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Mazda and Isuzu to collaborate on a new pickup truck

After decades, Mazda has finally untangled itself from its relationship with Ford. The last vestige of that partnership is the BT-50, a rebadged version of the global Ford Ranger pickup truck. Once the BT-50 ends production, Mazda has announced that it will collaborate with Isuzu to develop its next generation of pickup trucks. The BT-50 was co-developed with Ford's Australian division. In their current iteration, the BT-50 and its Ranger twin were never on sale in the United States. Mazda's last pickup in the US was the B-Series, itself also a rebadged version of the old Ford Ranger. Isuzu pulled out of the US passenger vehicle market in 2009, although it still sells commercial vehicles here. Isuzu, continuing a long and complicated relationship with General Motors, co-developed the diesel engine that currently powers the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. In select markets, Isuzu sells a rebadged version of the Colorado as the D-Max. Details on the Mazda/Isuzu tie-up are scarce. A single press release simply says "Isuzu will produce next-generation pickup trucks for Mazda, based on Isuzu's pick-up truck model." This isn't the first truck collaboration between the two companies. Since 2004, Mazda has sold the Titan, a rebadged version of the Isuzu Elf commercial truck. The Elf is sold in the US as the Isuzu N-Series. Those in the US hoping for a new competitor in the midsize-truck segment shouldn't get their hopes up for the new truck. There are currently no plans to bring them here. There is hope, though, that Ford will bring the Ranger replacement stateside sometime in the next few years. Related Video: News Source: MazdaImage Credit: WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images Isuzu Mazda Truck

Mazda previews 2016 Miata Global MX-5 Cup racer

At this point, we all know that the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a highly capable racing platform. Mazda even claims that the car is the most road-raced model in the world. Fittingly, then, the Japanese brand is making a huge announcement about the future of motorsport for its next-generation convertible. The MX-5 Cup is going worldwide in 2016 as the MX-5 Global Cup, and all of the racers are getting behind the wheel of the upcoming fourth-gen Miata, similar to the gorgeous redhead pictured above.
"It has long been our goal to see Mazda fans around the world competing in identical MX-5s, and the launch of the 2016 MX-5 Miata is the perfect time to make this goal a reality," said Masahiro Moro, Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Mazda in the company's announcement.
The racing version makes its grand debut at this year's SEMA show, although at the moment it's really more of a concept. Mazda confirms that the racer uses the 2.0-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder, but the other important parts like tires, suspension and safety equipment are not yet determined. The cars "will be sold ready to race from a single supplier," according to automaker's announcement for the series.

Mazda MX-5 breeds upgraded Roadster RS in Japan

Fans of the new Mazda MX-5 Miata looking for something a little more performance-focused may be enticed by the new RS model. Unfortunately they'll have to go all the way to Japan to get it. Because Mazda will only be offering this particular version back home. The new RS version of the Mazda Roadster (as it's known in Japan) features a number of performance upgrades, although none of them specifically affect the engine or its output. The Roadster RS features Bilstein dampers and front suspension tower brace for better handling, along with bigger brakes for added stopping power, a retuned steering rack for sharper turn-in, and upgraded exhaust for a better sound. Inside it's also been treated to heated Recaro seats with Nappa leather and Alcantara trim and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. It also comes equipped with adaptive front lighting and high-beam control as well as lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. Feeling left out yet? Don't be too disappointed, or book that ticket to Tokyo's Natita International Airport just yet. The Mazda Roadster RS only comes with the smaller 1.5-liter engine that produces 129 horsepower, which is significantly less than the 2.0L we get here at 155 hp. It does, however, come with the six-speed manual instead of the automatic. So while this may not be the most powerful version of the Miata, it may be the enthusiast favorite – at least in the JDM. Related Video: