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Mazda2 successor to ride atop shortened CX-5 platform

Mazda, looking to make the most of its new, lightweight Skyactiv vehicle architecture, will allegedly use a version of the CX-5 crossover's platform to underpin its next-generation Mazda2 hatchback, according to a report from Just-Auto.com. Of course, the Mazda2 is a much smaller vehicle than its larger CUV stablemate, so some serious chopping will no doubt be in order when it comes time to engineer the replacement for the company's smallest hatch.
Currently, the CX-5 and the sleek new Mazda6 share many of the same platform components, and this architecture will already be scaled down to support the next-generation Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, which will debut later this year. Just-Auto.com states that all of Mazda's remaining front-wheel-drive vehicles will eventually switch to reworked versions of this Skyactiv platform, including the replacement for the larger CX-9 crossover.
Also of note, Mazda will reportedly be switching to shorter, four-year lifecycles for its vehicles. This means that the newly launched Mazda6 will be replaced for the 2016 calendar year, with a refresh coming sometime in 2014. That said, vehicles with platforms supplied by other automakers (like the upcoming MX-5 Miata replacement that will share its underpinnings with an Alfa Romeo product) will not necessarily follow this four-year rule.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to make video-game debut next week in Forza Horizon 2 [w/video]

We've driven the all-new, fourth-generation Mazda MX5 Miata. Have you? Well, probably not. With the new roadster not set to hit dealerships until later this year (at the earliest), you might be stuck waiting a bit to climb behind the wheel of the highly regarded two-seater. Of course, if you happen to own Forza Horizon 2, your wait will be significantly shorter. And it'll be absolutely free to boot. The new convertible will make its video-game debut as part of a four-vehicle car pack for the open-world racing title. Downloads will start on March 17. Alongside the new MX-5, the Mazda car pack will also add representatives from each of the roadster's first three generations. Repping the NA will be the 1990 MX-5. The second-generation NB will be represented by the turbocharged 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5, while the NC will arrive in the form of the Super 20 Concept, shown back at the 2010 SEMA Show. On top of the new vehicles, gamers will also have a chance to win a 2016 MX-5 as part of the new Mazda MX-5 Challenge. Running from March 17 to April 30, those interested in a free Mazda will need to lap its virtual counterpart around the Sisteron Perimeter Sprint Circuit, with the two fastest drivers slated to take part in a head-to-head race in June. The winner will walk away with their very own 2016 MX-5. Oh, and as a final juicy tidbit, the press release clearly states that the Miata weighs in at just 2,332 pounds – just a smidge more than the original NA. (That's with the manual transmission, of course – automatic cars are said to weigh 2,381 pounds.) You can get more specific details on the contest, as well as read more about the car pack, in the attached press release. Check out the release, as well as a preview vid of the MX-5 Car Pack. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. MICROSOFT AND MAZDA LET YOU DRIVE IT FIRST: ALL-NEW MAZDA MX-5 DEBUTS AS FREE DOWNLOAD FOR FORZA HORIZON 2 ON XBOX ONE IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2015 -- Beginning March 17, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is giving Forza Horizon 2 players the exclusive opportunity to drive the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata on Xbox One months before the physical car goes on sale to the public. Additionally, by taking advantage of the free download of the car, and driving it in the game, users will have the chance to win one by competing in the new Time Trial Rivals Contest.

Mazda rumored to bring rotary-powered RX-9 concept to Tokyo

Stop us if you've heard this one before: Mazda will bring a rotary-powered sports car to the next big auto show. Okay, so we stopped for a second, but the show must go on. Following an official teaser image (shown above) late last month, Motoring.com.au has what it claims are renderings of the curvy, two-door coupe – called the RX-9 – that Mazda will bring to the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. The images show a far softer styling than Mazda's current crop of Kodo-inspired vehicles, while the overall look screams of a modern-day Cosmo Sport, the Japanese brand's first rotary-powered vehicle. And though that connection alone might be enough to justify whisperings of a successor to the RX-7 and RX-8, Motoring claims there will be an even more overt sign of this concept's power source. "Look to the Cosmo Sport," an inside source told the Aussie website, signaling that the Mazda stand would feature the vintage two-door. "The Cosmo has no earthly reason for being there unless..." The rotary rumor, if it comes true, won't exactly be what we're use to. While Motoring brings up the previously reported 16X – a 1.6-liter two-rotor – it builds on our 2013 report. According to the Aussies, the new engine could feature a two-stage electric turbocharger, be paired with a hybrid powertrain, offer up to 450 horsepower, and we're guessing, be hilariously complicated. Joking aside, it sounds like Mazda's goals here are admirable. A rotary-equipped sports car that could counter the 1.3-liter RX-8 engine's appetite for fuel and improve on its mediocre low and mid-range torque would be interesting indeed. As for those renderings, Motoring has front and rear three-quarter images. Comparing the rear with our original teaser leaves the look open to interpretation, but after seriously upping the exposure on the teaser (thanks Photoshop), the taillights and overall profile shape look to be a spot-on match. In front, the long hood shares some Kodo elements, like the headlights and grille, but its undeniable coupe shape – a long hood and very short deck – are far more organic and, dare we say, calm, than Mazda's other vehicles. You can take a closer look at the renderings over at Motoring's website. Do that, and then head back and let us know what you think of these RX-9 rumors. Is Mazda finally going to be bringing a rotary back to market?