6-litre petrol produces 77 kW/105 PS at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4000 rpm, and uses 0.6 litres less than the previous generation with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km (CO2: 149 g/km)
* New catalyst that uses single nanotechnology for both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines

Chassis & Safety

* Despite larger dimensions and more equipment, new Mazda3 weighs up to 15 kilos less
* Evolved C-platform running gear for better balance between the sports/comfort ratio
* 17 percent increase in use of high and ultra-high strength steels vs. outgoing model
* Double-digit increases in flexural and torsional rigidity for improved handling and safety
* Newly evolved MacPherson strut front suspension
* Newly evolved multilink rear suspension
* Electro-hydraulic power assist steering introduced to all versions for a light, but stable steering feel and reduced fuel consumption
* ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control system (TCS) DSC, front, side, and curtain airbags standard in all markets
* High-intensity Bi-xenon headlamps, pivoting Adaptative Front Lighting System, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and parking sensor system (available as options)

*Preliminary data, subject to homologation

All-New Mazda3 5-Door Hatchback

The sports compact that delivers exhilarating driving pleasure

When the first-generation Mazda3 was released, it introduced a level of driving pleasure and a sense of quality which exceeded its class. Five years later, total sales have surpassed 1.8 million units and the Mazda3 has won a total of 90 automobile awards around the globe.

The all-new Mazda3 builds on the virtues of the first generation and reflects increasing concern with environmental issues, the rapid growth of car ownership and fresh diversity in the criteria people use to value cars.

Development of the all-new Mazda3 was carried out by R&D staff in Japan, the USA and Europe working together to reflect Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom,” which aims to achieve harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features. As a result, the all-new Mazda3 evolves the original model’s acclaimed sporty driving and design, and achieves top class environmental and safety performance.

Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says, “We focused on achieving an exhilarating experience that drivers would sense directly. We targeted dynamic driving performance that responds to the driver’s intention and excellent environmental and safety features that offer pride and confidence whenever the driver is behind the wheel. In order to create exhilaration in every element of the vehicle, we worked to enhance each aspect of the driving quality.”

Design: celebrating Mazda3’s established identity while making it more expressive
The design concept for the all-new Mazda3 was “remaining faithful to an inherited identity while evolving the design to make it more expressive”. While retaining some of the original model’s dynamic lines, richer expression was sought to create a more emotional design. As a result, Mazda achieved a powerful, fresh design that enhances recognition of Mazda3’s unique value.

Exterior design – expressive and emotional styling
A distinctive new frontal treatment is formed by the 5-point grille and intakes at the front corners. These design cues combine with the sculpted shape of the hood and the bold, expressive lines that connect the hood to the A-pillars. All the lines seem to flow into the centre just below the 5-point grille, which creates a stronger expression of power and dynamism.

From the side, the front fender line smoothly morphs into the beltline, clearly identifying the vehicle as a Mazda and communicating dynamism. The line of the side sill curves up and seems to connect with the rear spoiler to emphasise the vehicle’s compact size and express its agility. In order to make the surface more expressive, Mazda designers slightly elaborated the depth of the hood edge, front fenders and the three-dimensional shape of the protruding body sides, carefully crafting curves that subtly reflect changes in natural light.

The rear view boasts a sporty design with wide stance. The strongest features are the protruding shoulders and emphasised centre-focus design. This concept was carried over from the original Mazda3 and made bolder to represent expressiveness. All the lines of the rear view are designed to concentrate on the brand symbol in the centre. The impressive C-pillar design, which was also inherited from the first-generation Mazda3, was made more prominent, thanks to Mazda’s expertise in stamping technology.

Interior design – sophisticated, sporty, and high quality
Inside the all-new Mazda3 is a sporty yet highly refined cabin. The dashboard sweeps out from the centre toward both sides with dynamic flair as though it is flexing powerful muscles. The large centre display and controls are laid out around the driver to deliver just the right feeling of snugness. The angle of the centre panel was adjusted after careful analysis of the driver’s hand movements, producing a more stylish and dynamic design. A soft, wood grained surface with minimised parting lines on the top of the dashboard enhances the interior quality. The new interactive lighting control enhances the driver’s connection with the vehicle.

Driving dynamics - The evolution to a more sophisticated sporty ride
The development theme for the all-new Mazda3’s dynamic performance was “exhilarating driving”. It refers to the satisfaction derived when a car acts in perfect concert with the driver’s intentions. It could also be described as the sense of accomplishment derived when the driver can handle the car easily and have it respond exactly as desired to their will.

Toward this end, the development team didn’t settle for merely adding small changes to the already high levels of body rigidity and driving performance. Rather, they also made every effort to completely eliminate all negative aspects of NVH, from the engine noise, vibration in the body and road noise. At the same time, the team retained all positive aspects including the sound of the engine, the sense of acceleration, the quality of brake response, the feel of the steering and the overall road holding sensations.

Powertrains for all driving experiences
The four Mazda3 powertrains combine Mazda’s typical Zoom-Zoom driving experience with excellent environmental performance to provide exhilarating driving.

The new Mazda3 engine line up has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, carried over from the all-new Mazda6, in addition to the gasoline MZR-1.6-litre and 2.0-litre (now with the option of a 5-speed Activematic transmission), and the MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbo diesel.

A high-performance clean diesel engine with top class output, fuel economy and refinement, the 2.2-litre engine will be offered in two variants, a high power version with a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,800-3,000 rpm and an output of 136 kW (185 PS) at 3500 rpm, and a standard power version with a maximum torque of 360 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and an output of 110 kW (150 PS) at 3500 rpm.

Both versions have outstanding clean emissions performance, comply with the Euro Stage 5 regulations and feature a Mazda developed unique Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) technology for more efficient regeneration. Fuel economy is also greatly improved by 7 to 10 percent (compared to the MZR-CD 2.0-litre engine in the previous model), attaining 5.4 l/100 km for the standard power version and 5.6 l/100 km for the high power version.

Catalyst that uses single nanotechnology (for gasoline engines)
Mazda’s gasoline engine underfloor catalyst is the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology, which controls even finer materials structures than nanotechnology. It is used to embed individual particles of precious metals, which are less than 5 nanometers in diameter, into the catalyst base material. This new development enables Mazda to reduce the amount of expensive precious metals such as platinum and palladium by 70 to 90 percent without impairing catalyst performance. This new catalyst is an important part of Mazda’s efforts to reduce reliance on limited resources.

Power steering, suspension and brake systems
To deliver just the right balance between fuel economy, steering weight, feel and stability, all configurations of the all-new Madza3 are equipped with the Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering system (EHPAS) that has earned high acclaim on the current Mazda3.

The suspension is also based on the current Mazda3 system, and has been enhanced to ensure even crisper responses to steering wheel inputs, and also to improve roll control and maintain a flatter ride by strengthening the suspension damping. In the brake system, the vacuum booster has been retuned and the feeling of initial brake application has been optimised. The overall result is outstanding response and reassuring linearity under all braking conditions.

High rigidity bodyshell
The basic development concept for the bodyshell of the all-new Mazda3 was to improve the overall balance of the body’s rigidity and ensure it firmly absorbs the reaction force of the dampers. To this end, particular attention went to reinforcing the area around the front and rear suspension mounts and the joint sections in each corner, which are subjected to the greater stress.

Structural adhesive was used to strengthen the joints for the front and rear suspension towers, and spot welding was added to reinforce the joints of the door openings. The result is a substantial improvement in rigidity and body hysteresis (the degree of car body deformation due to repeated applications of torsional load).

Class-leading aerodynamics
Mazda adopted a new approach, called “airflow management”, to optimally control the flow of air over, under and around the all-new Mazda3. Conventional car designs create a large amount of drag during the process of taking in ambient air (for cooling) and venting warm air that adversely affects aerodynamic performance and fuel economy.

However, the all-new Mazda3 does not take in excess air and thereby minimises drag. One specific example is the upper and lower front grille openings, which concentrate ram pressure (wind pressure) in a manner that eases the intake of air and directs it effectively to cool the engine. Additionally, the front corners of the upper body were reshaped and rounded front tyre deflectors were added to control the flow of air along the vehicle’s sides.

As a result, the drag coefficient for the European specification 5-door hatchback and 4-door saloon are respectively 0.30 and 0.28 and are now among the best in the segment. These measures helped the engineers attain top-class levels for wind noise reduction, high speed stability and fuel economy.

Cabin environment – sense of oneness between car and driver
Aboard the all-new Mazda3 is a new ‘Human Machine Interface’ that contributes to the sense of oneness between the car and driver – the Jinba Ittai for which the Mazda MX-5 roadster is famed. The cabin interior is designed to allow the driver to concentrate on driving and also appreciate the level of quality in both design and the materials used.

A sporty cockpit that improves functional beauty
The new ‘zone layout’ approach focuses on improving visibility and creating more intuitive controls which provide “a sense of the car and driver as one” and “a reassuring sense of confidence that frees the driver to concentrate on driving”.

First, the new Mazda3 development team integrated the information display and positioned it towards the front in the optimal ‘zone’. This placed the information necessary while driving where it can be seen with the least amount of eye movement. Next, the engineers placed all the controls and switches within a single ‘zone’ closer to the driver’s hands. Designing the cockpit with controls and information display in separate zones frees the driver to concentrate on driving.

Multi information display (MID)
Based on the concept of the zone layout, Mazda developed the Multi Information Display (MID). It clearly shows information on all the equipment needed while driving, such as the trip computer, audio system and compact GPS system (optional), which can be operated easily by switches mounted on the steering wheel.

Seats that fit better, provide greater support and are more functional
The raised sides on the front of the seat cushions were made 20mm larger than on the first generation Mazda3 to increase the leg support for a better fit. The seat backs were also extended by 35mm to better support the occupant’s posture. Seat position adjustment controls were also evolved. The new power seat has a 3-position memory function. Upon approaching the car, the driver’s seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognising the code of the key fob. High-grade models feature standard sports seats.

New welcoming functionalities
The interactive lighting control increases anticipation of a Zoom-Zoom driving experience. For example, when the driver unlocks the car door, the cockpit spotlight, room lamp and lights in the door handles illuminate in sequence, along with the instruments and centre display, to gently welcome the driver and passengers (depending on grade). The illumination even responds when the driver operates the controls, strengthening the interactive communication between driver and car.

Substantially reduced road and wind noise
Many improvements were made to structural rigidity and powertrain NVH performance to provide a quieter, more pleasant ride, including the reduction of high frequency booming noise sometimes heard when decelerating, while further evolving a sporty engine note.

Increasing the rigidity of components and joints also helped to deliver a quieter ride which is now among the class leaders. The sound pressure level of road noise was curtailed by 6-11 percent over the previous model, and wind noise was reduced by approximately 6 percent, to 59.0 dB at 100 km/h with a 5 m/s crosswind – placing the all-new Mazda3 among the quietest cars in the C-segment.

Advanced safety and environmental performance

Safety
As well as improving passive safety technologies, Mazda focused on enhancing active safety equipment that supports the recognition and avoidance of hazards. Specifically, the cutting-edge active safety technologies featured on the all-new Mazda3 include ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Emergency Stop Signalling system (ESS) as standard equipment, and bi-xenon headlights with a pivoting adaptive front lighting system as an option.

New optional features (depending on grade) include the Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Heated Windscreen. The new model’s passive safety systems are comprehensive and include Mazda proprietary highly-rigid and safe vehicle body technology, the Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System, as well as front seat active headrests and a complement of six airbags, placing the all-new Mazda3 at the top level for occupant safety.

Environmental performance
The all-new Mazda3 offers excellent environmental performance with many models conforming to Euro Stage5 regulations, or Euro Stage4 for the 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines. This level of clean emissions was achieved thanks to innovations including the introduction of the new MZR-CD 2.2L diesel engine, optimised engine control, Mazda’s Electro-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering system (EHPAS), outstanding low-drag aerodynamics and comprehensive weight reduction efforts. The MZR-CD 2.2L standard power version is approximately 10 percent more efficient than the MZR-CD 2.0-litre engine of the first-generation Mazda3.

Promoting vehicle recycling
Mazda has achieved recyclability ratios of over 90 percent with some of its product line-up. Beginning in 2005, Mazda also became the first company in the auto industry to fully implement ‘bumper-to-bumper recycling’ that recycles material from damaged bumpers. Additionally, Mazda has completely eliminated the use of lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and mercury, with the exception of exempt parts.

Mazda led the motor industry by being the first to adopt a low-VOC sealer that reduces toluene emissions to less than one tenth of conventional sealers. Furthermore, all of Mazda’s domestic production sites in Japan have attained ISO 14001 certification.

Talk about the new world order for automobile manufacturing. While the world's largest automakers struggle under the weight of their massive organizations, an ex-pilot and car distributor in Italy put together a small SUV for sale entirely via outsourcing deals. The DR3 and DR5, three- and five-door versions of the RAV4-like model, premiered at the Bologna show this past week. The body is made in China and shipped to Italy, where it's fitted to a Fiat platform and 120 hp, 1.9-liter turbodiesel powerplant. The company says the SUV will go on sale in March 2007 at a base price of around 16,000 Euros. More to come as the world turns his way slightly. – Mike Spinelli

DR3 & DR5: Toyota RAV4 copycat made in China, assembled in Italy using Fiat engine! [Carscoop]

Related:
DIY Chinese Car: Mr. Hu's Amphibious SUV [internal]

Maserati's answer to the Ferrari Enzo Fxx, the MC12 Corse rolled into the sunlight for the first time at the Bologna auto show yesterday. The severely limited-edition model is based on the MC12 GT1 racer, which took the Spa 24 Hours in 2005 and 2006 and several FIA titles in both years. The Corse model gets a major boost in horsepower over the base model, to 755 hp, from a mere 600 in the MC12. And while its racer cousin gets a manual sequential gearbox, the Corse gets Maserati's electro-hydraulic Cambiocorsa (as well as a passenger seat). The price is the same in all markets, the company says, — that is 1,000,000 Euros (around $1.3 million). It'll be available (that's a relative term, of course) starting in December 2006, ahead of Wall Street's holiday bonus season in early 2007, followed by All Hoonage Eve, which takes place in Westport, Connecticut around April. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Let the Maserati Owners Have Some: The MC12 Corsa [internal]

The most alluring feature of Ford Europe's new C-Max MPV, debuting at the Bologna show this week, may be the Z-shaped handbrake lever (barring that, the boomerang-shaped door handles). But it's still a more precise and stylish entry than its sister ship, the Mazda5, which is the closest we'll get to the C-Max stateside. It's one of Euro Ford's new "kinetic" designs, which is like Ford America's "Dave" visual language with 2/3 less safety razor and 1/3 more nail clipper . – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

FORD PREVIEWS NEW C-MAX AT BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW

The new Ford C-MAX

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* Bologna preview model gives first glimpse of new Ford C-MAX
* C-MAX joins S-MAX to create new Ford MAX family
* Dynamic new front-end design creates MAX family face
* Significant upgrades to interior design and features
* New technology front and rear lighting
* New features available including panorama roof
* On sale Summer 2007

BRENTWOOD, Essex, December 5, 2006 : Ford is previewing a new look for the Ford C-MAX at this year's Bologna Motor Show. The new Ford C-MAX benefits from a refined new front-end design including elements of the company's "kinetic design" form language, plus a significantly improved interior and a host of new features.

The new Ford C-MAX will sit alongside the Ford S-MAX, voted Car of the Year 2007, to offer two stylish and sporty multi-activity vehicles.

"Although we originally launched this vehicle as the Ford Focus C-MAX, we have chosen to give the freshened model its own identity, similar to the S-MAX", explains Stephen Odell, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe.

"The cornerstone of our 'MAX' strategy is to give customers all the features, space and flexibility they need from a family vehicle, but with a style that allows them to stand out in the crowd, and above all to maximise driving pleasure," said Odell. "Both the new C-MAX and the bigger S-MAX are true to this concept - versatile, comfortable and spacious, yet also great fun to drive."

Fresh and Contemporary

The front of the car introduces distinctive air intakes while the lower grille features the large inverted trapezoid, a key element of kinetic design.

The new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet, these elements give the C-MAX a distinctly sporty feel, highlighting the "energy in motion" theme that kinetic design creates.

New and innovative lighting technology includes high intensity discharge (HID) front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs. Fluorescent tubes illuminated in light blue follow the form of the front lights and accentuate the sloping front profile.

At the rear, the C-MAX gets a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Both front and rear bumpers are lower and fuller than before, giving the car a strong and agile look from every angle. Also, new 'blue glass' adds extra classiness to the vehicle's style.

New interior design

The instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red.

The new centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.

New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang-shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.

Detailed information and technical data for Ford C-MAX will be available closer to launch in 2007.

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford C-Max 4x4

Ferrari's ber-Enzo, the FXX, made its debut at the Bologna Motor Show last week, and slack-ass us just got around to reporting it today. The car laps Fiorano in 1 minute 18 seconds, pumps out 800hp, and is pretty much the ugliest thing Ferrari's ever built. It's not road legal, but for your 1.5 million euros, you get a fair amount of track time with the car, including an advanced driving course at Fiorano, if that's any consolation.

Word Debut of Ferrari FXX at Bologna Motor Show [Gizmag]

Related:
Super-Enzo Video: The Ferrari FXX at Monza [Internal]

The leadup to the Bologna auto show continues, with a new Citroen concept that could hearken the new Pluriel, known to Americans as "Huh?" The C-Airplay continues the theme of futuristic European nightclubbing that includes another concept created by chief designer Mark Lloyd, the C-Airlounge. Transparency is the key to the Airplay, which has been fitted with more glass panels than the Centre Pompidou. Have a look.

Could this be the new Pluriel? [Autocar]

Related:
Citroen to Show Grand Touring Concept in Frankfurt [Internal]

Holy Italian Hummer, Man of Bat. Fiat's new Oltre Fiat concept, unveiled today at the Bologna auto show, either foreshadows a new competitor for the largest luxury SUVs, or is the punchline of a complex joke involving a team of blind Italian futurists, several tons of sheetmetal, a goat, and a vat of grappa. As Eurocar Blog reports, the "beyond Fiat" concept is built on an Iveco military truck platform, sports a set of ginormous Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 315/40R26 XL tires, but a relatively underwhelming 3.0-liter common-rail diesel four producing 185 hp and 336 lbs-ft of torque.

"Beyond Fiat": the Oltre Fiat [Eurocar Blog]

Related:
Maserati Station Wagon Planned [internal]

At the Bologna auto show in Italy earlier today, Ford of Europe unveiled its new Focus RS World Rally Car for 2006 — a ground-up undertaking to replace its previous car, of 2002 vintage. The new car is based on the Focus ST ( that we've been drooling over from afar since the Geneva motor show last March), in collaboration between Ford's Team Rally Sport and UK motorsports firm M-Sport. TeamRS technical director Christian Loriaux says the cars will be faster and just as reliable as its predecessor, with more downforce, an entirely new body shell and roll cage, and a lighter, Cosworth-built 2.0-liter Duratec 'R' engine providing more top-end power. The car will make its racing debut at the Monte Carlo Rally in January.

More at Dubspeed Driven

Related:
Creating a Rally Car: A Garage-Eye View [internal]

We wanted to go to the Bologna auto show this year, but we just knew we'd wind up at the Mercato di Mezzo stuffing our faces like a busload of tapeworm-afflicted Dom DeLuise clones. Still, we've always been somewhat taken by the Lancia Ypsilon, a compact car that comes off as much more stylish as it should be, considering its size and economy. For the show, Lancia is rolling out an even more stylish MomoDesign version of the Ypsilon, which sports a dramatic but inexplicable dartboard livery that almost makes us forget its double-digit horsepower number. Va bene.

Lancia at Bologna [Italiaspeed]

Related:
Designer's Notebook: Fenomenon Design's Stratos Spider [internal]

Mitsubishi released teaser images today of its upcoming L200 pickup (sorry, sports utility truck — SUT) for Europe, which it will unveil at the Bologna motor show in December and launch in Europe in early 2006. The new model loses the blocky looks of previous models in favor of a new set of angular lines designers copped from Mitsubishi's 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept. The new model, which will come in single cab, club cab and quad-cab body styles, includes SUV-like refinements like permanent four-wheel drive and traction control — though still gets a trucklike live axle in the rear. The L200, to be built at the company's Thailand-based plant, will be powered by a new common-rail diesel compliant with Euro-4 emissions standards.

Mitsubishi previewed the L200's new design during the 2005 Dakar Rally, in which it competed as as Truck Evolution.

2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept

Related:
Mitsubishi Releases Image of Sportback Concept; Spy Photos: Mitsubishi Evo Sport Wagon; Spy Photos: 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander [internal]