Special Edition MX-5 Announced for 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Posted on February 3, 2012 by David Freitas

Looking very similar the Black Edition MX-5 Mazda displayed at this years Tokyo Auto Salon.  Mazda USA, has gone ahead and produced a special edition MX-5 Miata of their own to premiere at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

There have already been several special edition versions of this power-retractable hard-top (PRHT) in the past, as it has been on the market now for nearly 7 years. The most telling addition to the latest special edition is the bespoke finish on the PRHT’s exterior.

In the U.S., it will be available with either Crystal White Pearl Mica or Velocity Red Mica.  Japan and England will receive both colors along with a Spirited Green Metallic finish.  The roof will remain black regardless of color choice along with several other black accents, including the mirrors.

The MX-5 Miata special edition will run on a set of also blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels.  The interior features plenty of leather and alloy pedals.  It runs on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an output of 167hp. It is mated to either a six-speed Sport automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. Bilstein shocks, Limited-slip rear differential and sport-tuned suspension along with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters complete the special edition.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata special edition will be limited to only 450 units.

 

 

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Recall Central: 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute Master Cylinder Leaks Could Cause Fire

Posted on February 3, 2012 by David Freitas

 

Certain 2001-2002 Mazda Tributes will be recalled due to a brake master cylinder leak which may potentially start a fire.
The Problem: Certain 2001 and 2002 Mazda Tributes may have a brake master cylinder fluid leak. The master cylinder reservoir cap can leak brake fluid, which could come into contact with the antilock brake control module wiring harness connector. That leak could cause the electrical connector to melt, causing smoke, or potentially start a fire.
The Fix: Mazda will start recalling affected Tributes by today, January 30, 2012. Mazda will contact owners, and dealers will replace the Tribute’s brake master cylinder reservoir cap, and modify the ABS’ electrical systems free of charge. Mazda has said as a precaution that owners should park their Tributes outside, away from their homes until the repair has been performed.
Tribute owners can contact Mazda at 1-248-393-5990 if they have any questions.
Number of Vehicles Affected: Potentially 52,390 vehicles produced between April 20, 2000 and July 19, 2002.
Source: NHTSA

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Mazda3 (Axela) Sport 20S-SKYACTIV

Posted on February 3, 2012 by David Freitas

The Mazda Axela, known as the Mazda3 in other markets, also made an appearance in Tokyo in January, sporting unique aero parts and custom BBS wheels.  Parts that have been modified on the Axela Sport 20S-SKYACTIV include the front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper, and roof spoiler. The interior is also unique to the show car, with a black leather upholstery and piano black-finished center console and instrument cluster hood.

I have nothing more to add about this car, other than it is beautiful and no longer looks like a grinning goofy car.  The new front fascia gives the proper attitude to the 3.

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Mazda Demio (Mazda2) Smart Stylish

Posted on February 1, 2012 by David Freitas

Over the next couple of weeks I will be showcasing some of the concept models Mazda introduced at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.  On Monday we spoke about the custom Mazda CX-5 and had a gallery of photos.  Today we will talk about a pair of Mazda Demio, known as the Mazda2 in North America.

Actually, scrap that idea.  After viewing both Demios I only really want to talk about the Smart Stylish version as the other one that is red kind of looked weak.  So, I am only going to talk about the Demio (Mazda2) Smart Stylish as it is the only one of the two concepts that I would drive myself despite the dumb sounding name.

Seriously, what do you tell your friends?  ” I drive a Mazda2 Smart Stylish”, I would suffer a lifetime of humiliation.  Mazda should rename it the Mazda Demio SS?  No, shades of Camaro’s and Chevelle’s.  Perhaps the Mazda Demio S or something like that.  If you have  a better name please share it in the comments.

The Demio Smart Stylish (ugh), gets a more aggressive styling treatment with its lowered ride height and custom aero parts, including a unique front valance, side skirts, and rear diffuser.  The BBS wheels are a sweet touch.

Judging by the sticker on the windshield, it looks like this aggressive version of the Mazda2 (Demio) is coming to market.  My fingers are crossed that this car makes its way across the ocean to North America, but with a more palatable name.

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Mazda Showcases Several Custom Cars at 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon

Posted on January 30, 2012 by David Freitas

At this years Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda stepped out of the shadows of its larger competitors by making a splash with several announcements and by presenting ten special cars.  These special cars included concepts of current cars & special edition cars that will be made available for sale.

After viewing them all I figured I would share with you some of my favorite Mazda’s from the show.  One at a time over the next week.

The first one is a rather mild custom of a model that is yet to be released:  The compact-SUV 2013 Mazda CX-5.

This special edition of the CX-5, which Mazda says is the first of its new-generation products to adopt the brand’s new “Soul of Motion” design theme, features a red exterior and matte black-finished alloy wheels. The vehicle is slightly lowered, but otherwise maintains the standard model’s design and styling.

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What does Tuning a Mazda3 in China Look Like?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by David Freitas

“A tuning car in perfect harmony with its surrounds with a mean looking exterior and surprisingly sweet interior.”

Parked on an ice-cold street of Hebei Province, this modified Mazda 3 sedan adorned with gold wings, an F1-style front spoiler and mock-racing livery looks ready to rumble and cut through the dirty snow.At the back we have the obligatory over-sized wing and partially blacked out lights (race cars don’t need lights), which fails to stir any emotion in the elderly passerby; but it’s on the inside where things get interesting.

To balance the yang of the Mazda’s exterior, a distinctive yin interior features dainty plastic diamonds embellishing the air vents and air-con knobs, which also get pretty little pink plastic rings.A silver gecko has been affixed to the center console for good measure, or perhaps good luck.

Source: CarBuzz

P.S. – Check out the great use of Bedazzle on the interior.  I see that trend crossing the ocean to North America…really hope not. – Dave

 

 

 

 

 

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