2004 Mazda Rx-8 Coupe Automatic Grand Touring on 2040-cars

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Full 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing released

Take heart, roadster fans. The first 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miatas due for the US are now in production. To go along with that milestone, the Japanese automaker has finally released full pricing for the fourth-generation Miata. As previously revealed, the 2016 Miata in the base Sport trim starts at $24,915 (plus $820 destination), and for that outlay buyers get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque that's matched to a six-speed manual. The convertible comes standard with features like LED lighting and a Bluetooth-equipped audio system. For $1,075 more on all models, customers can spec a six-speed automatic gearbox, and keyless entry is another $130 but standard with the auto 'box. One rung up is the Club trim for $28,600, and it improves things with 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive body kit and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Order the manual trans, and the roadster gets a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a shock-tower brace. There's also a $3,400 package to make this version of the convertible even sportier with 17-inch BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, side sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt. Among the regular trims, the top rung is the Grand Touring for $30,065 that adds luxuries like heated, leather seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights. Mazda's i-Activesense is also standard and includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. Finally, there's the Launch Edition, which is limited to 1,000 units, and it sells for $30,495 (or $31,570 for an automatic). All of them come in an exclusive combo of Soul Red with Sport Tan leather, and buyers get all of the Grand Touring's kit, plus standard keyless entry. The order site for these special roadsters opens on May 5, but hopefuls can pre-register now for a reminder. The first 2016 Miatas should hit dealers in late summer. That should provide some time for top down driving fun before it gets too cold. Related Video: U.S.-Bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Production Kicks Off Today - Mazda Also Announces U.S. Pricing for Entire MX-5 Lineup - IRVINE, Calif. (April 20, 2015) – The wait is almost over, as North America-bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata production began today, signaling the imminent arrival of the next generation of the world's most popular two-seat roadster at U.S. dealers.

Import pickup truck-killing Chicken Tax to be repealed?

After over 50 years, the so-called Chicken Tax may finally be going the way of the dodo. Two pending trade deals with countries in the Pacific Rim and Europe potentially could open the US auto market up to imported trucks, if the measures pass. Although, it still might be a while before you can own that Volkswagen Amarok or Toyota Hilux, if ever. The 25-percent import tariff that the Chicken Tax imposes on foreign trucks essentially makes the things all but impossible to sell one profitably in the US, which lends a distinct advantage to domestic pickups. Both the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 12 counties and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union would finally end the charge. According to Automotive News though, don't expect new pickups to flood the market, at least not immediately. These deals might roll back the tariff gradually over time, and in the case of Japan, it could be as long as 25 years before fully free trade. Furthermore, Thailand, a major truck builder in Asia, isn't currently part of the deal, and any new models here would still need to meet safety and emissions rules, as well. Automotive News gauged the very early intentions of several automakers with foreign-built trucks, and they weren't necessarily champing at the bit to start imports. Toyota thinks the Hilux sits between the Tundra and Tacoma, and Mazda doesn't think the BT-50 fits its image here. Also, VW doesn't necessarily want to bring the Amarok over from Hannover. There is previous precedent for companies at least considering bringing in pickup trucks after the Chicken Tax's demise, though. The Pacific free trade deal could be done as soon as this fall, while the EU one is likely further out, according to Automotive News. Given enough time, the more accessible ports could allow some new trucks to enter the market.

2014 Mazda6 to start at $20,880*

We got our very first taste of the impressive 2014 Mazda6 back in October, and had more than a few good things to say about the midsizer. One piece of information that was conspicuous by its absence, however, was a sticker price.
Now, with zero pomp and circumstance (not even a press release as of this writing), Mazda has dropped what looks to be official pricing for the 6 on its consumer website.
$20,880 is the asking price for the base Mazda6 Sport with a manual transmission (plus $795 worth of destination charges, for a total of $21,675). Alaska residents will need to cough up $840 for destination. The loaded-up Mazda6 Grand Touring shown on the site will set you back a total of $30,290 (MSRP of $29,495), but it isn't clear if that's the starting price of the Grand Touring trim. Mazda is taking orders for the new 6 right now, and the cars will be available on January 2, 2013.