1993 - Mazda Rx-7 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Miata driver pulls off hilariously diabolical move in fender-to-fender racing

Racing is all about finding the little advantages over competitors that allow you to get ahead. Sometimes those are legitimate means - like being able to take advantage of a better line through a corner - and other times drivers get a little more creative for a leg up over opponents. Sometimes things might even go a little too far. Case in point: just watch the opening of this Mazda MX-5 Cup race from Silverstone in the UK.
According to the YouTube description, we're riding with James Rogers in this video, and he appears to be pretty talented behind the wheel. Rogers has a great start from fifth that has him in third within just a few corners. He starts stalking the top two drivers, who are already having a fantastic race themselves, but then we see that the person in second is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to win. Just watch the video, and you'll see what we mean. Bravo (?) to that racer for some very quick, albeit fiendish, thinking.

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

2016 Mazda CX-9 starts at $32,420 with standard turbo engine

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 will start at $32,420 (including $900 for destination) when it arrives at dealers later this spring. The base price is just slightly higher than competitors in the three-row CUV segment like the 2016 Ford Explorer for $31,995 and 2016 Honda Pilot for $31,045. The new model is also more expensive than the 2015 CX-9, which had a $30,865 starting price. All versions of the 2016 CX-9 use Mazda's new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower (on 93-octane fuel) and 310 pound-feet of torque, which routes through a six-speed automatic. The combo returns an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. All-wheel drive adds $1,800 to the price of most trims. We found the powertrain to be fantastic during when driving the CX-9 prototype. Even the base CX-9 Sport trim has amenities like LED headlights and taillights, a backup camera, trailer stability assist, and a seven-inch infotainment system. An optional Sport Package for $950 adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. Customers can really load the CX-9 with tech, though. The Touring model for $36,870 has Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, keyless entry, a power hatch, and an eight-inch infotainment system. The optional Touring Premium Package for $1,745 also adds automatic headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, and Smart City Brake Support. If that's not enough, the Grand Touring for $41,070 features a head-up display, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and radar cruise control. The top spec CX-9 Signature for $44,915 includes all of these features and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also has Nappa leather upholstery, rosewood trim, LED lighting around the gearshift, and LED accents on the grille. Related Video: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Priced from $31,520 MSRP[1], Elevates Midsize, Three-Row Crossover Experience - Class-Leading EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy, Elegant, Upscale Interior and Spirited Handling Dynamics Make CX-9 a Standout - IRVINE, Calif., March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has today released pricing and packaging information for its all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Offering a premium experience, fun-to-drive handling dynamics and bold KODO—Soul of Motion design, CX-9 represents a compelling offering in its class with a starting MSRP from $31,520.