Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 22nd, 2013

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Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as “Whatever we felt like choosing,” Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being “the best and most significant” offerings to the mag’s staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were shocking. In no particular order, they are:

Random notes: The least expensive vehicle on the list was the Ford Focus at $16,995 however, it was the $24,495 Focus ST that was actually driven; the least expensive vehicle as-tested, when such indication was given, was the $28,265 BRZ; the most expensive vehicle as-tested was the $75,615 Porsche Boxster S, hurdling the price of the A7 by nearly $4,000; the greatest disparity between base and as-tested price was the Ram, from the $24,395 skin-and-bones truck to the $54,335 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab; the GTI was viewed through the history of its birthplace, Wolfsburg.

There you have it. Head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 22nd, 2013

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Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters playing Frisbee - video screencap

Playing a game of Frisbee is rarely about power – it’s more about agility, precision and open-air enjoyment. Much the same can be said of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, whose charm has always originated more from its finesse and tactility rather than brute strength and outright speed, qualities the evergreen roadster has traditionally lacked.

So consider it a fine match that Mazda has taken a couple of its popular convertibles out with a handful of crack Frisbee players and put them on a closed circuit in Surrey, England for a stylish game of catch. It’s a simple recipe for entertainment – check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner

Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Corrections and Numerical Data Corrections) Notice Concerning Partial Corrections to "Consolidated Financial Results For the Fiscal Year Ended…

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 20th, 2013


Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 10th, 2013

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There’s some executive rearranging going on in the top suite at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, with current CEO Takashi Yamanouchi telling reporters there “I’d like to hand over the work to younger people” now that the company has returned to profitability. Yamanouchi became CEO on November 19, 2008 of an independent Mazda that had to fight for its future in the immediate aftermath of the global financial crisis. What followed was four years of losses before finally getting back to black last year.

Masamichi Kogai (pictured) will be appointed the new president and CEO on June 25, pending approval at the company’s annual general shareholders’ meeting. Kogai assisted Seita Kanai with the production-efficiency initiative that Mazda called Mono Tsukuri Innovation, which worked to give export-dependent Mazda the best chance at profitability in spite of a rising yen. Kogai, lately in charge of production and purchasing, has been with the company since 1977 and worked in areas from R&D to logistics.

Kanai, who headed the Mono Tsukuri effort and was among the leadership on Skyactiv, will be promoted from executive vice president to vice chairman. Akira Marumoto will become executive VP of Mazda and assistant to new president Kogai. Yamanouchi will remain Chairman of the Board. There’s a short press release below to make it official.

Continue reading Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO

Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Executive Personnel Changes [PDF format]

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 9th, 2013


Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand’s Crown Range

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 8th, 2013

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Red Bull Crown Range drifting by Mad Mike

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he’s piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke.

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour over the course of the road’s six and a half miles, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, “A dream turned into reality.”

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand’s Crown Range

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand’s Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 8th, 2013

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Scion FR-S vs Mazda RX-8 vs Honda S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of American coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.

None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

Continue reading Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda reveals new ‘Game Changers’ advertising campaign

Published by Mazda Blogs on May 1st, 2013

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Looking to highlight its unique and sporty mindset, Mazda is getting ready to launch its biggest advertising campaign since “Zoom-Zoom” became its tagline in 2000. The new campaign, entitled “Game Changers,” will begin in May, and rather than focusing on its sporty past – like it did with Zoom-Zoom early on – the new ads will look at recent advancements made in building its future, including Skyactiv technologies and its new diesel race program, both of which involve its excellent new Mazda6 sedan.

As a part of the ads, Mazda will showcase game changers from the sporting world, including Dick Fosbury who changed how competitors perform the high jump and Laird Hamilton, who redefined how surfers attacked big waves. It doesn’t sound like Zoom-Zoom is going away, but “Game Changers” will definitely feature heavily in the Japanese automaker’s marketing moving forward. A few examples of the new ad campaign are posted in our gallery, and the press release is available below.

Continue reading Mazda reveals new ‘Game Changers’ advertising campaign

Mazda reveals new ‘Game Changers’ advertising campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda books first yearly profit in half-decade, NA still a drag

Published by Mazda Blogs on April 30th, 2013

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2013 Mazda6 Sedan

Automotive News reports Mazda has posted its first annual profit in five years. The company made $364.3 million in the last fiscal year, following a $1.14 billion loss the year prior. Operating profit also jumped up by $91.3 million to $572.8 million, thanks in part to a revenue increase of 8 percent to $23.42 billion.

But the news isn’t all rays of sunshine. North America continues to be a problem for Mazda where the automaker posted yet another loss. The manufacturer lost $519.1 million last year, up from $427.8 million the year prior. While the launch of the CX-5 helped see US sales increase by 2 percent to 273,000 vehicles, the region as a whole bought up 372,000 units. Mazda had predicted closer to 380,000 units.

Even so, Mazda says it should have North America back in the black by next year, with the company forecasting a sales increase of 11 percent to 415,000 units in the region. That’s thanks in part to a boost from the redesigned Mazda6 sedan.

Mazda books first yearly profit in half-decade, NA still a drag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage

Published by Mazda Blogs on April 30th, 2013

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V8 Miata on fire video

We were never all that great at math, but we can tell you that Miata + V8 = awesome. That even applies to heavy cast-iron small block Chevrolet V8s with carburetors instead of fuel injection. But as one aspiring wrench recently found out, even the most sound of formulas can lead to disaster when you start throwing in unknown variables. Variables like a leaky fuel system. The gentleman in the video below seems keen on firing up his partially installed Chevrolet engine using a jug of fuel and a remote starter, but disaster strikes when things suddenly go all flamb


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