2005 Red Mazda Rx-8 Coupe on 2040-cars

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Mazda reveals 25th anniversary edition MX-5 Miata alongside next-gen chassis

Ford may be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mustang this week, but it's not the only automaker with a sports car icon to fete at this year's New York Auto Show. Mazda is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the MX-5 Miata with an array of 15 classic models. It's also showing off the chassis for the next MX-5, and unveiling a special 25th Anniversary Edition.
The special edition is based on the retractable hardtop model with either manual or automatic transmission, Bilstein shocks, a metallic red paint job with contrasting black roof and an off-white leather interior. Naturally, special badging can be found inside and out to set it apart from the record 940,000 other MX-5s sold to date, and just 100 examples will find their way to US buyers.
Along with the two-tone special, Mazda is also showing off the new Skyactiv chassis and engine that'll underpin and power the upcoming next-generation MX-5 (as well as an as-yet-to-be-determined Fiat Group roadster if the two parties can work out their differences). With a lower center of gravity that's also closer to the middle of the car, the new chassis promises even better balance and a good couple hundred pounds of weight savings over the outgoing model. Check it all out in the press releases below.

2019 Mazda3 Hatchback AWD Premium Second Drive | Gushing about an exceptional car

The 2019 Mazda3 Hatchback is quite simply one of the best cars I've ever driven. During my week with one, specifically a range-topping Premium package version for $31,335, I struggled to come up with bad things to say apart from elements like rear visibility and back seat headroom that are directly related to its distinctive, avant garde design. That's an acceptable tradeoff in my book. So many of the new 3's elements can serve as a measuring stick for other cars. Not just its specific compact hatchback/sedan class, but all other cars, period. I had the Mercedes CLS 450 at the exact time, a car I deeply appreciate and that cost $69,000 more, and yet it was a struggle to decide which I wanted to drive. Perhaps not surprising given the 3's history, but the measuring stick is set first by the handling. It dances between corners with composure and feedback that you just don't get in cars any more Í– let alone at this price point. This is a car you feel through your butt, your heels on the floor and your hands on the wheel. Everything is just so right. And it should be noted that I came to this conclusion before remembering that Mazda switched to a cheaper, less sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension for this latest model. Perhaps you can tell the difference driving 10/10ths at a test track, but in the real world, I certainly didn't notice or log a complaint. Grip is superb. Even when the tires gave way a bit on my mountain road evaluation route, there was only a bit of squealing and it resolutely whipped itself through hairpins with shockingly little understeer for a front-drive-based car, helped no doubt by its all-wheel drive system. It would be interesting to see how much understeer the front-drive versions allow, and whether AWD is mitigating torque steer given the 3's not-insignificant power. As it is, the 3's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, which is substantially better than virtually every other base engine in the segment. Its throttle response should be copied by everyone, as should the steering. OK, maybe not Porsche, which I keep finding myself drawing comparisons to whenever experiencing a new Mazda. Take that as the compliment it seems to be. I'd also like to note that the 3 has a six-speed automatic transmission rather than an easily confused eight-, nine- or eleventy-speed unit. Or a damn CVT.

Mazda recalls Takata airbags in B-Series

The Basics: Mazda will recall 19,000 examples of the 2004–2006 B-Series pickup. The Problem: The pickups contain Takata-sourced driver's side airbag inflators that could rupture in a crash. The spray of metal shrapnel could injure or even kill occupants. Injuries/Deaths: None reported in the Mazda pickups. However, a rupturing airbag inflator killed the driver in a Ford Ranger, which is identical to the B-Series. The Fix: Mazda will replace the driver's side inflator. If You Own One: Mazda plans to notify affected owners as soon as dealers have the replacement parts. More Information: Mazda already recalled 442,266 driver's side Takata inflators and 416,475 of them on the passenger's side. The affected models included the 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2006 B-Series, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and some examples of the 2004 MPV. Ford also issued an expanded safety campaign for 391,394 examples of the 2004-2006 Ranger. Related Video: Mazda Announces Recall On B-Series Vehicles With Takata Driver-Side Frontal Airbag Inflators WASHINGTON, DC (February 1, 2016) – Mazda has decided to recall all 2004–2006 model year B-Series Trucks with Takata driver-side frontal air bag inflators. Approximately 19,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Saipan. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries on the Mazda-badged vehicles subject to this recall. Model Year 2007-2009 B-Series Trucks with Takata passenger-side frontal air bag inflators are part of a previous recall. Approximately 19,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Saipan. Below is a summary of Mazda models with a passenger- and/or driver-side front Takata air bag inflators currently being recalled. Total Number of Driver's frontal air bag inflator - 442,266 Total Number of Passenger's frontal air bag inflator - 416,475 2003-2008 Mazda6 2004-2006 B-Series 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 2004-2008 RX-8 (All Driver-side / Certain Passenger-side) 2004 MPV (Certain Vins only. Click here to see if your vehicle is included.) Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.