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Huet Brothers working on new Miata-based retro coupe

Does the name Huet ring a bell? The Dutch brothers started out doing classic car tours in Europe before they started designed and building their own retro sports cars. The first was called the Huet Brothers Special. It was based on an old Triumph TR6 and surfaced back in 2009. But a few years later they started showing designs for a new coupe that called for a straight-six engine under a long bonnet with a fastback roofline, and started taking orders. Over the past two and a half years we didn't see anything materialize out of the Huet Brothers' plans, but word out of the Netherlands has it that the design is back on the table.
According to the Autovisie section of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Tino and Paul Huet were planning on building their coupe on the base of the MX-5 Miata. But now that Mazda is preparing to launch an all-new model, the Huets have decided to wait until next year and build their dream car on the new Skyactiv roadster chassis.
Rather than trying to shoehorn in a bigger engine (or the subsequent diesel model that was set to follow), the Huets are reportedly prepared to stick with Mazda's four-pot, offering it in stock form and various states of upgraded tune.

2016 Mazda CX-9 starts at $32,420 with standard turbo engine

The 2016 Mazda CX-9 will start at $32,420 (including $900 for destination) when it arrives at dealers later this spring. The base price is just slightly higher than competitors in the three-row CUV segment like the 2016 Ford Explorer for $31,995 and 2016 Honda Pilot for $31,045. The new model is also more expensive than the 2015 CX-9, which had a $30,865 starting price. All versions of the 2016 CX-9 use Mazda's new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower (on 93-octane fuel) and 310 pound-feet of torque, which routes through a six-speed automatic. The combo returns an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. All-wheel drive adds $1,800 to the price of most trims. We found the powertrain to be fantastic during when driving the CX-9 prototype. Even the base CX-9 Sport trim has amenities like LED headlights and taillights, a backup camera, trailer stability assist, and a seven-inch infotainment system. An optional Sport Package for $950 adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. Customers can really load the CX-9 with tech, though. The Touring model for $36,870 has Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, keyless entry, a power hatch, and an eight-inch infotainment system. The optional Touring Premium Package for $1,745 also adds automatic headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, and Smart City Brake Support. If that's not enough, the Grand Touring for $41,070 features a head-up display, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and radar cruise control. The top spec CX-9 Signature for $44,915 includes all of these features and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also has Nappa leather upholstery, rosewood trim, LED lighting around the gearshift, and LED accents on the grille. Related Video: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Priced from $31,520 MSRP[1], Elevates Midsize, Three-Row Crossover Experience - Class-Leading EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy, Elegant, Upscale Interior and Spirited Handling Dynamics Make CX-9 a Standout - IRVINE, Calif., March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has today released pricing and packaging information for its all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Offering a premium experience, fun-to-drive handling dynamics and bold KODO—Soul of Motion design, CX-9 represents a compelling offering in its class with a starting MSRP from $31,520.

Mazda 16X rotary engine two years away, will arrive in all-new model

We last reported on Mazda's next-generation rotary engine project in June of 2012 when the automaker built its last Renesis-powered RX-8, but rumors of this new engine's development had been around way before that final car left the production line in Japan, last year.
We now have enthusiastic confirmation that this next-gen rotary engine is really and truly going forward. It is still referred to as 16X and has several priorities. First is to lower fuel consumption compared to the RX-8's engine, while still making gains in terms of performance. The second is to reduce the burning of oil that was happening at the highest revs. And the third and final priority, and perhaps most key for enthusiasts, is to give the powertrain a big torque upgrade.
What we were told by a Mazda USA insider (while we are all here together at the festivities in Monterey) is that the first application of the new 16X engine will be happening in two years' time in an as yet undisclosed new model. Oh, the mind races to our eternal Mazda wish list...