Our pals over at Car & Driver talked to Robert Davis, Mazda North America’s senior VP of quality and R&D, in Geneva. Davis dropped some very interesting news on their i-stop power train, hydrogen power and other fun developments at Mazda:

i-stop

This is what Mazda calls its engine stop/start system, which kills the engine at stops and already is available on the Mazda 3 in Europe. Rather than using the electric starter to re-fire the engine, as in other manufacturers’ versions of the technology, Mazda instead stops one of the cylinders at an advantageous point near the top of its stroke and fires that cylinder to get the engine restarted once the driver steps off the brake. The reason we haven’t yet seen i-stop—or most other companies’ versions—on U.S.-market cars is that the tech simply doesn’t have enough effect on EPA fuel-economy ratings.

Hybrids

Mazda is toying with the idea of hybridizing more of its lineup beyond the slow-selling Tribute hybrid, which is a clone of the Ford Escape hybrid, but Davis didn’t seem particularly bullish on the idea. As mentioned, weight is a concern—as is overall performance—and since Mazda is confident that it can reach looming federal efficiency requirements with some or all of the measures discussed here, it’s not convinced that more widespread hybridization is the way to go. We think part of the brand’s hesitancy to go hybrid could be pinned on financials; it costs a lot to develop your own hybrid powertrain, and licensing one from another company wouldn’t be cheap, either. When/if Mazda decides to more fully hybridize, we were told not to expect anything for at least ten years.

Diesel & Hydrogen

As we said, the plans will include diesel, too, if not in America then certainly in Europe, where Mazda already sells oil-burners. We had a chance to drive a CX-7 with a 2.2-liter diesel engine while we were in Geneva, and came away fairly impressed. (Again. Check out our initial drive of the vehicle for a more in-depth look.) A fair amount of turbo lag was our only real complaint. But we won’t see that engine in the U.S. market, should we actually get diesel Mazdas. The company would wait until the SKY-D engine is ready, and it is said to be a lot more drivable—i.e. less laggy.

We didn’t discuss this with Davis in Geneva, but hydrogen seems to be where Mazda’s sliding a decent chunk of its chips. Witness the rotary-engined, hydrogen-fueled RX-8s and 5s that have gone on lease in Norway and Japan in the past year or so. But given the current lack of meaningful hydrogen infrastructure in the U.S., they won’t come here anytime soon.

The Source: Car & Driver

* New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’ model on sale from 1 March 2010
* Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
* Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.

“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

“Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

“The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivaled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability.” adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE – and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out’ additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary’ logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary’ branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminum pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance – 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph – and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

Mazda announced today that sales of the facelift version of the 2010 Mazda Atenza would begin immediately in Japan. The car will be introduced internationally at the Geneva Motor Show as the 2010 Mazda6.

The mid-size car comes as either a four-door sedan, five-door, or five-door wagon. Its “grinning” front end, including a new front bumper, now brings the Mazda6 inline with the Mazda3 and recently revealed Mazda5. More dramatic changes at the back, where the car now sports a completely remodeled bumper, light clusters, and tailpipes. Changes were not just made to the outside, as the car now has a single color interior instead of the contrasting tones in the 2009 model. It gives the interior of the car a cleaner look.

Engine offerings on the car include a new, more efficient petrol 2.0-liter DISI1 unit replacing the current 2.0 engine. The MZR 1.8- and 2.5-liter petrol engines have also been updated a bit. The MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel, on offer ranging from 127 to 178 horsepower, has modifications to make it more efficient and clean. All six of the engines choices will be available in Europe, but the MZR 1.8-liter will not be sold in Japan.

Adaptive lighting, hill assist, and an adjusted chassis round out the changes. The Mazda6 will get its international premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale in Europe soon after.

This MacGruber Trailer (which has been linked since it’s a “red band,” aka, NSFW) features Will Forte in his well known spoof on MacGyver, along with puffy looking film vet and one time Batman Val Kilmer as villain Dieter Von Cunth. Get it, like CUN – oh ok, you got it. But what caught our attention the most is the little red Miata, brazened with a “Mac 1″ license plate. Maybe the Miata’s time has finally come? It hasn’t been this prominently featured on the big screen since Jay Mohr tried stuffing a body into one during Doug Liman’s Go.

As far as SNL movies go, they’re really hit or miss…or usually just a miss. Although, the preview is damn funny, so it looks like we’ll have to wait until April 23rd to find out if MacGruber and his Miata are a box office success.

Now don’t expect to see the same Furai concept model used in the production of Mazda’s RX-7. According to sources at Edmunds Inside Line, a “more conventional” design will be implemented for RX-7. RX-8’s replacement was originally slated to appear in 2012, but Edmunds claims you’ll see it as early as 2011.

Oh My Goodness – if you were able to check out the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show your eyes were lucky see an army of Mazda2 Concepts.

Press Release – Mazda 2Evil Special Concept – The Mazda Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concepts

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17″ wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.

The Active2 Surf exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17″ wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and white, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Surf has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbon fiber surfboard.

Via Worldcarfans

It’s a banner-day for North America, as the Mazda2 – a staple of Mazda autos in Japan & Europe – is headed stateside. Mazda2 will make a somewhat-official debut in the US of A at the Los Angeles Auto show, but as announcement yesterday states that Mazda2 will be a for-sale vehicle by 2011. There were rumors for over a year about bringing the small city-car to the Birthplace of Apple Pie, now we can stop crossing our fingers. Good, they were beginning to cramp.

No official word on the US-spec 2 – it’s Japanese/Euro counterpart includes 1.3 and 1.5 liter gasoline/petrol engines as well as two diesels – a 1.2 and 1.6 liter. It was also voted World Car of the Year in 2008. “Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America, in a press release.

Press Release:
Southern California Automotive Design Studios Envision the Ultimate Youthmobile in Year 2030
The winner of the 6th Annual Design Challenge will be announced Dec. 3rd at the LA Auto Show

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held every year during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 2 & 3, 2009. For the last six years a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major Southern California Automotive Design Studios battle against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles Conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

via Jalopnik

Mazda’s fan event included Miata/MX-5 trivia contests, giveaways, fan club meetings and enough Mazda eye-candy to keep your head spinning for hours. Check out all the fun details in Mazda’s Anniversary Press Release below. (There is a website, though it’s in Japanese):

Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan

Japan’s Mazda Motor Corp. said it would raise up to $1.1-billion (U.S.) in a share sale and invest most of the funds to develop hybrid and other technologies in what analysts said was a long-overdue bid to close the gap with rivals.

Mazda has been seen as a laggard in next-generation car technologies, especially after its ties with Ford Motor Co. (F-N7.000.162.34%) weakened when the cash-strapped U.S. auto maker reduced its controlling one-third stake in Mazda to 13 per cent last year.

“With the relationship weaker, there are certain things that Mazda now needs to do on its own, without Ford,” said Okasan Securities auto analyst Yasuaki Iwamoto. He added he did not expect other Japanese auto makers to raise equity.

Mazda, Japan’s fifth-largest Japanese auto maker, also halved its net loss forecast for the year to March, citing a stronger euro, cost cuts and better-than-expected sales globally.

Mazda said in a statement on Monday that it would raise up to ¥95.9-billion ($1.1-billion) by issuing 315.2 million new shares and selling 96.8 million treasury shares.

The offering underscores a race by companies to tap resurgent equity markets for funds. Japanese broker Nomura Holdings finalized plans on Monday to raise up to $5.1-billion in a share sale.

The news could trigger selling of Mazda’s stock over the near term as the offering could boost the total number of shares outstanding by up to 26 per cent, said Yoshihiko Tabei, an analyst at Kazaka Securities.

“But in the midterm it will be positive for Mazda’s growth,” Mr. Tabei said. “I don’t think Mazda is doing this public offering to bolster its finances. It is for strategic purposes, aiming to invest in eco-friendly technologies.”

Mazda has pledged it will raise its cars’ fuel economy by 30 per cent mainly by improving its internal combustion engines by 2015. It plans to gradually add electric components such as a hybrid system beyond that to meet stricter regulations.

The pressure to offer hybrid models has grown in Japan as consumers flock to the gasoline-electric vehicles, which receive the biggest tax breaks under a government initiative to drive sales of cleaner vehicles.

Mazda, which posted a third straight quarterly loss in April-June as the economic slump hit car sales worldwide, now expects to post a group net loss of ¥26-billion in the year to March, 2010. It had previously forecast a loss of ¥50 -billion.

An average estimate of 15 brokerages by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S put the net loss at ¥38.12-billion.

It now expects an operating loss of ¥13-billion instead of ¥50-billion, as it lifted its global sales forecast by 55,000 vehicles to 1.155 million units on healthy sales of the Mazda3/Axela compact.