1986 Mazda Rx-7 Base Coupe 2-door 1.3l No Reserve Red Coupe Sunroof Auto As-is on 2040-cars

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Will Mazda sell diesel hybrids in Japan in 2016?

Could the "Zoom Zoom" automaker start making hybrids that go "glug glug glug"? Mazda, known for its fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine line, will be the first Japanese automaker to make a diesel-hybrid vehicle for Japan and Europe. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Mazda may start making its oil-burning hybrids as soon as 2016, and the powertrain may reach fuel efficiency levels of as much as 95 miles per gallon (one the more lenient Japanese driving cycle). That'd make such a vehicle line about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than standard diesels and about eight percent more fuel efficient that the Toyota Prius C compact hybrid (known as the Aqua in Japan). Mazda has been dismissive of hybrid and electric powertrains, instead focusing on Skyactiv technology to maximize fuel efficiency from conventional gas-powered engines. Diesel powertrains account for about half of the light-duty vehicles sold in Europe each year, while Japan's diesel sales of 76,000 vehicles last year were about three times as many as were sold there in 2012. In January, Mazda said that it would delay the introduction of its Skyactiv-D diesel engine from what was to be a spring 2014 debut. The reason was to fine-tune the engine's performance/fuel economy balance. Mazda representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from AutoblogGreen about the diesel hybrids.

Mazda3 celebrates 10 happy years

Mazda is on the cusp of unveiling an all-new Mazda3, but the compact will mark an important milestone before that happens. The very first Mazda3 rolled off of the assembly line on June 25, 2003. A decade later, the little car has snagged some 136 awards. The first generation sold 2.2 million units over the span of six years, and the second has smiled its way into the hearts of 1.4 million buyers since 2009. Mazda notes the machine even took the honor of being the top-selling passenger car in Australia in 2011 and 2012.
So, what will the future bring? The Japanese automaker is keeping the details to itself for the moment. From the spy photos we've seen, it looks as if the new design will fall under the company's new Kodo design philosophy. That same language brought us the perilously sexy Mazda6, and the new Mazda3 should be no less attractive. You can check out those photos here.
You can also read the full press release on the compact's 10-year anniversary below.

Mazda recalls 193k CX-9 crossovers over corroded suspension

An issue with the suspension on the CX-9 has prompted Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 193,484 vehicles across the United States. The campaign specifically affects units from the 2007-2014 model years, manufactured between October 24, 2006, and December 28, 2013. In those affected vehicles, the ball joints in the front suspension may corrode due to water leaking into the fitting. According to the statement below, if the ball joint rusts, the front lower control arm could separate, resulting in a loss of steering control. And needless to say, that could lead to a crash. To repair the issue, Mazda will have to replace both the left and right lower control arms, and will naturally do so free of charge, but will undertake the repairs in stages. First, owners of the affected vehicles will receive a notification that a recall campaign is under way. Then they'll get a second letter when the parts are ready and they can bring their vehicles into their local dealers. The company will start first with 2007-09 vehicles, specifically those registered in the snowy states of the Northeast and Midwest. Specifically: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, DC. (Oddly, states in the the western portion of the Midwest, as well as the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest, were not included in that initial phase. Nor was Alaska, for that matter.) After that they'll call in 2010-14 models in the same states before undertaking repairs on vehicles in other areas to the west and south. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Corrosion of Front Suspension Ball Joint Report Receipt Date: JUL 20, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 Component(s): SUSPENSION Potential Number of Units Affected: 193,484 Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations SUMMARY: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting. CONSEQUENCE: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.