1983 Mazda Rx-7 Gsl (race Car) on 2040-cars

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Mazda has right mix to chase 120,000 more US sales

The Mazda MX-5 Miata was named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for the eighth year in a row and for the fourteenth time overall. The CX-5 tops or comes in as runner-up on every AOL Autos staff poll we take on compact crossovers. The Mazda3 is a perennial favorite among auto critics. That's three clear, unquestioned winners in the Mazda showroom. So, why does Mazda seem to struggle sometimes for recognition and clarity in the marketplace?
For that, I chatted with Mazda North American Operations President, Jim O'Sullivan, who has run the outfit since 2003. O'Sullivan, a former Ford sales and marketing executive who came to Mazda from Dearborn, MI when Ford owned a controlling stake in Mazda, is one of the quieter, but very menchy, leaders in the industry whose longevity in the job speaks to the stability of Mazda.

Chicago Auto Show page claims 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to produce 155 hp [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mazda wasn't willing to confirm or deny the figures cited by the Chicago Auto Show, although we're betting the 155-horsepower figure is a bit on the low side. As for the CAS page, a Mazda spokesman told Autoblog that they "aren't sure where they got that number." The horsepower estimate has since been pulled down. Well, someone may have made a boo-boo. The Chicago Auto Show is currently hosting a page that claims the Mazda MX-5 will produce 155 horsepower, courtesy of a 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder. If this is correct, it'd be the first time the MX-5's US power output had been revealed. The 155 hp figure would account for a 12-hp drop from that of the outgoing MX-5, though, a corresponding weight loss should still improve the power-to-weight ratio for the 2016 model. Now, the CAS page could simply be following previous reports, including one from Autoblog. As recently as October, it was being reported that the MX-5 would be powered by a 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder, a version of which is producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in the Mazda3. Naturally, we've reached out to Mazda for comment – or perhaps even confirmation – on the info from CAS, although we aren't expecting a reply until at least later this morning (darn time zones). Of course, as soon as we hear anything, we'll update this story. Related Video:

Mazda3 versus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in Euro diesel showdown

It's not exactly a Tesla Model S taking on a Ferrari, but for us green enthusiasts, a drag race and comparison between reasonably priced diesel hatchbacks does hold interest, and UK's Auto Express was kind enough to do the deed. When raced, the diesels actually laid a little rubber coming off the line, though the track was covered in rain. Did we mention it was in the UK? The comparison was between diesel hatchbacks priced at less than 22,000 British pounds (about $34,500 US), and Auto Express pitted a Mazda3, a BMW 1-Series and an Audi A3 against each other. The results are revealed in the 11-minute video you can watch below. In short, one car smoked the others. In order to set the tone, you should know that the Mazda's 150 horsepower is about 35 more than the other two entrants. The Mazda also earned points for its quiet motor (it sounds more like a petrol engine, the host says), standard equipment that would add about $4,000 to the other two cars if included and relative roominess in front and in back. The Audi gained points for its storage space, while the BMW had the only rear-wheel-drive car in the hunt. See for yourself how the competition stacks up. News Source: Auto Express via YouTube Green Audi BMW Mazda Diesel Vehicles bmw 1-series Auto Express