2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV Technologies

Redesigned for the 2010 model year, the refreshed 2012 Mazda3 is Mazda’s first application of SKYACTIV technologies in North America, receiving an all-new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine as well as the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. It also features improved sporty driving dynamics, responsive handling and a comfortable cabin space.

Mazda has announced that the first recipient of its new SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine will be the face-lifted 2012 Mazda 3, set to debut at the New York auto show in April. The exterior styling has been tweaked, but the real story is, of course, the engine.

Although the company hasn’t yet released specs on the SKYACTIV engine as it will appear in the 3, we know quite a bit about it from our drive of several prototypes equipped with the mill last August. You can read all the details here, but here’s the recap: The iteration we’re likely to see in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which was good for 163 hp and 155 lb-ft during development. When it’s burning regular 87-octane gasoline, though, torque decreases by about five percent. For reference, the current 2.0-liter in the 3 makes 148 hp and 135 lb-ft, while the optional 2.5-liter four produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft.

The 2012 Mazda3 achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1 and delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. (The PZEV version of this engine sold in California and other states produces 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm).

Compared to the current Mazda3 MZR 2.0-liter engine, the maximum power of the SKYACTIV-equipped 2012 Mazda3 is increased by approximately five percent (from 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm) and torque is increased by approximately 10 percent (from 135 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm). With improved torque, coupled with a drive control system that utilizes coordinated controls of the engine and transmission, Mazda3s with SKYACTIV technology excel in dynamic response, further maintaining the Zoom-Zoom idea of oneness between the car and driver.

Fuel economy also gets a boost from the combination of a SKYACTIV engine and transmissions. When equipped with the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan will achieve an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, an approximately 21-percent improvement over the current MZR 2.0-liter engine equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. With a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 gallons, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan with SKYACTIV has the potential of a 540-mile range, with still a gallon of fuel remaining.

Previously only available with the MZR 2.5-liter engine, the Mazda3 five-door hatchback model will now be offered in the U.S. with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. This Mazda3 hatchback is estimated to deliver 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-Drive AT). The slightly lower highway estimates can be attributed to different aerodynamics and the higher weight ratio between the sedan and hatchback.

The higher fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda3 equipped with SKYACTIV is a direct result of combining all the best features of the technology in today’s transmissions. For SKYACTIV-Drive, the key advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) were integrated.

Also available on the 2012 Mazda3 is the highly-acclaimed Mazda MZR 2.5-liter engine. Alongside the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, the MZR 2.5 is a technology powerhouse as well. It offers an aluminum block with cylinder-bore liners made of a steel-molybdenum alloy offering strength and stiffness generally not seen in large-displacement four-cylinder engines. A forged-steel crankshaft provides strength at high revs, but rigidity to ensure low NVH characteristics.

Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models equipped with SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines will be further distinguished with exclusive elements, such as an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the center lens to emphasize the vehicle’s distinctive character; and a badge featuring a “SKYACTIV” logo against a clear-blue background.

The engine will pair with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV six-speed automatic transmission, which features an aggressive lock-up clutch for the torque converter. This, combined with the efficient engine, has Mazda hoping for an EPA rating of 30 mpg city/40 highway for the 2012 3—that’s up from bests of 25/33 and 22/29, respectively, for the current 2.0 and 2.5. Stick lovers can rest easy, as the engine will also be available with the company’s slick six-speed manual—although the company isn’t yet revealing the fuel economy for that combo.

The SKYACTIV engine and transmission will eventually be installed in the next-gen Mazda 6, it makes sense for the company to install it first in a small car, where it can reap the PR benefits of the magical 40-mpg figure. We’ll have more updated specs on the 2012 Mazda 3 as we approach its official unveil in April.

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2011 Mazda 2 Specification

The 2011 MAZDA2 is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the Sport and the Touring. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.5-liter, I4, 100-horsepower engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2011 Mazda 2 has been completely redesigned inside, outside and underneath. The all-new five-seat, front-wheel-drive subcompact was designed to take on a wide range of competitors, such as the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Soul and Rio.

Mazda hasn't been a player in the subcompact market for more than a decade, but that didn't stop enthusiasts from calling on the Japanese automaker to import its world market Mazda2 to North America. That wish has finally come true, while the North American Mazda2 gets some minor changes, considered upgrades, in interior materials and revisions to the audio and climate controls compared to world market versions.

First introduced in 2007, the Mazda 2 has been extremely successful, selling more than 400,000 units in Europe and Asia, and being named World Car Of The Year in 2008. Now, the U.S. market gets the third-generation Mazda 2 before any other market.

The North American Mazda2 more or less mirrors the car sold in essentially every other Mazda market around the globe, aside from upgrades to the interior based on consumer focus groups. The Mazda2 is based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, but comes only in five-door hatchback form, and with a different engine and with different transmissions.

Mazda says that the Mazda2 is "Zoom-Zoom concentrated," and that it possesses the sporty soul seen in the automaker's other products - but at a lower price point and in a smaller package. The Mazda2 measures just 155.2 inches in overall length.

The Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, good for 100 horsepower. A five-speed manual comes standard, with a four-speed automatic on the options list that will set you back an additional $800.

The styling is fresh and we find it arrestingly good-looking. Like all Mazda products of recent vintage, the 2011 Mazda 2 has been made to look much bolder and sportier than its previous incarnations. The body itself has been reshaped in a much more sporty fashion, with more sculpted sides, a laid-back windshield, and a jaunty little rear roof spoiler on one version. There's a new grille, hood, fenders, lamps, bumper and air intakes up front, with new body-colored door handles, new taillamps, a power liftgate, new 15-inch wheels, and exhaust system outlets at the rear. Underneath, there's a redone suspension and an improved braking system.

Standard features include anti-lock braking (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control system (TCS), electric power assist (EPAS) steering system, 185/55/R15 all-weather tires mounted on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, body-colored door handles and power mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, audio auxiliary jack, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry system, rear window wiper/washer and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

Available accessories include a rear bumper guard, wheel locks (Touring models only), all-weather floor mats, cargo net, center console with armrest and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, Homelink and orange backlit buttons.

Aiming for higher gas mileage without damaging the driving fun, Mazda focused on reducing weight with a vengeance, using a much higher ratio of high-strength steel in the body to lose 50 pounds, or 10 percent of the body's weight, with more welds and more weld-bonded adhesives in the body and its openings. And then they looked for hundreds of places to save a few pounds, like the wiring harness, the door locks and latches, the engine's radiator, the automatic transmission shifter, the pedals, and even the speakers in the stereo system. The final result was a car that weighs just a bit over 2300 pounds in basic form, a five-door hatch that is actually lighter than a two-seater Miata.

We climbed in and found the seats comfortable and supportive and we liked the thick, sporty steering wheel. Although rated as a five-seater, we wouldn't subject a fifth person to the back seat, the same as we wouldn't for any car in this class. The Mazda 2 is relatively roomy for four, though. Fold the rear seats down and it offers good cargo capacity with 27 cubic feet of cargo space and easy hatchback accessibility.

Out on the road, we found the Mazda 2 fun to drive. The little engine is gutsy, with a sporty note at upper revs. Shifting the manual five-speed is easy and enjoyable. The new brakes are responsive, with no annoying slack in the pedal travel. The new electric steering is responsive. The new suspension tuning minimizes body lean in corners yet ride quality is smooth and comfortable. It maneuvers rewardingly in tight driving situations, making it easy to park or thread through thick traffic.

The Mazda2 is available in six exterior colors: Brilliant Black Clearcoat, Liquid Silver, True Red, Crystal White Pearl, Aquatic Blue and Spirited Green.

Specification

Engine

Standard Engine 1.5L I4

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4

Horsepower @RPM 100@6000

Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 29 / 35

Combined Fuel Economy 32

EPA Class Sub-Compact

Number of Valves 16

Torque @RPM N/A

Fuel Type System Gas Engine / Electronic Fuel Injected

Turbo (Yes/No) No

Overdrive Transmission Yes

Battery Output N/A

Compression 10.0:1

Displacement 1498 / 91

Bore X Stroke 3.07x3.09

Cruising Range 361.6 miles

Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt N/A

Power to Weight Ratio 23.1

Final Drive Ratio No

Valves Configuration Dual Overhead Cam / Twin Overhead Cam

Supercharged No

Electric HorsePower RPM N/A

Electric Torque Feet Per Pound N/A (foot-lbs)

Electric Torque RPM N/A

Electric HorsePower BHP N/A

Brakes, Steering And Suspension

Brakes (Front) Disc

Brakes (Rear) Drum

Driveline Front Wheel Drive

Driveline (Opt) N/A

Steering Rack & Pinion

Steering Diameter Left N/A

Steering Diameter Right N/A

Suspension (Front) Independent

Suspension (Rear) Semi

Tire Type Passenger

Tire Width 185 mm

Tire Aspect Ratio 55

Tire Construction Radial

Tire wheel Diameter 15 in.

Interior Dimensions
Seating (Standard) 5
Seating (Optional) N/A
Tow Capacity (Standard) NR
Tow Capacity (Maximum) NR
Headroom (Front) 39.1
Headroom (Row 2) 37.0
Hiproom (Front) N/A
Hiproom (Row 2) N/A
Legroom (Front) 42.6
Legroom (Row 2) 33.0
Shoulder Room (Front) 52.8
Shoulder Room (Row 2) 51.2
Seating (Maximum) 5
Headroom (Row 3) N/A
Hiproom (Row 3) N/A
Legroom (Row 3) N/A
Shoulder Room (Row 3) N/A

EXPERT RATINGS SUMMARY

Category Sport, manual Rating Subcompact Car Average Rating

Acceleration 3 3.3

Fuel Economy 8 7.5

Ride Quality 5 4.4

Steering/Handling/Braking 6 5.1

Quietness 5 4

Controls 7 5.9

Details 6 4.6

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 6 5.4

Room/Comfort (rear) 3 3.3

Cargo Room 5 4.9

Value within Class 10 6.8

Total Score: 64 55.2

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Mazda RX-8 2011 "Trip In North America"

According to "well placed sources at Mazda North American Operations: " motor trend RX-8 reported that aging is set to exit stage left in America after model year 2011. Thus, rotary-powered sports car is scheduled to see the guillotine at the same time Europe's inability to meet Euro V emission standards.

There are a number of problems that all manufacturers who have chosen to borrow the design of Felix Wankel rotary engine has to deal with, not a few who have poor fuel efficiency, relatively high emissions and excessive oil consumption. It seems that evil was a long walk together can kill more fun-to-drive rotary-powered models from Mazda.

Mazda does not have much success with the RX-8 in the United States, partly because of problems with early models. nature of their thirst when whipped not endear them to the drivers, especially since most of their power coming in at the top. Harddisk RX-8 hard, and you can expect to see full-size SUVs number of fuel mileage, which is part of the reason that only sell 428 Mazda RX-8 in 2010.

Mazda has not made an official announcement about the RX-8's death or rebirth of the resurrection-7 RX constantly rumored. That said, we will be more than a little surprised if Mazda does not renew its commitment to the engine, high-revving rotary barrel wrapped in a kind of innovative packages.

An all new RX-7 allegedly in the works, rumored for introduction in 2013. This approach may be a pure sports car a better sense for rotary lovers, who see the RX-8 as a compromise in the area too much. Let us hope that the Mazda RX-7 to revive the legendary brand with a worthy successor to the FD series.

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Original Display All New Mazda BT-50, so cool

After a sketch featuring all-new BT-50 early last September, the original figure in the arena mejeng Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, last night. In Indonesia, PT Mazda Motor Indonesia will launch its flagship pickup the next year.

All-new BT-50 brings futuristic design of sportsmanship. It can be shown on the design of the headlights mengkrucut model with a sharp angle to toe the line and curve of the body as one with the bonnet and front bumper grill.

Looked in his cabin a modern nuance displayed in a new dashboard design. In the center console, the audio has been integrated with the dashboard to display an aura of luxury. Silver line in the middle to give the feel of elegance, style bars steering combined three.

From outward appearances, this commercial vehicle design brings an entirely new concept of "Sophisticated Beast". Curve of the body looks much more dynamic. Slanting headlamp design that integrates with sein and a big grill in the middle makes the BT-50 look more elegant. Logo encrusted chrome Mazda pickup make this figure more trendy.

"We're seeing a photo of a lion. He looks like a predator ready to pounce on prey. Lions also look smart and strong. Citra like this that I'm trying to create the latest design of the BT-50," lid Yanagisawa.

Towards the stern, like the feel of the chrome bumper and dynamic lighting design to the side of the body supports the viewing of BT-50 overall. In addition, the use of mica sein clear choice to support the impression of elegance.

"The new BT-50 offers a new emotion through design and we describe a lot of inspiration from around the world," explained Ryo Yanagisawa, Chief Designer All New BT-50, as reported by autoevolution, overnight.

Entry into the cabin, the dash display with asymmetrical designs appear on the pull line from the direction of the metallic panel door trim to the main console in the middle. Sporty impression is also strong with a new instrument panel. In addition, most new features in this car is a key regulator that applied at the steering wheel audio. He became more luxurious.

Unfortunately, Mazda did not want to talk about the kitchen runway. However, "his brother", the All New Ford Ranger, has been sliding in the same location comes with 2.2-liter TDCi diesel engine-powered 148 hp and 375 Nm of torque. So, the heart pacemaker BT-50 is probably the same as last Ranger because both are products of collaboration Mazda and Ford.

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