2010 Mazda6 4dr Auto I Touring Abs Alloy Wheels Cd Mp3 Sirius Satellite on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mazda mulling furniture, designer goods in bid to command higher prices

Brands like Porsche and Ferrari make a mint every year by selling branded lifestyle goods like shoes, hats and even wilder items. Bugatti takes things to the extremes with things like its $84,000 belt buckle. These products not only make their respective companies some extra money, but they reaffirm their high-end design aspirations to wealthy buyers. However, the next firm possibly dipping its toe into this upscale pool is a bit more mass-market - Mazda.
That's right. The Japanese automaker best known among enthusiasts for its segment-defining Miata and rotary engines is considering its own line of luxury goods in the coming years called Mazda Design. The project is the brainchild of styling boss Ikuo Maeda, and according to Automotive News, he has backing from company CEO Masamichi Kogai. Although the green light isn't quite on yet, Maeda is already brainstorming. "Not only furniture, but I'd like to build a Mazda Design brand. That's my dream," he said to Automotive News.
The possible project is just one aspect of Mazda's move to become a near-premium brand. According to Automotive News, it wants to see higher transaction prices partially by offering more stylish design than its rivals. Launching a line of luxury goods is meant to communicate this new focus to customers.

Meet our new long-term 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club!

We have a new Miata! For a year! And yeah, we're excited about it. This adorable roadster was added to our fleet over a month ago, but we've just now stopped driving it long enough to tell you about it. You can watch our unboxing video for this new long-termer above. (Spoiler alert: The car in the box is a Miata.) Then read a little more about which options and features we chose and why. What we got We chose the mid-line Club model because it's the only way to get the suspension with Bilstein shocks, the limited-slip differential, and a shock-tower brace. Club also includes an appearance package with a front air dam, side sill extensions, a rear bumper skirt, and a ip spoiler for the trunk. We chose Ceramic Metallic paint because it's white and silver and awesome all at once. The only option we chose is the Brembo/BBS Package. In addition to the upgraded brake system and 17-inch wheels alluded to by the title, this package adds Mazda's advanced keyless entry – you can unlock the doors and start the car without taking the key-thing out of your pocket. The MSRP for the car is $32,835. What we skipped The Grand Touring trim (too fancy), the automatic transmission (too few pedals), and extra-cost red paint (not ceramic enough). Grand Touring adds lots of convenience stuff like rain-sensing wipers and auto climate, some active safety systems, and leather. We wanted the upgraded chassis instead, and we' were trying to save some (hypothetical) money. Why we got it Because it's a Miata, and we like fun. The plan is to drive the bleep out of it for a year and report on the experience along the way. We'll take it to a track or two, keep the top down as far into winter as possible, and then slap some snow tires on it to continue . Maybe at a slight angle relative to straight-ahead at times. We'll see. If you have questions about this car, leave them in the comments below and we'll address as many as we can during the coming months. Miata! Related Video:

Mazda Hazumi Concept shows up ahead of Geneva

Last week, Mazda officially teased its Geneva-bound Hazumi concept, showing little more than an aggressive headlamp design. But now, thanks to the magic of the Internet, another rendering of the Hazumi has appeared on the web, and, well, it's totes adorbs.
In Mazda's original release from last week, we were told that the name "Hazumi" means "spring up" or "bound" in Japanese, and is "particularly well-suited to a small car that appears to be bursting with energy." And now that we're getting a nearly full glimpse of the thing, we absolutely have to agree. The company's Kodo design language offers aggressive style in a cute little shape, and the usual raft of concept car-spec treatments (no mirrors, huge wheels, etc.) make it look even more comical and delightful.
Indeed, the Hazumi is understood to preview the next Mazda2 subcompact, and if this concept car points the way forward for Mazda's tiniest hatch, consider us totally geeked. Mazda is also set to debut its new 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine at the Geneva Motor Show next week, and while the company hasn't confirmed if that powerplant will make its way into the next Mazda2, it sure makes sense, at least overseas. Stay tuned.