Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
We make no effort to hide the fact that we love the Mazda Miata just the way it is. In fact, it's always been just about perfect in our eyes, as evidenced by our most recent road test of the sporty little Japanese runabout. But if bright schoolbus yellow just isn't your bag, baby, may... [Read More]
2010 Mazda6 revision details released March 17, 2010 by Matt Brogan
Since its introduction in 2002, the Mazda6 has sold more than 1.8 million units in 80 countries around the globe — including 85,000 in Australia — and has received more than 160 motoring awards from key markets that include Australia Canada, China, Germany, Japan and the United States.
Today, the new Mazda6 evolves the nameplate yet again with design improvements and equipment upgrades certain to see the popular model maintain its position as one of Australia’s most highly regarded cars.
The new Mazda6 shares the same ‘bold and exquisite’ design concept as displayed in the previous model but is now enhanced to provide what Mazda say is “a stronger impression of dynamism and sportiness”.
Outside, Mazda’s new family identity is reflected in changes to the front fascia and grille, which is also used to differentiate model grades. Headlamp and fog lamp designs have also been refined while aerodynamics are improved thanks to the addition of plate-type front tyre deflectors. The new Mazda6 also incorporates newly designed 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
MAZDA HAS launched the 2010 Mazda6 range in Australia this week, with a luxury wagon variant now joining the line-up and with a number of cosmetic, mechanical and equipment upgrades applied to the range.
Although not a true mid-life facelift (the second-generation GH Mazda6 has only been on sale here since 2008), the 2010 Mazda6 range offers better value thanks to its updated visuals, interior refinements and reduced pricing.
Styling
The most obvious changes are external, with the front bumper reshaped in line with the wide-grinned visages of the Mazda3, CX-7 and CX-9.
The rectangular lower air-dam is gone, replaced by a roughly pentagonal opening, while the foglight enclosures are now taller and separated from the lower grille.
The updated upper grille is now bisected by a thick bar, but retains its triangular shape. Headlights and tail-lights also feature updated lenses and reflectors.
One other external element that’s new for 2010 is a pair of small air... [Read More]
Dyson Racing B09/96 running at Mid-Ohio - click above for high-res image gallery
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and its technical operations affiliate, International Motorsports Association (IMSA), has formally approved a butanol blend as the fifth energy source for race cars in the series. ALMS entrants are already running on E10 (10 percent ethanol), cellulosic E85, diesel and hybrid-electric power. The first team expected to use butanol on a full-time basis will be Dyson Racing with its Mazda-powered Lola prototypes. Dyson first used butanol on an experimental basis in one of its cars during the Petit Le Mans and Laguna Seca races at the end of... [Read More]
Although Mazda hasn’t yet experienced any of the unintended acceleration complaints recently experienced at Toyota, the manufacturer has today announced that it will install a brake override system on all future models as a precautionary step.
Toyota recently announced it will install the system on all its models from 2011 onward following two recent safety recalls involving nearly 9 million vehicles around the globe. The Mazda system will cut power to the engine in the event the vehicle senses both application of the brake and throttle pedals at the same time. Mazda have not yet offered a date for the system’s introduction. Some rival manufacturers already feature a form of the brake override system on certain models including Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Volkswagen. It is reported that Honda, Suzuki and Mitsubishi are also considering adopting a version of the system. The news comes as the US government considers plans to make the technology mandatory on all vehicles sold there within the next two to three years. So far, there has been no talk of similar legislation being introduced in Australia.
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