Jalopnik: Mazda

2010 Mazda3 Concept Fully Revealed... As A Photoshop

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Remember yesterday's twin front and rear images of what we had assumed was the concept form for the 2010 Mazda3? Today we get nine full, high resolution walk-around photos of the handsome five door — and they're photoshopped. This amazing work was done by a chopper named Grif-1, and debuted on the Russian design site "Render." Grif-1 used 3D Studio Max and Photoshop CS3 to create a near-perfect execution of the Nagare design language, sprinkling in enough hints from previous concept cars it was easy to believe the car was real.

However, take a look in the high-resolution images at the LED tail lights and the detail in the grille. If that's not enough, come on, nobody builds a concept car with a reasonable sidewall ratio. Damned impressive work if you ask us; makes that BMW M1 Homage photoshop look like the work of a hobo. [Render (Translated) via Carscoop]

Probably Not The 2010 Mazda3, But It Sure Is Pretty

Mark Arnold — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:40:00 EDT

The enigmatic and strange man who runs the Burlapp Car Page has a couple shots of what he claims is the next Mazda3. While we know we're expecting a new 2010 Mazda3, these shots look more concept than production, so we're assuming that's not what we're seeing here. While not as way-out-there as the 2018 Mazda3 design contest, could these be accurate renderings of what to expect from a concept of the next generation of Mazda's zoom-zoomin' C-segment hatchback? Mazda should hope their new car actually ends up looking like this, because it'd totally be a winner. One more shot below the jump.

[Burlapp Cars]

Mazda Hydrogen Van Approved For Testing Despite Lack Of Wings And Fluorescent Dragons

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

After successfully building a Hydrogen RX-8, Mazda has moved on to converting their Premacy van to run on the futuristic fuel. Powered by a newer version of their hydrogen rotary engine, the new vehicle gets a 40% increase in power, an increased range and now approval to test on public streets in Japan. Though we like the idea of hydrogen-fueled, rotary-powered van, we're a little disappointed that it didn't get the full dekotora treatment. A lip spoiler extending eight feet out in front of the van would clearly capture the public's imagination. Press release below the jump.

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Gains Government Approval to Begin Public Road Testing in Japan
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today received permission from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads. Mazda's newest hydrogen rotary engine vehicle features a hybrid system that increases the vehicle's power by 40 percent and doubles the hydrogen fuel range to 200 kilometers. Mazda aims to complete the road trials and start commercial leasing in Japan during fiscal year 2008. The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is the world's first hydrogen hybrid car with a dual-fuel system that enables the car to run on either hydrogen or gasoline.

Separately, Mazda has also announced that it will display and demonstrate its hydrogen rotary vehicles at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July 2008. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will debut alongside the previously released RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the summit's Environmental Showcase.

Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda's program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, said, "We are committed to improving the performance of our hydrogen rotary engine vehicles to help promote a more eco-friendly place for the automobile in society. Getting permission from the transportation authorities in Japan to begin public road testing the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in time for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit is extremely significant, because the eyes of the world will be focused on Japan's environmental technologies. Going forward, we will continue to advance our development program and strive to start commercial leasing during this fiscal year."

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid incorporates the acclaimed dual-fuel system*2 from the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which became the world's first commercially available hydrogen rotary engine vehicle in 2006. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid also features a hybrid system that combines an electric motor with Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine to realize significantly enhanced performance. Mazda's other environmental technologies showcased on the vehicle include "Mazda Biotechmaterials." Used for some of the vehicle's interior plastic parts and seat covers, these plant-derived materials contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

Under its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom environmental plan, Mazda is dedicated to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, while working toward an advanced Zoom-Zoom future by developing vehicles that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive again."

[Source Mazda]

Mazda To Reveal Anonymous Concept Crossover In Moscow

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:25:32 EDT

Mazda is showing off their latest Nagare design ("flow" in Japanese) to the Russians today, unveiling an unnamed concept crossover vehicle and describing it as a "sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market." We're not sure exactly what that means, but a smoky two-stroke under a hood made entirely of iron would be appropriate. Mazda's Nagare designs are said to represent natural flow and first appeared at the 2006 LA Auto Show. Full release and gallery after the jump.

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year's Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.
The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare - following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means "flow" in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda's concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is "crosswinds".

Russia is one of Europe's fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region's largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda's latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.

The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design at the Festival Automobile International in Paris.

The Moscow International Automobile Salon media days are on August 26 and 27, whereas August 28 caters for industry and trade specialists. The show is open to the public from August 29 through September 7. The new show car will be unveiled at the Mazda press conference at 10:15 on August 26 at the Mazda stand.

Ford Slashing Mondeo Price In China, But What Does This Have To Do With The Price Of Tea?

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:40:00 EDT

There were 5 million domestically produced cars sold in China in the first half of the year, meaning that if you can't sell cars in China, you should get out of the car-selling business. And to that end, Ford is cutting the price of its 2008 Mondeo by approximately $3,000 to around $25,000, which is a huge drop in a hot market. Why the sudden change?

Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Three

Mark Arnold — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Why you should buy the 2008 Mazdaspeed3:
You want a fast car, but have to pick up your children from school. You want a WRX STI, but can't quite afford the running costs and you don't need the AWD anyways. You got a bunch of tickets a few years ago; you still like driving fast, but want to preserve what little credibility is left of your driving record. You've seen the light, and understand that hot hatches are the most practical, best value all-round vehicles for an enthusiast, but you think the WRX is too soft, the GTI needs more power, the Caliber SRT-4 is too loud, and the other 3-doors are too small.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You need a dope ride to pick up some shorties. You think "Tokyo Drift" was the most awesome racing movie ever. You don't consider chrome racing rims to be oxymoronic. You want a roof scoop on your car, but have no idea what they're for. When someone says, "driving dynamics," you think they're talking about a tuning company. You like hatchbacks because they have more room in the back for a system.

Also Consider:
• Audi A3 2.0T
• Dodge Caliber SRT4
• Mini Cooper S Clubman
• Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door
• VW GTI 5-door
• BMW 135i and massive debt
• Moving to France, buying the greatest of all hot hatches, the Peugeot 205 Gti 1.9 and taking up smoking

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Mazda
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $23,090
• Price as Tested: $24,805
• Engine type: 2.3-Liter Turbocharged DOHC I4
• Horsepower: 263 @ 5,500 RPM
• Torque: 280 @ 3,000 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
• Curb Weight: 3,180 lbs
• LxWxH: 177.8" x 69.5" x 57.7"
• Wheelbase: 103.9"
• Tires: P215/45R18
• 0 - 60 mph: 5.8 Seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 18/26 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: NA

Also see:
• 2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part One
• 2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Two

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part Two

Mark Arnold — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Exterior Design: ***
The 2008 Mazdaspeed3 doesn't visually distinguish itself much from the standard Mazda 3 hatchback, but it doesn't need to. The basic design's thick D-pillars, subtle shoulder bulges over the wheels, and angular lines are a good starting point. More important is how the car doesn't look. There are no scoops, fins, stripes, or stickers exclaiming the car's performance. The slightly larger rear spoiler, which we suppose is theoretically functional, looks just like the spoiler on the standard car. The wheels look boring. Even the intercooler is hidden away, breathing through the normal-looking grille.

Interior Design: ***
For some reason, there are more Mazdaspeed logos inside the car than there are outside. But besides some extra red trim and stitching, it's again much like the standard 3. You have plenty of room for a few of your friends and their stuff to come along, though there's not much extra room for the driver's knees. Aside from that, everything is quite comfortable, despite being over-styled in the manner of an athletic shoe.

Acceleration: ****
The 263 HP is impressive, but that's just half the story. At just 3000 RPM it's making an STI-threatening 280 lb-ft of torque. Mash the throttle in any gear, at any RPM, and the Mazdaspeed 3 pulls with minimal lag thanks to the turbocharged 2.3-liter aluminum-block inline four with direct injection. The power may drop off at 6000 RPM, short of the redline, but that's to be expected from a turbo. To help get grunt to the ground, there's a limited-slip differential and a trick torque-management system that reduces torque steer. The car still staggers around from a launch, over rough surfaces, around low-speed corners, and pretty much any other time you get on the gas in first or second gear.

Braking: ****
If you want to stop in a hurry, the brakes are quite good. However, they can feel just a bit oversensitive if you're not wearing communicative shoes. Once you get used to the relatively light pedal and short travel, they're confidence inspiring, working equally well for spirited driving on back roads or brisk sprints through the city.

Ride: ***
You don't expect a Mazda hot hatch to ride like a Buick, but that's not to say you don't feel somewhat annoyed by how bouncy the car feels over poor surfaces. It doesn't make any sense until you've brought it up to speed, where you realize they haven't forgotten to put shocks on the car, they've just tuned it to feel composed going fast. That being said, if you're planning on using this as a city car in a dense urban area, it may get a bit obnoxious.

Handling: ****
You may expect a relatively nose-heavy car like this to have a serious understeer problem; it does, but you have to be pushing seriously hard to find it. What you get instead is a car that feels well-planted and very grippy. It's not extremely flickable, like some smaller 3-door hatches, but if you keep in mind that this is actually a bigger car than a Subaru WRX 5-door (which feels soft by comparison), you don't mind so much.

Gearbox: **
Don't think that, because you're in a Japanese hatchback, everything is going to feel light and dainty. The gearbox and the clutch are very weighty. That's not a bad thing, though, as I much prefer feeling like I'm operating a machine rather than just pushing plastic buttons. No, the problem I had with the shift action was not weight, but vagueness. At times, it's hard to distinguish between selecting 1st or 3rd, and 3rd or 5th, which is not a unique issue, but an issue nonetheless. A bigger issue is that the shift into 5th or 6th gear requires too much effort at an angle, which, for my arm, was uncomfortable and tiring. But maybe I just need to go to the gym.

Audio: ****
The Bose system, with its 222W digital amp, on this Grand Touring model pumps through 7-speakers, and sounds great. Combined with satellite radio, you'll almost forget that there's an in-dash 6-disc MP3-capable CD changer. If that's not enough, there's also an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player.

Toys: ***
The audio system has pretty much everything you need to stay entertained, but there's also an available DVD navigation system that's easy to use. If you're a techno-fiend, there's not much else. But if you're easily wowed by gimmicky tech, you would've already been sucked into buying a Ford with Sync.

Value: *****
The Mazdaspeed3 is a tremendous value. All this performance, practicality, equipment, and overall quality comes in at just over $24,800 as tested. If you want fewer options, you can get one for about $23,000.

Overall: ****
To get this much speed combined with this much practicality usually requires a paying a far higher price. That the Mazdaspeed3 combines talents to create an affordable, high-quality and, above all, discrete package is an impressive achievement. Still, if we're picky (we are), we'd like to see a touch more driver involvement. And more hot hatches on this side of the Atlantic, please.

Also see:

2008 Mazdaspeed3, Part One

Mark Arnold — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Cruising the affluent suburban streets of the Chicago area in the 2008 Mazdaspeed3, I'm looking for trouble. The dimming evening light and warm weather has brought out all the usual suspects: everyone from boy-racers in tuned Hondas to middle-aged men in Ford GTs. Chirping the tires as I dart from stoplight to stoplight, I feel like a 17-year-old taking a joyride in his dad's sports car. But I'm not racing anyone — yet. I'm just trying to get the attention of someone else who wants to run me. It's usually not something I do, but with 263 HP under my right foot, and a 6-speed gearbox in my right hand, I'm in a juvenile mood. Chasing down a previous-generation Subaru WRX that's sporting some aftermarket wheels and a loud exhaust, I feel like I might be biting off just a bit more than I can chew.

After flashing my hi-beams in the WRX's mirrors and revving my engine as I pull up next to it at a red light, I don't even get so much as a glance from the driver. Maybe he's just playing it cool. So I turn the traction control off and wind the engine up to about 3000 RPM. Green light, release the clutch, and we're off. I kill the Scooby. Oh, wait — he wasn't racing. So I try again at the next light. Will he take the bait this time? Nope. And that's the thing about the Mazdaspeed3; nobody seems to think it's anything special. To most eyes it's nothing more than a normal Mazda 3 hatchback. Paint it in a dark color and it's practically invisible. Which means that the WRX probably didn't even take me seriously enough to bother wasting gas on. It actually would have been a close race, but it didn't happen. So, I continue cruising.

To say there's a proper method for illegal street racing may sound oxymoronic, but it's true. You hear from a friend who heard from a friend that there's a bunch of guys that hang out at a certain place, and from there they go to the place where they actually race. You don't need to bother asking when, because it will always be at a spontaneous time after midnight. That is to say, the serious guys aren't out at 9PM just driving around hoping to find a victim — like what I'm doing.

So I start looking for parking-lot hangout spots, and eventually find one. Immediately I start scoping out the competition: a few enhanced Audis, a late-model Mustang, a kid with mom's CL55 AMG, an Evo IX, a small crew of crotch-rockets, the obligatory mid-life crisis man with his Corvette convertible, and some other stuff drifting in and out. Slim pickings. I buzz through in first gear to gauge reactions. With the relatively loud stock exhaust, I actually do get a few glances from some guys. I say "guys" not because there aren't any girls around hanging out, but because not a single one of them seemed to care. It's as if my gray 5-door compact isn't sexy enough. So I park the car and sit with my windows down and the stereo up. But time passes and nothing happens. This is lame. I resume cruising, but as one suburb blends into another and into another, I feel like I'm just driving in circles. Out here it's just an endless blur of shopping malls, big-box stores, chain restaurants, and cubicle farms. I've gotta get out of here.

The next morning I wake up at my own leisure, and engage in a lost cultural ritual known as breakfast. Today I'm setting my own pace instead of trying to keep up with the rat race. So, when the navigation system asks me which route I want to take on my spontaneous trip up to Wisconsin, I choose the one with the fewest number of expressways. If I encounter a few dawdling Lincolns along the way, so be it. Cars like this shouldn't be confined to petty stoplight cockfights; they should actually be driven. Sure, the back roads to Madison are no Nürburgring, but at least I get to focus more on the driving and less on weaving between traffic and watching for speed traps. And it's out here, surrounded only by farmland and lakes, that the car calms down. It's no longer fidgety and bouncy, but poised and confident. No longer am I being dragged around by the brute force, but I'm part of the machine—and we want to go faster.

Also see:

2010 Mazda2 Sedan Testing In Death Valley?

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

We've been waiting for the American version of the Mazda2 and now, thanks to a sharp-eyed Fast Lane Daily source, we've got a picture of what looks to be a Mazda2 sedan doing some harsh weather testing in Death Valley. Though we've been looking forward to the Mazda2 3- and 5-door hatches, we're not surprised they're going to try and shove a sedan version down our throats. That's fine, but we just hope that the sedan isn't the only version.

[Fast Lane Daily]

Bluebirds, Fairladies, Colts, And Crowns At The Motoring J Style Show

Murilee Martin — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

It does our hearts good to see Japanese cars from the days before most of the weirdness got focus-grouped out of Nippon's automakers. That's why I was eager to head over to Vallejo for the Motoring J Style show on Saturday and check out what DSwig and his crew had put together this year. The unseasonable rain made life miserable for the drift guys, but it was good news for me- cloudy skies make for easy car photography. We'll be taking a closer look at a few of these cars later in the week, but for now let's get an overview of some vintage and not-so-vintage Japanese iron.

2009 Mazda6, Reviewed

Ray Wert — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The 2009 Mazda6 is supposed to be "the first of Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom Evolution" second-generation vehicles" — whatever that means. Although we've yet to get a chance to drive the Zoomage — we'll be in the driver's seat sometime in mid-June — our friends at Popular Mechanics have spent some time behind the wheel. We have to say we're intrigued to find what the new Mazda6 for 2009 will provide — it's bigger, wider and yes, more uncut than the last one. So we're hoping the new Ford-designed and Mazda-built engine — the same 3.7-liter, 272 HP V6 found in the CX-9 — will give it the oomph it needs to, you know, push it further and faster than the last one. Does the 2009 Mazda6 satisfy that desire? Head on over and find out. [Popular Mechanics]

2009 Mazda6 Spotted In The Wild

Travis Hudson — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:40:00 EDT

A garage located in Ontario landed a 2009 Mazda6 and one keen individual busted out the camera phone to show the world. The chitter chatter on the VWVortex message boards, where the shots originally surfaced, suggests it's a press car being readied for what we could assume is a press event or a review. That means it should be in the shop at least 12 more times this month. If you still need more eye candy, check out more Mazda 6 interior and exterior photos of the 2009 Mazda6.
[VWvortex via Carscoop]

PCH, Diesel Dilemma Edition: Diesel RX-7 or Diesel Lynx?

Murilee Martin — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:20:00 EDT

We had another close race down the highway to the Lake of Fire yesterday, with the so-called win going to the triple helping of '55 Austin FX3 cabs in the Choose Your Eternity poll. Today, however, I'm inspired by the big drums of used tempura-frying oil I saw waiting for disposal behind the Japanese take-out joint near my house; think of all that potential carbon-neutral fuel just sitting there, waiting for some enterprising sort to put together a veggie-oil diesel machine to burn it up! Actually, what we really want is a diesel that runs on liposuction fat harvested from cosmetic surgeons- imagine the sheer coolness of driving a car that runs on human flesh- but the next best thing is a project fueled by your soul!

First of all, we have a hard time getting really enthusiastic about a veggie-oil-powered Mercedes-Benz diesel, because that's what 99.9% of veggie-oil-burnin' types are running- if you're going to go to the trouble of converting your vehicle to burn weird fuel, at least start with a weird vehicle! In fact, we think the best approach is to get a car that never came with a diesel option from the factory. For example, you could buy this 1986 Mazda RX-7 with Chevette diesel engine, which has been bid up to just over 300 bucks at this point. Yes, a Chevette diesel-powered RX-7, folks! Does it get any better than that? It starts up and moves under its own power, but "Feels like it needs struts on all four corners," so you'll have to figure on fixing the suspension before you get started putting a 200-gallon heated bacon grease tank in the back. Oh yeah, the Isuzu diesel used in the Chevette managed only 51 horsepower, so you'll either need to add turbocharging or get used to driving a car that takes several miles of acceleration to reach highway speed. Thanks to JRHMobile for the tip!

There's nothing wrong with using a factory diesel vehicle as the basis for your veggie-oil conversion, as long as you choose something more unusual than a Mercedes-Benz or even Peugeot (you Yurpeans have more diesel options, of course, so we suggest you head to an ex-Warsaw Pact nation and locate a Zaporozhets fitted with a Bulgarian diesel tractor engine). We tried and failed to find an example of the super-elusive Ford Tempo Diesel, but we've got the next best thing: this 1985 Mercury Lynx diesel (go here if the ad disappears). Have you ever seen a diesel Lynx? Of course not... which makes the $1,100 price tag seem like quite a steal for such a rare machine. It "runs good," though there's what sounds like a front main seal leak, the battery is "not very good," and it has "some rust and dents." Horsepower rating? 52! So while you're converting your Lynx to run on falafel oil, you'll probably want to add some turbocharging gear.

2009 Mazda6 Pricing Revealed In Online Survey, Starts Under $20,000

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Looks like Mazda is shopping around pricing and package options among its most die hard fans (like Zach at Mazda6club.com) and there is quite a range of trim and options. Spread across seven different option levels, the Mazda6 looks like it will start in the neighborhood of $19,850 for the Mazda6 i SV with the 170 HP four, and an array of options and will go all the way up to $29,150 for the gee-whiz Mazda6 s Grand Touring with a 272 HP 3.7L V6 and nearly every gadget and gee-gaw you can think of. Complete breakdown with all known options below — keep in mind this is still subject to change, but we're pretty impressed with what they've put together at this point

MAZDA6 i SV
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
* Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* 16" steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
* Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
* Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
* Air conditioning with pollen filter
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
* 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
* Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
* Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850

MAZDA6 i Sport
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*

MAZDA6 i Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
* 17" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* 8-way driver's power seat & electroluminescent gauges
* Push button ignition start
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*

MAZDA6 s Sport
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
* 17" alloy wheels
* Chrome dual exhaust finishers
* Halogen headlights
* Dual power remote side mirrors
* V6 emblems & scuff plates
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*

MAZDA6 s Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Sport model features plus:
* 18" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* Push button ignition start
* Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
* Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* 8-way power driver's seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*

MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850

MAZDA6 s Grand Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150

[Mada6Club]

2009 Mazda6 Interior Pics Emerge From The Frozen North

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Though now we're waiting for info on the European 2010 Mazda6 MPS, we've still been waiting for more pics of the North American 2009 Mazda6. Thankfully, the Canadians were nice enough to post them to their Mazda site. Thanks Canada. As you'll remember, the North American Mazda6 gets the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder available in Europe, as well as a version of the 3.7-liter V6 found in the CX-9.

The fourbanger gets a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic while the V6 gets only the six-speed automatic with manual shift. Unfortunately, there's no wagon for North America... yet. We'll see what we can do about that. [Mazda.ca via CarScoop]

2010 Mazda6 MPS Could Debut In Paris, Get All Wheel Drive

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

The Euro version of the new Mazda6 will get hotted up with an MPS version at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Of course, the MPS is the rest-of-world version of the US Mazdaspeed moniker, so our pointy little ears perked right up. Nihon Car is reporting the MPS will be sporting a tweaked 2.5 L turbo four pumping out around 280 HP, and as important will include all wheel drive. Though it will add heft to the bottom line, the added driven wheels will undoubtedly make for much more entertaining handling... that is if Nihon Car is right. Let's hope they are. [Nihon Car]

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part Three

John Krewson — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Why you should buy this car:
You've been complaining that no one makes interestingly different cars anymore, and now you have a chance to own one. You like the idea of an engine that not only can but must spin above six grand to be entertaining or useful. You think all doors should be suicide doors. You've never thought fuel economy or stoplight drags were primary considerations in buying a car. A good healthy session of Wankelry is an important part of your day. The thought of having one of the best-handling vehicles on the road is enough to make you overlook a few considerable flaws. You're the kind of person who laughs often, for a lot of reasons, and want a car with a similar disposition.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You don't get jokes. Ever. You like to let others have the interesting new experiences and the headaches that come with them. You have a thing about good old stump-pulling torque, or at least briskly-away-from-a-stoplight-pulling torque. You strongly disapprove of rear-hinged automotive access apertures and call them "genocide doors." You can't get past the idea of getting 16 city mpg and a 7-second 0-to-60 time out of the same vehicle. You were brought up to believe Wankelry is immoral, filthy and should be outlawed. Handling either just isn't important to you or you live where it isn't even a factor.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Infiniti G37 Coupe
• Nissan 350Z
• Honda S2000
• Ford Mustang
• A really nice used 93-95 RX-7; they're gorgeous
• Audi A5

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Mazda
• Model tested: RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $31,370
• Price as Tested: $32, 594
• Engine type: 1.3 liter rotary
• Horsepower: 232
• Torque: 159 lb-ft
• Redline: 9000 RPM
• Transmission: six-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 1.015 Ferrari Enzos (3,053 lb.)
• LxWxH: 174.3" x 69.7" x 52.8"
• Wheelbase: 106.4"
• Tires: 225/45 R18
• Drive type: RWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 6.6 seconds
• 1/4-mile: 15.1 seconds
• Top speed: N/A
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 16/22 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Also see:

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part One

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part Two

All of our reviews are always available by clicking the Jalopnik Reviews tag in the masthead.

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part Two

John Krewson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Exterior Design:***
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 shows all sorts of pleasing shapes amidst all of that strong idiosyncrasy. It's good clean fun to look at the profile of the front fenders rising slightly above the curve of the hood while you're driving. Molded-in Wankelry on the hood flows nicely into subtle twin speed bumps on roof, but then the line drops into the rear, which is just kind of there. Our test car had the optional chrome Wankelry on the front and rear air dams. Frankly, there are better ways to spend $159. From outside, the infanticide —er, "Free Style" doors are well-integrated. Overall, a rather handsome car with "grows-on-you" versus "...Damn!" styling — although we hear the Mazda killer-guppy front fascia will be somewhat improved for 2009.

Interior Design:***
The 40th Anniversary edition includes leather trim and seats in a color Mazda calls "Cosmo Red," but your parent's living room group knew it better as "Dusty Rose." It seems, unfortunately, like a compromise color. The exterior Wankelry extends to the interior in the shape of the shift knob, headrest inserts, special badges on the floor mats... Rotors, rotors, everywhere rotors as far as the eyes can see. The instrumentation is crisp, but the luminous blue LCD-lit dials (Warning! Digital speedo, Will Robinson!) contrast with the red LEDs in the center stack, giving a pleasingly patriotic affectation to the dash.

Acceleration:**
Thank the Lord this was the 232 horsepower version (both motors have the same 159 ft/lb torque rating) of the RX-8, because it needs it all. Serious tail-twisting mechanical Wankelry is required to make time in this car, and it's a dog in traffic. On the numbers it might earn a third star, but persuading it to do so is more hard work than it should be.

Braking:****
Very nice. Precise, smooth, lets you know exactly what's going on. And the calipers are plain old caliper-colored, despite recent attempts by automakers to turn them into some sort of jewelry-like accessory for your wheels. ABS shows up a bit earlier than many will appreciate.

Ride:****
Should be far worse than it is for as well as it handles. You 'll know it when there's bad pavement underneath you, but you won't worry about it too much.

Handling:*****
Outstanding, gorgeous, superlative, predictable, and lots of fun. Whether you decide to steer with your hands or your right foot, this car will do exactly what you want all day. The RX-8 is a rather light car to begin with, but once it's in a groove it seems to drop about 500 pounds. A real hero-maker.

Gearbox:**
Look, our car may be an anomaly, as many RX-8 owners love their 5- and 6-speeds, but this Aisin/Mazda co-manufactured gearbox was kind of a chore. Short throws aren't much of an advantage when you feel you need a home-run swing to select the next gear.

Audio:****
Nine Bose speakers with 300 watts behind them and a fairly intuitive button cluster. Very good sound, but no MP3 player hookup.

Toys:***
The 40th Anniversary Edition comes with just the normal stuff standard, like heated seats and Homelink and so on, although it's very well-executed normal stuff. But don't forget, it has fratricide —er, Free Style doors, if those count. We think they do.

Value:***
If you want one of these, it's worth it—What else is like it? However, at $32,594, you might opt for, say, the 350z or the G37 with their increased torque and normalcy, not to mention far better fuel economy.

Overall: ****
There's no denying the RX-8 is a lot of quirk and a lot of work. But this lovable oddball has charisma by the bucketload, even if you do need bucketloads of patience, good humor, and gasoline to live with it every day. Plus more than a few pails of high-quality synthetic oil. But even with all that, I'd own an RX-8 in a second. Maybe it's because I'm a dedicated oddball and a sucker for a light, agile, fairly unique car. Maybe that should worry me, but to hell with it — I'm not yet too old to believe that lots of good moves and a few big laughs just might make up for a little drinking problem.

Also see:

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part One

All of our reviews are always available by clicking the Jalopnik Reviews tag in the masthead.

Cougar Ace Mazdas Face The Crusher, We Cry

Mark Arnold — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EDT

We thoroughly enjoyed Joshua Davis' thrilling tale of the salvage operation of the Cougar Ace — a subject we've covered on these pages more than once. Finally, we've now got the answer to the question of what you do with a boat-wrecked shipment of Mazdas. You take the 4,700 formerly brand-new automobiles and send 'em to the crusher. Although we knew this already, we still think they could have at least sent them out to hoons like us as, after all, it's not like we're the types to really give a damn about a warranty. Or they could have started the "Shipwrecked Mazda Cup." They could've done something epic, but no, they shredded up all those poor little zoom-zoom'ers for scrap. Damn you, Mazda! Damn you and your silly liability insurance concerns and your million-man attorney army. [WSJ via CarDomain]

Welcome To Burnaby, Where The Europas And Beats Roam Free

Murilee Martin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EDT

We saw the Chuck D-centric Olds 98 in Toronto a couple weeks back, and now the Canadian contingent is back with a whole bunch of seriously rare machines for our enjoyment. Donkeyassman has spotted a Lotus Europa, Lotus Elan, Chevy Chevelle, Mazda Eunos, and a pair of Honda Beats in the city of Burnaby, B.C. So put on your tuques and make the jump for many more photos and Donkeyassman's description.

I took some pics of these 2 sweet lotuses and some other cool stuff in my area - Burnaby just outside vancouver BC .. There is a mazda eunos and 2 honda beats at that one guys house.. He must do some importing I guess.

2008 Mazda RX-8, Part One

John Krewson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:20:00 EDT

I'm going to go ahead and hazard a marketing-based guess that the good folks at Mazda want me to think of the 2008 Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition as the culmination of their design and engineering genius. Unfortunately, the first thing going through my mind was that the suicide-doored, rotary-engined little 2+2 is one profoundly and unapologetically weird automobile. And figuring out whether the RX-8 was the refreshing and fun Mitch Hedberg/Lotus Europa/Devo kind of weird or the exhausting and tiresome Gallagher/Citröen DS/Buckethead kind of weird was not immediately apparent to me as I tried like hell to get as far from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway as possible.

It's not fair to evaluate any car, let alone one that claims to have a personality, by driving it on the BQE, where thoughts of "Does this car work as intended?" are constantly being interrupted by looming Mitsubishi Fuso box trucks full of poorly secured bulk propane cylinders. Still, I was quickly forced to notice the RX-8's thank-God excellent brakes, the well-executed Grand Touring-style ride quality, and the fact that the engine was most certainly not making the sort of sounds I was used to or the kind of power I would have really liked. That engine (and the somewhat notchy shifter) were taking up far too much of my attention, I must admit, because despite my unusually high tolerance for weirdness, I was wondering if I could tolerate it under the hood.

The RX-8's 1.3-liter twin-rotor Renesis engine has a lot more horsepower than torque, which naturally means I'm revving it pretty hard. That just adds to the stress of navigating traffic — whether it's high-speed bumper-to-bumper or walking-pace crawl. Still, it's supposedly okay, because Mazda's technological centerpiece can spin to nine grand all day. But I'd be more at ease if I was sure sure how or why that was the case. As far as I can determine (please, I beg you, hold your comments) the ingenious and decidedly weird Wankel rotary engine works by using internal combustion to bounce a fat metal triangle around inside a hollow metal kidney bean, which hula-hoops around a central shaft to generate power. Very, very smooth power, actually, that builds nicely and progressively. And before I know it, the BQE is behind me, like a long illness or a badly-planned highway, and turned into some rather nice Catskills two-lane roads. The motor is thereby transformed from a gutless liability to a forgiving instrument that rewards fluid driving, which in turn forces me to try and do some of that for a change, notchy shifter and all.

Which is where I first become aware that this car just flat-out handles beautifully. The steering is about as sharp as anyone would really want in a road car, instantly responsive with feedback that stops short of becoming fatiguing. The brakes have loads of feel to balance their power. The RX-8 just sort of flows its way forward when you're doing it right, and is perfectly willing to do it all day as long as you're not asking it to do anything truly unreasonable. It's really a grand touring car, after all, and one without B-pillars in the frame, so perhaps it isn't a world-beating handler on the numbers alone. Not that anyone should care if they smile as much as I did. Hell, If the RX-8 does it all with a profound sense of weirdness, well, why complain?

Possibly you'd complain, as I did, because the oil light began coming on intermittently. Normally I'd suspect I've holed a piston — er, warped a ring — thrown a rod — stuff not possible here. Since I'd done just enough research to scare me, I knew that these marvelous mystery motors can go through a quart of oil every 3000 miles. The rotary engine may be nearly perfected in its 40th year, but it is far from conventional. The Renesis uses an oil-injection system because of the difficulty of lubricating a Wankel, for one thing, and our test car was just (over)due for some, which I duly administered. Part of Wankelry is keeping your spare quart of 5W-20 handy, a practice both oddly archaic and perhaps even romantic, but definitely unusual. Especially because you have to unsnap the flat plastic Lego/Tupperware engine cover to check, let alone add, the oil. One way or another, that's a level of involvement that few vehicles offer. Weirdness has its price.

While waiting for both the unusual machinery and my own mood to cool down, I tried out the plus-two seats in back and took notes. They seem like they'd actually be okay for a couple hours, unlike the 30-minute back seats in Mini Coopers and the like, but I couldn't see a damn thing outside the car. Which is a fine interior in good leather, accented with lots of little fat-triangle symbols of Wankelry here and there, but when I'm in a car I like to see out. I used the backseats for my duffel bag the rest of the time, getting great access through the back-hinged front-opening doors.

By the way, Mazda marketing mavens have taken a page from the F-word naming convention of the brand's sugar daddy and called these "Free Style" doors instead of "suicide" doors. Displacing a wonderfully colorful term like that in a car as quirky as this is not just spineless, it's practically a crime against culture. I briefly wonder if it would be possible to find the PR hack responsible, murder him/her, and make it look like a "Free Style."

Which is where I realize this car has won me over. It may be weird, but it's also an endearing, light, nimble, adequately powerful car that's a real pleasure everywhere but in the city, where it's a bit high-strung, nervous, and darty. Well, in the city streets, so am I. But on the roads I like, the RX-8 simply makes me feel like a much better driver than I am by letting me go fast without a billion horsepower and without scaring me to death. That will make a person overlook — perhaps even romanticize — a little weirdness.

1982 Mazda 626 Luxury

Murilee Martin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EDT

I must admit that the Mazda 626 has spent its entire existence without really registering on my personal automotive radar screen. A generic-looking Mazda sedan with no rotary? Yet the first-generation 626 sold quite well and gained a reputation for reliability... and now most of them are gone forever, fed into the ravenous jaws of The Crusher. So even though it's no AE86 or RX-7, this car has earned DOTS status by surviving everyday use for 26 hard years.

1982 was the last year of rear-wheel-drive 626s sold in North America. And, hey, it's the much-coveted Luxury edition!

The 626 Luxury sedan listed at $8,895 in '82, nearly $2,500 more than the '82 Chevy Cavalier sedan.

This one is pretty rough, covered with battle scars and daily-driver glory. The mismatched wheels add to its tough-veteran appearance.

First 200 DOTS

Solstice Crushes the Miata on CarDomain

Ray Wert — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:25:45 EDT

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Now, at least one Solstice forum found out about this week's Showroom Showdown, but I doubt that alone explains the fact that the Solstice won by a 4 to 1 margin. Ouch! Personally, I think the Solstice looks way better, but I'd still take the Miata...

2009 Mazda6 Unveiled For North America

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:40:00 EDT

Mazda today released the first photos of the 2009 Mazda6. Clearly embracing Ford's kinetic design, this new generation sedan looks more like the Ford Mondeo than the previous generation's Mazda6. According to the company, this vehicle will go on sale at the end of summer 2008. How does our version differ from the European Mazda6? First, the North American model is slightly larger than the other version with handing and comfort designed for American road conditions (whatever that means). In addition to the base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder available in Europe, Americans will be getting a version of the 3.7-liter V6 found in the CX-9. The fourbanger gets a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic while the V6 gets only the six-speed automatic with manual shift. Unfortunately, the press release says that the "North American Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan." Let's hope that doesn't stick. Press release below the jump.

Mazda Reveals the All-New Mazda6 for the North American Market
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the all-new Mazda6 and confirmed that sales will start in late summer 2008.

Specifically developed for North America, the all-new Mazda6 inherits and evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market. Handling and comfort were also optimized for North American road conditions.

"Following the CX-7 and the CX-9, the 2009 North American Mazda6 is the third model that was designed and engineered specifically to meet the needs of our North American customers," said Daniel T. Morris, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. "The midsize sedan segment is extremely competitive and the Mazda6 will be up against some of the best vehicles in the industry.

"The all-new Mazda6 offers plenty of Mazda's characteristic Zoom-Zoom vitality and we believe it will succeed in the challenging North American market. We will continue to deliver products that reflect our customers' needs and build Mazda's brand image in order to achieve the goals set out in our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan."

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda's newly developed 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and its 3.7-liter V6 engine. The I4 engine is already available in the European and Japanese Mazda6 models and the V6 promises an exhilarating ride, coming straight from the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, the Mazda CX-9. A six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the I4 engine. The V6 will be coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The North American Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan.

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company, as it has been since the first Mazda6 launched in 2002.

[Source: Mazda]

Engine of the Day: Mazda 13B

Murilee Martin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:40:00 EDT

Here's an example of an engine we couldn't really include in the Workhorse Engine of the Day series, because in spite of its incredible power-to-weight ratio and overall screamin' glory, the rotary engine is just not bulletproof enough to be considered a true workhorse. All that's changed with the new EOTD series, however, and we can now celebrate the nonreciprocating awesomeness that is the Mazda 13B. In truth, all the Mazda Wankels are variations on the same design; we just selected the 13B as the flavor that was built for the longest period, 1973 through 2002. Cosmos, RX-7s, 7-second Starlets, you name it, the 13B has powered it. Make the jump for our favorite hypnotic GIF animation. [Mazda, Wikipedia]

Chinese Customs Search Mazda Taiki Concept, Looking For 'Nam Grass?

Ray Wert — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:38:26 EDT

On the way from Japan to Beijing for next weeks' auto show, the Mazda Taiki was stopped by Chinese customs at the border for what we're told was nothing more than a random customs check. We're not buying it. We're assuming it was really to have their dogs try to find any psychedelic drugs that may have been used to create this multi-folded concept car exhibiting the "Dave's not here" design language of Ford's Japanese brand. Fortunately for the design team, the Taiki survived the check — with one of the designers, a Mr. Anthony "Man" Stoner, expressed what we can only assume was the team's obvious relief, saying "What's the Immigration Service doing here, man?"

[xinhuanet.com via autohome.com.cn]

PCH, Rotary Swap Hell Edition: Honda 600 or Toyota Starlet?

Murilee Martin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:15:00 EDT

Technically, the Peugeot Mi16 beat the Mercedes-Benz 6.9 in last Friday's Choose Your Eternity poll, but we're talking 327 to 317 votes here. When all is said and done, however, France still needs to take on Britain in a PCH Superpower Challenge... but we're postponing that apocalyptic battle for another day, because tipster EdNiedermeyer sent in a mighty Wankelized contender from not-often-seen-in-PCH Japan (earning a half-credit towards a Project Car Hell Tipster T-shirt in the process), and we've found a Rotarian opponent that stacks up pretty well against it. So throw those pistons in the trash and stagger into the sumo ring to face your 800-pound opponent, because it's Rotary Swap Hell Day!

We dove into the searing flames of Hayabusa Honda 600 Hell a few months back, but the problem with the Hayabusa is that it has pistons. What a Honda 600 really needs is an engine with no reciprocating mass and an even more deadly potential power-to-weight ratio than the Hayabusa (and besides, the Honda 600 came with a motorcycle engine from the factory). That's why we're pleased that EdNiedermeyer found us this 1971 Honda 600 with Mazda 12A rotary engine. The starting bid is $3,500, there are three days to go, and there are no bids yet! The seller, a stickler for the eBay Motors CAPS LOCK tradition, tells us "I GUESS I DON'T HAVE TO EXAGERATE WHEN I'M SAYING THAT THE CAR IS VERY FAST," and we tend to agree. In fact, we'd go a bit further and say that this setup wants to kill you, in one of those wrecks so grisly that the paramedics involved will be required to go on long-term psychological disability leave. It appears that the car has a shortened Mazda RX-2 chassis, plus evidence of quite the junkyard shopping spree, including a spoiler off a Blazer and an Alfa Romeo brake booster. It's been sitting for a long time, it's probably packed with all manner of scary hacks and workarounds, and the engine needs more power... but you'll solve all those problems. A little turbocharging here, a few months of puzzling out wiring and linkages there, and you'll be ready to wail down the highway at three times the top speed of a stock 600!

Converting a front-wheel-drive car to rear-wheel-drive, just so you can Wankel away? Why do that when there's a perfectly good rear-wheel-drive Japanese machine that's not a whole lot heavier than the Honda 600? Yes, the Toyota Starlet, the car with the best fuel economy in America. Once you ditch the pushrod four-banger for a powerplant with no pushrods (or valves, for that matter), you can make quite the impression at the dragstrip if you so choose. And if you've got $3,000 in your pocket ("only cash in person please," in one of those stating-the-obvious moments you often get in car ads), you can have your very own 12A-powered 1982 Toyota Starlet. The seller doesn't indicate whether it runs or not, but that won't matter much to you. You see, that's because you'll need to make this thing street-legal. Roll cage, nitrous, 4.62:1 rear and all! Sure, there will be plenty of work required, but imagine the glory of commuting to work in this howling-mad brute!

Mazda Announces Beijing Motor Show Lineup Including Taiki Concept, Mazda6

Travis Hudson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Mazda has announced its duds for the Beijing Motor Show that will be taking place towards the latter half of April. To be unveiled at the show is the new revision of the Mazda6, which will be known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan. Also set to be shown off is the Taiki Concept, which looks like something even Batman wouldn't drive.

Also debuting is the Chinese-refreshened RX-8. Mazda will be showing off the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid that includes the hydrogen rotary engine as well. Pardon my lack of excitement for the latter announcements, but that Taiki concept is still etched into my brain. What's with those back wheels?

Mazda to Showcase All-New Mazda6 and Mazda Taiki Concept at the 2008 Beijing Motor Show
Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the European specification of the all-new Mazda6 (known as the all-new Mazda Atenza in Japan) and Mazda Taiki, the fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, at the 2008 Beijing International Motor Show* from Sunday, April 20, through Monday, April 28, 2008.

The new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid, equipped with Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine, will be exhibited along with other future environmental and safety technologies to promote Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda's long-term vision for technology development. Around the world, the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom plan aims to harmonize driving pleasure with environmental and safety performance. Based on this vision, Mazda is committed to working towards a sustainable future that brings continued happiness and excitement to everyone by offering vehicles that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again."

Mazda will also debut the freshened Mazda RX-8 ahead of its introduction to the Chinese market. The Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) Power Retractable Hard Top will be shown as a reference model. A total of 16 vehicles* from nine model lines will be exhibited on the Mazda stand.

Mazda2 Named World Car Of The Year

Wes Siler — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:16:05 EDT

A committee of ~~fat old men~~ "experienced auto journalists" (i.e. not us) have named the Mazda2 as the world car of the year. Just beating out the Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class in a thoroughly interesting, relevant and credible competition. Additionally, all three finalists for World Green Car Of The Year were diesel powered, with the BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics winning. The Audi R8 surprised no one by receiving the cardboard pyramids representing both the World Car Design Of The Year and World Performance Car awards.

Does Your Protege Have Insufficient Cargo Space?

Murilee Martin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:45:00 EDT

Right about now, it would be easy to make some jokes about moving your sourmash still from one pine forest to another... but there's no need. Simply looking at those Georgia pines, with this fine custom motor vehicle in the foreground... well, these photos tell a long story. We're not dealing with a Protege that's had the trunk converted to a pickup bed here- it's an actual truck bed welded to the ass end of the Mazda, and "ITS ON THERE GOOD!" It's not street legal in Georgia (apparently other states will accept it, though they aren't mentioned by name), but it is "INSANELY RELIABLE." Thanks to Beater Review for the tip! [Craigslist Atlanta; go here if ad disappears]

Move Aside, LeMons Teams: Evil Genius On Board!

Murilee Martin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST

So the official list of teams accepted for the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Altamont is out, and my team made the cut! So we'll be out there on the track with the Porcubimmer and some other Jalopnik-related teams you'll be hearing about over the coming weeks (including the Carpet Pissers, who were also accepted for Altamont). And, you know, I actually feel sorry for those other teams. By God, I do! You see, we've got a new guy on the team, and he knows a thing or two about racing...

Just about every racer in NorCal knows about Evil Genius Racing, particularly racers with a fondness for Spec Miata action. We called up John Pagel, the Evil Genius himself, to ask about a rollcage kit... and next thing you know, he's joined Team Black Metal V8olvo! The EG may be a Mazda specialist, but he knows something about Volvo 240s as well. Even as you read this, he's mixing up beakers of bubbling chemicals and firing up the U-233 reactor (yes, U-233) in preparation for turning that ol' 244 into a cheap- yet fearsome- track monster. First, of course, we had to be safe (hey, it is a Volvo), so he and his evil assistant, Clint, installed the serious cage you see in the photos above. Next week we'll show you some of the incredibly cool machines in his laboratory, so stay tuned!

Project Car Hell: IROC Volvo Bertone or Mazda 808?

Murilee Martin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST

Stop the presses! Italy has just won the First Ever Jalopnik Project Car Hell Superpower Showdown, with the 1JZ-powered Portuguese Barn Find '59 Maserati beating the Subaru-powered 4CV in a 55-45 split. Today we're going to look at two cars that don't fit neatly into a common category, yet give off about the same number of counts per minute on the Jalopnik Coolness Geiger Counter™.

I've been scouring Alameda for a Down On The Street Volvo Bertone for months now, and it's maddening that the only one I can find is in a driveway (dead for years, with a blue tarp over the windows) and thus off-limits to DOTS. Sure, they came with the not-so-great PRV V6, but just look at that reet chopped top! Obviously, an engine transplant is the way to go... and looky what we got here: Why, it's an '81 Volvo Bertone 262C with a Chevy small-block already installed! (Go here if the ad disappears). Sure, it's the not-so-exciting mid-80s IROC Camaro 305, good for something in the neighborhood of 200 horses, mated to the snoresville 700R4 automatic... but that doesn't matter. What matters is that the car is already set up for the ubiquitous small-block Chevy, which means you have engine options sufficient to drive you completely mad. Oh, and speaking of complete madness, this car has a few somewhat troubling issues. First, you can tell from the photographs of the engine compartment, with wires draped higgledy-piggledy, that perhaps the engine swap was not performed with the utmost attention to detail (the seller does allow that the wiring might be a bit funky: "it all works but it looks sloppy." See? It just looks sloppy! Then there's the body and interior, which are probably icky enough for their images to leave a grimy residue on your computer monitor. And are the factory brakes and suspension up to the doubling or quadrupling of horsepower you no doubt have planned?

That Bertone looks like some truly punitive fun, all right, but how can you resist a vintage Mazda? And not just another RX-7; as cool as the classic RX-7 may be, parts obtainment is just too easy! Even RX-3s are too common- but how about the piston-engined version? Yes, a '73 Mazda 808M (go here after the listing gets flagged out of existence as well-deserved punishment for the keyword spam in its headline, hint hint) can be yours for just $1500. It has no engine or transmission, but that's good news. See, it's a crime for an Early Malaise Mazda not to have a rotary engine, so here's your chance to have a who-the-hell-ever-heard-of-it 808 without that pesky reciprocating mass. If you view the additional photos of the car, you'll see that there's some rust, and some missing parts, and a whole bunch of empty spaces where damn-near-impossible-to-find trim pieces once lived. Imagine how you'll feel driving that rotary 808, though, and the ~~years~~ weeks of ~~indescribable agony~~ headaches and ~~tens of thousands~~ hundreds of dollars invested will be worth it!

Will The Mazda2 Come To The US Bearing Diesels?

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:15:00 EST

As of late, it has looked as though the Mazda2 will not be making a visit to America, due mostly to the presence of the Ford Fiesta in the US market. We'd gotten close to accepting this and just moving on when Mazda once again piqued our interest. Jim O'Sullivan, head of Mazda North America, mentioned at a lunch with reporters that Mazda was maybe considering bringing diesel Mazda2's over here. Sort of.

What was actually said was:

"We're not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe. The Mazda2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We're continuing to watch that space in America."

Hatch tease... [The Car Connection via eGMCarTech]