2012 Mazda Mx-5 Miata Hardtop Convertible Touring Auto. on 2040-cars

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Mazda sketches Koeru concept ahead of Frankfurt show

Mazda is giving us an early peek at the Koeru concept set to debut at the Frankfurt motor show. With a name derived from the Japanese word for "exceed" or "go beyond," the model is the latest evolution in the company's long-lived Kodo design language. Sketches tend to distort a vehicle's actual proportions, and the perspective on this one appears to be playing some visual tricks. Some things can't be hidden so easily, though. The Koeru appears to wear a more sharply angled version of Mazda's shield-shaped grille, and the headlights evolve the look of the CX-3 with an even narrower squint. The steeply raked rear hatch provides a coupe-like roofline, but we wonder if the angle is this pronounced in real life. Reports from last year suggest that a new CX-9 is on the way in 2016, and we could be getting a preview with the Koeru. Mazda is also purportedly developing a CX-7 successor. We should get a better idea if this show car represents either of those future CUVs when we can see it in the metal in Germany. MAZDA TO UNVEIL NEW CROSSOVER CONCEPT IN FRANKFURT Mazda Koeru features a distinctly powerful rendition of the KODO design theme Japanese carmaker aims to further raise benchmark in competitive SUV segment Hiroshima / Leverkusen, 7 August 2015. In a world premiere at the 66th 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Mazda will reveal the Mazda Koeru, a new crossover SUV concept that makes a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment. Koeru, Japanese for "exceed" or "go beyond", is a fitting name for Mazda's latest venture into the growing crossover SUV market, where the company is again looking to surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value. With its formidable KODO – Soul of Motion design, the Koeru expresses the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity. The full line-up of Mazda's latest SKYACTIV Technology, meanwhile, ensures outstanding dynamic performance, fuel economy and safety with no compromise to Mazda's patented driving fun. The carmaker will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt. Highlights include an all-new Mazda MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. Mazda's press conference takes place at 13:45 (hall 9.0, B16) on 15 September, the first of two press days. The IAA is open to the public from 17-27 September.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will rock 2.0L SkyActiv engine in US, 1.5L elsewhere

Let the speculation finally end - we know what will power the next-generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and it's not turbocharged. The US model will get a SkyActiv 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual, while models in the rest of the world have a 1.5-liter engine, confirming earlier rumors.
Unfortunately, Mazda isn't letting loose how much power either of these mills make just yet. For sake of comparison, the current SkyActiv 2.0 in the Mazda3 produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and the 1.5-liter in the UK (and elsewhere) has about 99 hp and 110 lb-ft of twist. However, the current Miata produces 167 hp and 140 lb-ft.
But fret not droptop fans. The company's brochure from the 2014 Paris Motor Show confirms, "all available drivetrains have been specially tuned for the all-new MX-5," which at least hints at the possibility of more performance. Also, even if the numbers remain untouched, the new Miata should feel even more sporting on the open road. That's because Mazda says the new model weighs in the neighborhood of 2,200 pounds; with that in mind, the 2016 car would boast around 14.19 pounds per horsepower versus 14.85 lb/hp in the present MX-5. Progress!

Tow truck driver hilariously bad at righting a flipped Mazda

Can rolling your car get any worse? The correct answer is yes, as this poor soul found out when he rolled his Mazda3 onto its side. Calling a tow truck might be a logical, post-rollover move, but in this case, it kind of made the situation worse.
We don't want to give away just what happened, so you'll need to scroll down and watch the video. A fair warning, though, it does contain a moment of colorful language towards the end, so watching it at work, with the volume up, might not be wise. Have a look below for the full video.