Audi and Mazda are reported to have had informal talks on exploring the possibility of joining forces to develop rotary engines. Though it may seem odd that Audi would be interested, the A1 e-tron features a 20 PS (15 kW / 20 hp) range-extending Wankel engine.

Mazda has also been said to have developed a new laser ignition system for rotary engines, which eliminates the need for spark plugs and allows for better engine sealing as well as reduced CO2 emissions. Though the engine has not been given green signal yet, it is likely to debut in the successor to the RX-8.

Stay tuned to know more.

(via Insideline)

Reports indicate that that engineers have been tasked with cutting at least 720 lbs (327 kg) from the current curb weight of 2,480 lbs (1,125) kg. This means the model will weigh just 1,760 lbs (798 kg).

As part of making it lighter, Miata features a high-strength steel body, a smaller engine and a minimalist interior. Besides, the glovebox and owner’s manual would be replaced by a digital version on a USB flash drive.

Though all these sounds good, it remains to be seen whether Miata will be able to achieve the target weight.

(via Inside Line)

The extended-cab variant features rear-hinged doors whereby you could easily enter the cabin. Though the rear seats doesn’t look quite comfortable at the first instance, Mazda reiterates that the cushions have been lengthened by 50mm and the seatback height has been increased by 128mm. Further, the bed holds 1,453 liters (51.3 cu ft) of cargo which is 266 liters (9.4 cu ft) more than the current model. There has been no word on the price yet. However, BT-50 Freestyle is expected to hit the markets later this year.

The car is being launched as Mazda’s plans of “Building Block Strategy”, whereby efficient engines, lesser emissions and reduced weight are of great concern. This as an encouragement Mazda will gradually bring along technologies like regenerative breaking and hybrid systems to its vehicles.

Vehicles adopting Mazda’s eco-friendly SKYACTIVE technologies will arrive at markets this year; this would be a first stride towards a “Building Block Strategy”. Mazda has already stated that they would be introducing the Minagi Concept during the Geneva Motor Show; Minagi Concept largely incorporates the SKYACTIVE technologies.

Mazda will also focus its R&D on EVs specified for commuters.  Since internal combustion engines are for now irreplaceable, the company hopes to improve on this front as well. Mazda will work on eco-friendly technologies which will bring great driving pleasure along with increased environmental and safety performance.

The design theme for this car is called Kodo (soul of motion). The design of the car seems to be years ahead of the current all-smiles design adopted by Mazda. The Minagi Concept is expected to be a taste of things to come from Mazda.

The car wholly includes Mazda’s new Skyactiv technology, with a Skyactiv engine and transmission inside a Skyactiv body and chassis. The Skyactiv technology is said to give the perfect balance between driving pleasure, environmental protection and safety.

The car is also greatly fuel efficient courtesy of its Skyactiv elements and reduced weight. Mazda also states that the car will have sufficient safety features. It is speculated that the car will be hybrid (with two fuel sources).

The smiling face and the flowing lines make the Minagi concept strikingly different. Although Mazda is remaining quite on detailed specifications, we expect it to be released before its launch in Geneva.

This new electric supercharger will be giving it more than 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS). The RX-9 will probably share chassis components with the next-gen MX-5.

The RX-9 is expected to be a lot more efficient than the RX-8 despite the fact that it will have to deal with added performance. More details are expected to emerge before its 2011 launch.

(Via WCF)

The exterior toes the Nagare design line that Mazda was using, and the cabin is quite sporty without compromising on elegance. The interior is straightforward, no frills, and the center console looks much like the console of a car. Also visible is metallic trim, and classy radio and climate controls.

There has been no word from Mazda about the engine, but sources say it will probably be choices that include a 110 kW (150 PS / 148 hp) 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I4, a 147 kW (200 PS / 197 hp) 3.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I5, and a 122 kW (166 PS / 164 hp) 2.5-liter Duratec I4 petrol.

This is the successor of “Nagare” styling theme, which stood for “flow”. The design language was created through a collaboration involving Mazda’s design studios in Germany, the United States and Japan.

The car shows the future face of Mazda’s family of vehicles, an aluminum signature wing, as well as the overall styling trend for future production models.

Mazda said that they wanted to play in the same group as BMW and Audi, and that they were working to improve the quality level of its interiors for future vehicles.

The Mazda Shinari will make its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in September.

The new small Mazda CX-5 SUV will be rolled with features that have an inclination towards maximum fuel efficiency. The new model is expected to also sport a new set of Sky generation direct-injection engines and a light transmission. The car, in fact, will be the first production Mazda to be powered by the new generation of ultra-efficient Sky engines.

It will also come with regenerative braking and start/stop functionalities. To be at least 100kg lighter compared with rival models, the car might come in both three- and five-door versions.

[via Autocar]

Mazda MX-5 is an amazingly popular roadster and Mazda has successfully completed 20 years of sale in France alone. To mark the completion of over two decades, Mazda is unveiling a special edition Mazda MX-5 Black & Matte at the Salon du Cabriolet, Coupe & SUV in Paris. Limited details about the special edition car are available but the specific show car will come studded with logos, mirrors and other relevant accessories specifically crafted by jewelers to further glorify the effect of the matte black paintwork. It will feature the customary 2.0L engine mated to an automatic transmission. The specific number of units, release date and its pricing all remain a mystery as of now.