Mazda working on new powertrains, new Mazda3 and Mazda2 for U.S.

[TinmanMS6]

Mazda wants to replace its entire powertrain lineup in the near feature. By 2015, the partly Ford-owned automaker will have E85 flex-fuel, direct injection, spark ignition and start/stop technology in order to improve fuel-economy. Mazda will also cut weight off its vehicles by at least 220 pounds to reduce fuel-consumption.

Now that the compact-car segment is getting hot, Mazda is reconsidering its decision not to bring the Mazda2 to the U.S. The car was recently spotted in Death Valley but it still has to pass some U.S. tests. According to Automotive News, the Mazda2 may arrive by 2010 as a 2011 model year.

The Mazda3 will be redesigned and re-engineered and will make its debut in 2009 as a 2010 model. As for the MX-5 Miata - chances of a MazdaSpeed edition look slim due to the current condition of the industry. The redesign as been pushed out to 2012. The RX8 redesign will arrive in 2012 as a 2013 model year. The Tribute SUV will be replaced by the CX-5 which will share components with the Ford Kuga.

The 2009 Mazda6 is slowly arriving in dealerships as we speak but Mazda recently canned plans to offer a hybrid variant of the mid-sized sedan.

Mazda is also working on a compact city-car known as the Mazda1. A concept version will debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

 

[dmitrik4]

Mazda will also cut weight off its vehicles by at least 220 pounds to reduce fuel-consumption.

sweet. let's hope other carmakers start having this bright idea.

and the Miata doesn't need a turbo; just a decent suspension.

 

[TinmanMS6]

and the Miata doesn't need a turbo; just a decent suspension.

I've never had a problem with it. (dunno)

 

[dmitrik4]

you must not have autocrossed a stock NC. NA, NB...fine. NC...not so much.

 

[SuperStretch18]

US Mazda 2 is a no brainer. Weight loss plan is also a great move. Nice, Mazda. Nice...

 

[TinmanMS6]

you must not have autocrossed a stock NC. NA, NB...fine. NC...not so much.

No, not a stock one. I've seen the body roll, though, and I know what you're talking about now that I think of it. I'm co-driving a CSP NC this year, though, and that thing is a ton of fun.

 

[dmitrik4]

I'm co-driving a CSP NC this year, though, and that thing is a ton of fun.

i'll bet. this might be a weird question, but how's the ride in that thing? i've heard it's reasonably useful as a street car even in SP trim.

on an unrelated note: i worked a heat as starter at a philly region event last weekend. there was an MS6 running in DS...man, that thing JUMPS off the line. i was really impressed.

 

[TinmanMS6]

i'll bet. this might be a weird question, but how's the ride in that thing? i've heard it's reasonably useful as a street car even in SP trim.

on an unrelated note: i worked a heat as starter at a philly region event last weekend. there was an MS6 running in DS...man, that thing JUMPS off the line. i was really impressed.

Hard to say, really. Ours is barely in SP trim--more of an STX2 car, were that to exist. I think the springs are 400/300, and Koni Sports with barely any travel. It's pretty choppy over rough pavement, but I think we might be all over the bumpstops. The Konis only have a couple inches of travel. I think the car owner's going to put some coilovers on for next season, but hopefully I'll be in my NA in STS2 by then.

 

[Roywhitep5]

those nc's have amazing turn in but feel really unstable in a slolom

 

[coolmazda5]

More details here. I'm glad to see the Mazda5 staying as it is until 2011, kind of what happened to the Mazda3 ad Mazda6. Funny thing they still kick competitor's butts in so many areas...

For its upcoming cycle of vehicles, Mazda wants to replace its entire powertrain lineup.

By 2015, Mazda will have given its gasoline engine lineup direct-injection spark ignition and idle-stop technology to improve fuel economy.

But it's more than just engines that Mazda is improving. Each new platform has a weight-reduction target of at least 220 pounds less than the previous vehicle platform. Although Mazda and Ford have worked together on platforms and component sets, Mazda is expected to show more independence from its controlling shareholder in terms of product offerings.

Mazda2: With the small-car segment hot, there is a sense of urgency to bring this car to America. But the four-cylinder engine that Mazda has certified for other models is too large for the engine bay, and the engine that fits the Mazda2 hasn't passed U.S. tests. Expect a 2011 model year introduction.

Mazda3: The restyled, re-engineered Mazda3 will debut in spring 2009 as a 2010 model. Mazda will keep the two-engine strategy, with small- and larger-displacement four-bangers. Look for Mazda to offer features frequently available on more expensive cars.

Mazda6: The redesigned U.S. Mazda6 sedan, arriving in dealerships this summer as a 2009 model, no longer is a world car. The North American model grows 4.5 inches in wheelbase and nearly 7 inches in overall length to become nearly as large as the Honda Accord. The engines are larger, too, with a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-banger and a 272-hp 3.7-liter V-6. The hatchback and wagon have been dropped.

MX-5 Miata: The tough economy has deleted any chance of a MazdaSpeed edition. What's more, any redesign of the current model has been pushed out to the 2012 model year, meaning it is on a seven-year cycle.

Kabura: A compact, sporty coupe derived from the rear-drive MX-5 platform is on the "most wanted" list, but Mazda in the United States needs Europe or Japan to sign on for volume to justify the program. Mazda may wait for the next MX-5 platform to launch the coupe derivative, meaning the 2013 model year or beyond.

RX-8: The redesign is far off--the 2013 model year. The rotary engine will grow from 1.3 liters to 1.6, the first displacement increase since the engine debuted two decades ago. Mazda promises better fuel economy and more power.

Mazda5: This mini-minivan was on the U.S. hit list until gasoline reached $4 a gallon. Now it's a star. Look for a redesign for the 2011 model year.

Tribute: Mazda's version of the Ford Escape likely will expire at the end of the current model cycle, if not before, to make room for the CX-5.

CX-5: Mazda will share the European Ford Kuga underpinnings and combine it with a design based on the Kazamai concept from the 2008 Moscow auto show. The CX-5 will be smaller than the Escape; Mazda wants to avoid cross-shopping with the CX-7. It may arrive for the 2011 model year.

CX-7: The 2009 CX-7's automatic transmission has been recalibrated for smoother shifts. Customer grumblings about the thirsty, peaky nature of the engine will result in a nonturbo version with better fuel economy arriving for the 2010 model year.

CX-9: Interior upgrades are expected for the 2010 model year.

B series: As long as Ford makes the current Ranger pickup, Mazda gets the B series. That's two more years at least.

Source:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10015468-48.html

 

[dmitrik4]

Mazda2: With the small-car segment hot, there is a sense of urgency to bring this car to America. But the four-cylinder engine that Mazda has certified for other models is too large for the engine bay, and the engine that fits the Mazda2 hasn't passed U.S. tests. Expect a 2011 model year introduction.


CX-7: The 2009 CX-7's automatic transmission has been recalibrated for smoother shifts. Customer grumblings about the thirsty, peaky nature of the engine will result in a nonturbo version with better fuel economy arriving for the 2010 model year.

too bad about the 2. the 2.0L would have been sweet.

hopefully the non-turbo version of the CX-7 gets the 3.7L V6, but that's probably too much to hope for. they could also offer a manual transmission (a la the X3), which would remove a lot of complaints about the engine's "peakiness."

 

[coolmazda5]

they could also offer a manual transmission (a la the X3), which would remove a lot of complaints about the engine's "peakiness."

or a-la CX-7 in Europe. 6MT, yummm. Are there any members from there in the CX-7 section? (naughty)

 

[Mazda3]

or a-la CX-7 in Europe. 6MT, yummm. Are there any members from there in the CX-7 section? (naughty)

There are a couple of European CX-7 members with the manual transmission, but they aren't that active in the forum.

 

[3+5]

IMO, Mazda 5 needs to offer a hybrid variant. Would be eaten up by young families, already has the space ship looks to go with it. We own an 06, wife loves it, and it's not painful when I have to take it instead of the MS6.

 

[dmitrik4]

or a-la CX-7 in Europe. 6MT, yummm. Are there any members from there in the CX-7 section? (naughty)

those Europeans get all the good stuff.

 

[SuperStretch18]

those Europeans get all the good stuff.

And Australians, don't forget those bastards down under...

(hippy)

 

[Antoine]

Mazda is definitely on track by remaining flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing automotive market...I'm really excited to see Mazda's future "hybrid" & Rotary offerings...These are tough times and I sincerely hope Mazda will maintain growth to ensure long term success. (thumb)

 

[MazdaMatt]

don't see any major news about "NEW" models....like Mazda1 (design study scheduled for Paris 2008)
or a flagship model (not a real sportscar in my idea)

mazda needs a flagship model IMHO...

 

[genericuser]

I saw a few Mazda 2's overseas, including a little green one in Dublin.. They're stinkin' adorable.

 

[dmitrik4]

don't see any major news about "NEW" models....like Mazda1 (design study scheduled for Paris 2008)
or a flagship model (not a real sportscar in my idea)

mazda needs a flagship model IMHO...

if Mazda was going to have a flagship model, what would be more appropriate than a sports car? would a large luxury sedan really speak to the design ethos of the company?