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Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Filed under: Convertibles, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see.

This is one of those instances where the press pics don’t do it justice. It’s difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we’ll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses.

More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride.

Sales are set to begin in Europe towards the middle of next year, with North American sales beginning shortly thereafter. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

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Posted in Uncategorized, Mazda, mx-5, 2010, 2009, paris, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow, 2009 mazda mx-5, 2009MazdaMx-5, 2010 mazda mx-5, 2010MazdaMx-5, mx5 | No Comments »

2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Filed under: Convertibles, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 leakage continues courtesy of km77, with a host of new images showing the facelifted roadster in both soft- and hard-top guise.

These newest shots show the already revealed and revised front end, pulling a few cues from the RX-8, along with a set of new taillights and a slightly redesigned rear bumper. Engine selections remain unchanged, with buyers abroad able to choose between a 126 hp, 1.8-liter or a 160 hp, 2.0-liter. Inside the 2.0-liter four-pot, the pistons and valve springs have been replaced with lower friction parts and the intake has been revised to provide a slight increase in power along with a more aggressive note.

The six-speed manual is still standard and features new synchronizers to smooth shifts, while a six-speed auto ‘box with manumatic shifting will be made available in Europe for the first time. The front suspension geometry has been tweaked to provide more feedback through the steering wheel, low-rolling resistance tires are fitted at all four corners, traction control is standard and new baffles in the front bumper keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum.

Both the hard-top and soft-top equipped models benefit from a new layer of sound insulation to reduce wind noise, allowing owners to fully enjoy the Bose stereo and Bluetooth system, along with an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The interior also features new seat heaters that come up to temperature quicker and allow five levels of heat, while two new colors - Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica - join redesigned wheels choices sized 16- or 17-inches. Our friends in Spain can also opt for Recaro seats when they choose the “Sportive” package, and when the new MX-5 debuts this week at the Paris Motor Show, we’re hoping to find out if a similar seating option will be available in the States.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Leakage

[Source: km77]

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Posted in Uncategorized, Mazda, mx-5, 2009, paris, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow, 2009 mazda mx-5, 2009MazdaMx-5 | No Comments »

Mazda intros home-market Blaze Edition MX-5

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: Convertibles, Japan, Mazda

Click to enlarge

Mazda has announced a new “paint & wheels” package for the Roadster (MX-5) in the Japanese market. Dubbed the “Blaze Edition,” it’s available in two colors — Radiant Ebony Mica (shown) or Highland Green Mica, and features lightweight forged BBS wheels plus a host of other model-specific trim elements such as clear markers and turn signals, chrome exterior trim, aluminum cabin accents and a sand beige leather interior.

The package can be had for either the traditional ragtop or the new power retractable hardtop, and prices range from ¥2,840,000 to ¥3,135,000 depending on the trim/roof/tranny combo it’s applied to. Looks good to us, and we’re digging the rims in particular.

If you’re in Japan, you can place your order now.

[Source: Mazda]

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Posted in Uncategorized, Miata, blaze edition, BlazeEdition, mx-5, roadster | No Comments »

Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune now on sale in Japan

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Japan, Mazda

Click image to enlarge

Introduced as one of the many “concepts” Mazda trotted out for the 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune has shed that part of its moniker and is now available through Mazda’s Japanese stores as of April 6. A product of Mazda E&T (Engineering & Technology), the M’z tune sheds its open-spoke 5-star wheels and fender-mounted side extractor vents in the transition from concept to production vehicle. 10-spoke alloys and a regular, vent-free fender appear on the customer cars, and the concept’s Mazdaspeed badging is carried through.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune now on sale in Japan

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time