LA SHOW - Mazda unveils a brand new race car that will take part in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The Mazda RT24-P will race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

The new Mazda RT24-P race car was unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, ushering a new era in the prominent history of Mazda Motorsports’ flagship endeavors in North America. 

The new car will compete under Daytona Prototype international (DPi) rules in the Prototype class, the top level of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. 

After significant on-track testing, it will make its racing debut at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona in late January.

KODO Design

Mazda is known globally for the engineering and design excellence of its vehicles, and the new Prototype is no exception. 

The bodywork of the race car was developed by Mazda designers utilizing the KODO—Soul of Motion design philosophy. KODO represents the instant that energy becomes motion, such as the muscular beauty as an animal pounces or a human leaps into action. 

The KODO design cues on the Mazda RT24-P include the sleek body contours and the five-point Mazda grille.

“KODO design is at the heart of any vehicle that carries a Mazda badge, and that is very evident in the design of the 2017 Prototype,” said Ken Saward, senior manager of Design at Mazda Design Americas, which falls under the Mazda North American Operations umbrella. 

“We considered the two main parameters of designing a successful race car for this series: aerodynamic performance and the new-for-2017 technical regulations. Working with Multimatic’s aerodynamicist and engineers, we discovered that applying the KODO design philosophy to the surfaces and the silhouette of the car enabled us to create a dynamic, purposeful-looking design and a very aerodynamically efficient one.”

Managing the two-car Mazda Prototype factory race team is Florida-based SpeedSource Race Engineering. The team will race the new Riley Mk. 30 chassis, developed by Riley Technologies in relationship with Multimatic. Riley Technologies is a prominent chassis design and development company with 99 race wins and nine Prototype season championships in North American endurance racing since 2004. Canadian-based Multimatic has worked with Mazda since 2014 in the Prototype category, and has developed and built some of the world’s premier on-road supercars and successful sports cars for the race track. The Mazda team will be the first to test the Riley Mk. 30 chassis later this month.

The Mazda RT24-P will be powered by the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine which raced during the 2016 IMSA season. The approximately 600-horsepower engine, developed and raced with Advanced Engine Research (AER), is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

“This is a huge moment for Mazda Motorsports and the entire Mazda family,” said John Doonan, director of Mazda Motorsports North America. “To have a car which features Mazda design language at the top level of our motorsports program is meaningful for us as a brand. We believe we have the right team, the right drivers and the right chassis to win races and championships.

“Mazda has good, long-standing relationships with Riley and Multimatic, and is happy to be the first to test their new chassis. We look forward to seeing it make its racing debut at Daytona with Mazda bodywork and the Mazda MZ-2.0T engine. The strategic vision of IMSA to give auto manufacturers this opportunity to integrate our branding —to better engage our passionate fans— is unique and we’re proud to be the first to unveil what is possible.”

What’s in a Name? 

The Mazda RT24-P name echoes the Mazda Road to 24, a driver development program that provides scholarships to help championship-winning drivers progress from grassroots into the upper categories of professional sports car racing. The “24” also represents the two-liter, four-cylinder race engine. The “P” signifies Prototype.

Mazda currently holds a more-than-55-percent market share in grassroots racing, and the Mazda Road to 24 helps provide championship-winning drivers an opportunity to earn scholarships to compete in pro categories such as the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BF Goodrich Tires. Mazda’s similar scholarship system in open-wheel racing is known as the Mazda Road to Indy. By the start of the 2017 season, Mazda will have provided $14.9 million in driver development scholarships to 53 drivers since 2007.

USA - Mazda uses the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil the new CX-5 Sports utility Vehicle, a huge step forward.

• New-generation compact SUV takes the baton of Mazda’s best-selling model in Europe
• Debuts Soul Red Crystal, a new premium body colour accenting the CX-5’s KODO Design
• Other highlights include excellent NVH and a segment-unique windscreen head-up display

Mazda revealed the all-new CX-5 today in the run-up to the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

It’s a completely redesigned edition of the compact SUV that in 2012 kicked-off a generation of critically acclaimed cars featuring the company’s efficient lightweight SKYACTIV Technology and award-winning KODO – Soul of Motion designs.

Mazda refined virtually every aspect of the all-new CX-5, aiming to share the pleasure of driving with everyone on board. 

The new generation was engineered with a strong focus on human sensibilities to deliver responsive performance corresponding to driver expectations, but also prioritising passenger comfort for a pleasant ride in a remarkably quiet and finely crafted cabin.

The all-new CX-5 comes with the full range of SKYACTIV Technology including two petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 – and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel. All three deliver powerful, linear performance along with outstanding real-world fuel economy and remarkably low emissions. The new model also features G-Vectoring Control, a new Jinba Ittai – enhancing technology from Mazda. Additional highlights include a windscreen head-up display – one of the first in its class – and a remote-controlled power liftgate.

The bold, sensual KODO exterior enhances the CX-5’s distinct personality. Its physique emphasises a solid stance and expression of forward momentum, while the newly developed Soul Red Crystal body colour premiering on the CX-5 highlights KODO’s appeal by heightening the depth of the body’s surfaces. Soul Red Crystal is an advanced version of Soul Red Metallic, imparting a fresher, more radiant transparence with 20% greater colour saturation and 50% more depth.

Like other Mazda premium colours, Soul Red Crystal uses Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology, which gives mass-production vehicles the quality and precision of a hand-painted finish, in a unique three-coat structure. Thanks to a specially developed pigment and different flakes that reflect and absorb light, Mazda achieved an extraordinarily deep and vivid finish.

The all-new CX-5 will go on sale in February in Japan prior to its roll-out in other markets around the world. Currently Mazda’s best-selling model in Europe, the CX-5 is sold in more than 120 countries and represents around one-quarter of Mazda’s global unit sales. It has won more than 90 awards worldwide including 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year as well as numerous best SUV and crossover prizes.

The new-generation compact SUV will be on display throughout the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public from 18-27 November. Mazda will hold a press conference at 12:50 today, 16 November, the first of two press days.

USA - The books are now open to place orders for the Mazda MX-5 RF, the hard top that stores itself.

Pricing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition MSRP1 to start from $33,850

The wait is over, as pricing for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition has been announced in advance of the preorder site going live today.

Starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT, loyal Mazda customers who were sent an invitation with a personalized code will have a limited window of time to preorder one of the 1,000 MX-5 RF Launch Edition vehicles* on MX5RFPreorder.com. 

Customers will have the opportunity to place a $500 refundable deposit on the Retractable Fastback of their dreams, in addition to selecting the dealer of their choice for completing the transaction.

Pricing for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition will start at an MSRP[2] from $33,850 for the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and $34,925 for models with the six-speed automatic transmission. Delivery of MX-5 RF Launch Edition vehicles will begin in February 2017, and continue through the spring.

“After a tremendously positive response to our global reveal of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, we knew we had to do something unique for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. “Exclusive access to the presale is a way we can offer something special to our most loyal customers who can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one of the most anticipated vehicles in Mazda history.”

The MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and features a Machine Gray Metallic paint color and Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel. 

Both the Nappa leather and black roof are exclusive to the MX-5 RF Launch Edition for 2017 in the U.S. All MX-5 RF Launch Editions will come with bespoke doorsill plates and Advanced Keyless Entry, the latter of which will be an option on other MX-5 RF models equipped with a manual transmission. MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will have but one option choice to make — manual or automatic transmission — with each car built to order.

MX-5 RF Launch Edition buyers will also receive a custom-designed, serialized 42mm Tourneau watch to complement his or her purchase.

MX-5 is no stranger to vehicle presale opportunities for Mazda fans and enthusiasts. The 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition was the first example of the fourth-generation model to go on sale in the U.S. in 2015, and the 2015 MX-5 25^th Anniversary Edition sold out in just 10 minutes when it went on sale in 2014.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

The updated and refreshed Mazda6 saloon and Estate, gets superior tech upgrades to boost the best handling car in it's class.

• Range-topping Mazda6 benefits from an array of technology and refinement upgrades.
• Features G-Vectoring Control, the first SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technology.
• Pricing remains unchanged at £19,795 to £28,895 on-the-road.

Mazda’s highly acclaimed Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer models have been upgraded with a host of updates designed to enhance driving enjoyment and improve refinement.  Highlights across the full Saloon and Tourer range include technology updates, interior improvements and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control.

Already regarded as one of the best-handling and most engaging cars in its segment, the Mazda6’s dynamic setup has been refined with the introduction of G-Vectoring Control (GVC), the first application of Mazda’s new series of SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technology. 

Utilising integrated control of the engine, transmission and chassis to enhance the connection between car and driver, GVC varies engine torque to optimise the load on each wheel.

This ingenious and largely imperceptible system improves driver confidence, passenger comfort and vehicle handling via incredibly subtle manipulation of the powertrain. 

By monitoring steering and throttle position when you enter a corner under power, GVC momentarily reduces the amount of torque delivered to the front wheels, thereby transferring a fraction more weight onto the front axle which allows the front wheels to turn more precisely. 

Even on a straight road, GVC can reduce driver fatigue and increase passenger comfort by cleverly taking away the perceived need for the tiny corrections that some drivers make when driving straight. 

In doing this GVC lowers driver effort and reduces the amount of head and body sway small steering corrections can create for passengers.

Retaining an unchanged engine line-up, the upgraded Mazda6 features a choice of four engines: 145ps and 165ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol, plus 2.2-litre 150ps and 175ps SKYACTIV-D diesels. 

With diesel models accounting for around 75 per cent of UK sales, the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D engine features two key improvements designed to increase responsiveness and reduce engine noise: Transient Control and Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother Technology (NSS).

By reducing turbo lag and boosting torque, Transient Control provides a more positive throttle response, ensuring that the Mazda6’s diesel engine reacts better than ever to the driver's intentions, while refinement has been enhanced thanks to the introduction of Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) technology.

Designed to cleverly reduce diesel knock noise during starting and low-speed acceleration, NSS suppresses resonance from the piston and connecting rod by using a dynamic damper inside the piston pin to suppress the three critical frequency bands in which engine components typically vibrate most loudly.

This increase in engine refinement is complimented by a comprehensive improvement in sound insulation, including the adoption of upgraded door seals, tighter tolerances between panels and sound deadening materials added to the underbody, rear console, headliner and doors, while laminated front side windows further suppress wind noise.

The Mazda6 is available in eight colours including Mazda’s new Machine Grey Metallic, which having starred on the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF at the 2016 New York Motor Show, goes into production on the Mazda6. Inside, the revised Mazda6 features a new leather steering wheel that on Sport Nav models is heated. 

Other premium upgrades to range-topping Sport Nav models include an enhanced head up display that features colour and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) for the first time, plus electric memory seats that now also adjust the head-up display. 

While from SE-L Nav models upwards auto power-folding mirrors are standard, and Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) low-speed collision mitigation braking now features pedestrian recognition.

With cars arriving in dealerships later this autumn and pricing remaining unchanged, the Mazda6’s enhancements come at no extra cost and are set to reaffirm Mazda’s position at the forefront of this competitive sector.

mazda announces that the first MX-% RF models will be the Launch Edition, limited to just 1000 units worldwide.

Revolutionary and breathtaking to look at, yet simple and elegant in concept, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show with rousing acclaim. 

MX-5 RF was introduced with a color combination that will be exclusive to MX-5 RF versus the MX-5 soft top: Machine Gray Metallic paint color, Auburn Nappa leather interior trim with a hand-painted black roof panel, based on the Grand Touring trim level.

Now, the show car is set to become the MX-5 RF Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. and destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers.

Initially, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email and will have a specific window of time to preorder the MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public*. 

Customers who opt to purchase an MX-5 RF Launch Edition will have but one option available—SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission—with each vehicle being made to order.

“MX-5 has enjoyed 27 years of being the world’s best-selling roadster, being named 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year and receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of other accolades,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, MNAO. 

“Rarely does any automaker have a vehicle that garners the sort of loyalty and enthusiasm MX-5 generates—something we don’t take lightly. 

MX-5 RF is the next chapter of this storied model line, and we can’t think of a better way to give back than to first offer this bespoke Launch Edition to those who have stuck with us, believing in our mission to deliver the best-driving vehicles on the road.”

Outside of the exclusive color combination, MX-5 RF Launch Edition customers will receive a custom-designed, numbered 42mm Tourneau watch to complement their cars.

For those who may miss out on purchasing an MX-5 RF Launch Edition, other retractable fastback models will be available with many of the same colors and interior combinations—just not the Machine Gray Metallic exterior color on the Grand Touring trim level with the black roof, Auburn Nappa leather interior and badging. 

While the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition is based on the Grand Touring trim level, other MX-5 RF models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2017 in either Grand Touring or Club trim levels.

Specific timing for MX-5 RF Launch Edition ordering, as well as pricing, will be announced in the coming weeks.