2008 Mazda Mx-5 on 2040-cars

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The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Has Arrived

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The highly anticipated fourth-generation (ND) model made its official debut in Monterey, CA this evening, and while details are slim (as in, we have practically none), there's one big thing to talk about: less weight. Yes, Mazda has confirmed that the new Miata sheds some 220 pounds over the model it replaces, and is "the most compact of any generation MX-5 so far." For those keeping track, that means the new MX-5 should weigh in somewhere around 2,200 pounds. Mazda's Kodo design language is obvious here, with a seriously wide and low demeanor, and a mix of flowing lines and sharp angles. We don't have any powertrain details to report as of this writing, but Mazda says the full suite of Skyactiv technologies are onboard, and the motto in creating this car was "Innovate in order to preserve." Click the image above to see the new MX-5 Miata in high resolution, click below for the press release, and stay tuned to this space for more details as they break. UPDATE: Want more Miata details? Please check out our in-depth firsthand report from the Miata's reveal event by clicking here and see the first-ever rolling footage of the car in our brief video here. Mazda Unveils All-New Mazda MX-5 HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda's KODO-Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015. The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda's vehicle-engineering philosophy-the pursuit of driving pleasure. "Innovate in order to preserve" was the motto for the fourth generation, as the development team searched for innovations that go beyond simple evolution. Environmental and safety demands are much more stringent than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but the fourth generation stays true to the model's original aim of offering the pure driving fun that only a lightweight sports car can. It achieves this through the adoption of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and refinement of its appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars. The design of the all-new MX-5 reveals another layer to Mazda's KODO design language.

Junkyard Gem: 1991 Mercury Capri

Ford has gotten a lot of use out of the Capri name in the United States. First, there was the Lincoln Capri in the 1950s, followed by the Ford Capri Mk1 (which was sold by Mercury dealers in the USA but never actually badged as a Mercury). Then came the 1979-1986 Mercury Capri, built on the very successful Fox Platform and essentially a clone of the Mustang. Finally, in 1991, the Australian Ford Capri came to the United States. Here is an example of this rare car that I spotted in a Northern California self-service yard not long ago. Mechanically speaking, the 1991-1994 Capri was a Mazda 323 under the skin, complete with a member of the same B-series engine family that went into such cars as the Miata and Ford Escort. So, for a few years in the early 1990s, car shoppers who wanted a sporty Mazda convertible could choose between a Miata and a Capri. The Capri had front-wheel-drive, but could be had with factory turbocharging. These cars were reliable and fun, but had a tough time competing with the Miata in the showroom battles. You'll see the occasional example now and then, but most of the 1991-1994 Capris have met the same fate that awaits this one. Related Video:

Mazda CX-5 updates bring nav to more trim levels

The refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 is already one of our favorite crossovers of its size for the model's engaging driving experience, upscale interior, and slick infotainment system. For a new 2016.5 model year upgrade that arrives in January, Mazda gives customers even more standard features to enjoy, but prices also tick upward. The Japanese automaker just gave the 2016 CX-5 light upgrades like LED signature lights and an update to the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The 2016.5 updates add a backup camera on every version except for the base front-wheel drive Sport with the six-speed manual. For buyers considering higher trims, all Touring and Grand Touring models get the welcome inclusion of standard navigation, and the Touring now comes with heated front seats, too. The extra tech comes with a jump in cost. As of Dec. 15 Mazda increases its delivery and destination charge from $820 to $900 for crossovers and $835 for cars. The change brings the base price of the front-wheel drive 2016.5 CX-5 with a manual gearbox to $22,695, and the top-spec all-wheel drive Grand Touring now retails for $30,770. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover - Backup Camera Now Standard on Most Trim Levels, Navigation Added to CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring - IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Christmas, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced pricing and packaging for the 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, adding value and reducing complexity in CX-5's trim level structure. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover New for the mid-model year, a backup camera is now standard on all trim levels equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. CX-5 Touring models gain standard navigation and heated front seats. CX-5 Grand Touring models also add navigation as standard equipment. "The added content in 2016.5 CX-5 reflects our customers' tastes toward premium features in a compelling, fun-to-drive, stylish crossover," said Robert Davis, Senior VP of U.S. Operations, MNAO. "CX-5 buyers are educated, upwardly mobile, active-lifestyle individuals. With these updates, we aim to provide them with an even greater ownership experience." Previously, CX-5's backup camera was part of the Rear View Camera Package on the CX-5 Sport trim level. Navigation was available in the CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring Technology Packages.