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WAVE 2015: Metron 7 sets new record of 513 miles on one charge

Sometimes you just gotta push harder, faster, longer. Last fall, the Metron Institute team from Slovenia took their converted all-electric Mazda5 minivan on an impressive 457-mile journey from Bled (in Sloveniva) to Dubrovnik (in Croatia) without stopping to recharge at an average speed of 40 miles an hour. Today, as part of the WAVE Trophy 2015, the Metron 7 EV just finished up a drive of 826.1 kilometers (513.3 miles) on a single charge. The drive started in Berlin and ended in Karlsruhe, Germany. As you might suspect, a drive of this length on normal roads required a big battery pack. The total pack capacity was 108 kWh, thanks to the combination of the built-in 86-kWh pack that uses lithium polymer cells from Kokam and a 130-pound, 22-kWh external pack that Metron has developed that can charge the built-in pack while driving. The average speed of the 500-mile journey was 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) through rural countryside, towns, and some time on the highway. The drivers –Andrej and Jasna Pecjak – did not use air conditioning, but the fans were running. The weather was temperate enough that AC wasn't needed anyway these last two days. The Metron 7 was a part of the last two WAVE events and has been updated since the last record was set in October 2014. On the new record journey, the minivan was loaded up with gear, but the Metron engineers made improvements to the car in the last eight months: the side mirrors are smaller and they fitted a better aerodynamic cover underneath the vehicle, for example. Andrej said that the cost for the batteries was around $50,000, since some of the cells he got were used. Today's record is unofficial, but AutoblogGreen witnessed both the sealing of the charge port in Berlin and was in the car for the last 125 kilometers today. Featured Gallery WAVE 2015: Metron 7 EV Distance Record Green Mazda AutoblogGreen Exclusive Fuel Efficiency Green Culture Electric mazda mazda5 mazda5

Mazda just restored the 787B's forgotten older brother

Among Mazda's many racecars, none is as famous as the 787B, and for good reason. The 787B remains the only Japanese car and the only rotary-powered car to win overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It wasn't Mazda's only successful endurance racer, though. Before the 787B, there was the 767B. Mazda's 767B racecars competed in the IMSA GTP class at endurance races throughout 1989. They featured 630-horsepower four-rotor engines and were very successful in their class. This newly restored car took first and second place class finishes in five of the six races it participated in, and each finish was in the overall top ten. The one exception was a DNF in which the transmission failed. Twenty-five years after the 767B's glory days, Mazda initiated a complete teardown and restoration of the aged car. The work was done by Downing Atlanta and supervised by former Mazda racers Rick Engman and Jim Downing. (Fun fact: Downing was one of the designers of the HANS device.) The shop has also restored other racecars for Mazda, including one of the 787Bs. The car went through a two-year rehab and will make its track re-debut at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The event takes place next weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca where the track will once again feature the angry shriek of a competition-grade rotary engine. Related Video: Image Credit: Mazda North American Operations Motorsports Mazda Automotive History Racing Vehicles Pebble Beach

Mazda prices 2016 CX-3 from $20,840

Been eager to put your cash down on the hood of a new 2016 Mazda CX-3, but haven't known just how much to take out from the bank? You can call your branch manager now, because Mazda has released pricing details for its new subcompact crossover. The MSRP for the new CX-3 will start out at $20,840, including an $880 destination charge. (Alaskan buyers can expect to pay an extra $45 on top.) That's for the base-level Sport model with front-wheel drive. Tack on another $1,250 for all-wheel drive if you think you'll need the extra traction, but either way it'll be channeling 146 horsepower and just as much torque from a 2.0-liter inline-four through a six-speed automatic transmission. Step up to the Touring model and the retail price jumps up to $22,840 (with delivery), plus the same $1,250 for the AWD option. There's a Touring Technology package available for another $1,410 that includes moonroof, satellite radio, and cargo cover. Finally at the top of the line is the CX-3 Grand Touring for $25,870 (delivered), available with that same i-Activ all-wheel drive system, and an i-Activsense package that throws in an array of electronic conveniences and safety systems for another $1,920. So while you can get away with paying as little as $20,840 for the base model, a fully loaded CX-3 can run you as much as $29,040. Related Video: All-New 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover MSRP[1] to start from $19,960 - Latest evolution of Mazda's signature KODO design comes embodied in crossover available with premium, class-exclusive features and class-leading fuel economy - IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- New vehicle segments don't come around often. So when Mazda had the opportunity to create its very own subcompact crossover to tackle the urban sprawl, as well as the road less-traveled, it did so the only way it would – with the fun-to-drive, stylish and upscale 2016 Mazda CX-3. 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover Priced From $19,960 Nearing its mid-August expected on-sale date, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released full pricing for its entry-level CUV offering, starting at an MSRP2 of $19,960 for the entry-level CX-3 Sport with front-wheel drive. As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability.