1988 Mazda Rx-7 10th Anniversary Coupe 2-door 1.3l on 2040-cars

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Miata driver pulls off hilariously diabolical move in fender-to-fender racing

Racing is all about finding the little advantages over competitors that allow you to get ahead. Sometimes those are legitimate means - like being able to take advantage of a better line through a corner - and other times drivers get a little more creative for a leg up over opponents. Sometimes things might even go a little too far. Case in point: just watch the opening of this Mazda MX-5 Cup race from Silverstone in the UK.
According to the YouTube description, we're riding with James Rogers in this video, and he appears to be pretty talented behind the wheel. Rogers has a great start from fifth that has him in third within just a few corners. He starts stalking the top two drivers, who are already having a fantastic race themselves, but then we see that the person in second is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to win. Just watch the video, and you'll see what we mean. Bravo (?) to that racer for some very quick, albeit fiendish, thinking.

Japan may aid carmakers facing U.S. tariff threat

TOKYO — Japan is considering giving carmakers fiscal support including tax breaks to offset the impact from trade frictions with the United States and a sales-tax hike planned for next year, government sources told Reuters on Wednesday. Going into a second round of trade talks with the United States on Sept. 21, Japan is hoping to avert steep tariffs on its car exports and fend off U.S. demands for a bilateral free trade agreement that could put it under pressure to open politically sensitive markets, like agriculture. "If the trade talks pile pressure on Japan's car exports, we would need to consider measures to support the auto industry," a ruling party official said on condition of anonymity because of sensitivity of the matter. The auto industry accounts for about 20 percent of Japan's overall output and around 60-70 percent of the country's trade surplus with the United States, making it vulnerable to U.S. action against Japanese exports. Japan's biggest automakers and components suppliers fear they could take a significant hit if Washington follows through on proposals to hike tariffs on autos and auto parts to 25 percent. Policymakers also worry that an increase in the sales tax from 8 percent to 10 percent planned for October 2019, could cause a slump in sales of big-ticket items such as cars and home. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has twice postponed the tax hike after the last increase from 5 percent in 2014 dealt a blow to private consumption, which accounts for about 60 percent of the economy. To prevent a pullback in demand after the tax hike, the government may consider large fiscal spending later when it draws up its budget for next year, government sources said. "One option may be to greatly reduce or abolish the automobile purchase tax," one of the government sources said. The government is also considering cuts in the automobile tax and automobile weight tax to help car buyers, the source added. Reporting by Izumi Nakagawa and Tetsushi KajimotoRelated Video: Image Credit: Getty Government/Legal Isuzu Mazda Mitsubishi Nissan Subaru Suzuki Toyota Trump Trump tariffs trade

Mazda CX-5 updates bring nav to more trim levels

The refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 is already one of our favorite crossovers of its size for the model's engaging driving experience, upscale interior, and slick infotainment system. For a new 2016.5 model year upgrade that arrives in January, Mazda gives customers even more standard features to enjoy, but prices also tick upward. The Japanese automaker just gave the 2016 CX-5 light upgrades like LED signature lights and an update to the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The 2016.5 updates add a backup camera on every version except for the base front-wheel drive Sport with the six-speed manual. For buyers considering higher trims, all Touring and Grand Touring models get the welcome inclusion of standard navigation, and the Touring now comes with heated front seats, too. The extra tech comes with a jump in cost. As of Dec. 15 Mazda increases its delivery and destination charge from $820 to $900 for crossovers and $835 for cars. The change brings the base price of the front-wheel drive 2016.5 CX-5 with a manual gearbox to $22,695, and the top-spec all-wheel drive Grand Touring now retails for $30,770. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover - Backup Camera Now Standard on Most Trim Levels, Navigation Added to CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring - IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for Christmas, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced pricing and packaging for the 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, adding value and reducing complexity in CX-5's trim level structure. 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Adds More Standard Features to Best-Selling Compact Crossover New for the mid-model year, a backup camera is now standard on all trim levels equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. CX-5 Touring models gain standard navigation and heated front seats. CX-5 Grand Touring models also add navigation as standard equipment. "The added content in 2016.5 CX-5 reflects our customers' tastes toward premium features in a compelling, fun-to-drive, stylish crossover," said Robert Davis, Senior VP of U.S. Operations, MNAO. "CX-5 buyers are educated, upwardly mobile, active-lifestyle individuals. With these updates, we aim to provide them with an even greater ownership experience." Previously, CX-5's backup camera was part of the Rear View Camera Package on the CX-5 Sport trim level. Navigation was available in the CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring Technology Packages.