Nissan to sell Mazda 5 (プレマシー) variant in Japan

In many occasions, there are agreements between Japanese manufacturers for selling rebadged versions in Japan, but this time I think it's a bit bizarre. There was an announcement yesterday that Nissan will sell its own version of Mazda's 5 model (aka Premacy プレマシー). Although Nissan claims that its version will be clearly differentiated, I am really curious to see what will happen to the Nagare-inspired waves that stretch across Mazda's 5 side...

Mazda to lease new EV in spring 2012

Mazda announced today that it is independently developing an EV with plans to commence leasing in Japan in spring 2012. The new EV, based on its Demio subcompact, is expected to have a driving range of 200 kilometers and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

RX-8 successor likely to hit the markets in 2014

Latest rumours coming from Japan suggest that the RX-8 successor, which is very likely to be called RX-9, is going into production in 2014. As already posted, the 16X Wankel engine under development is 30% more fuel efficient that the RX-8's engine and expect it to produce around 300 ps.

Mazda to unveil Minagi concept at Geneva previewing CX-5

A couple of Mazda sketches have leaked prior the intended release date, January 19, showing an SUV concept due to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept is called Minagi and it previews the upcoming CX-5 (earlier post). Although we don't know when it goes on sale, expect the production version to be shown at the IAA in September.

Drift battle: Mazda RX-7 vs Kawasaki ZX10-R

Mazda RX-7 (SA22C, FC3S & FD3S) scale models arrived!

Next are the Mazda RX-7 models, including the Savanna RX-7 (SA22C) Limited 1979, the Savanna RX-7 (FC3S) Infini (earlier post) and the RX-7 (FD3S) Type R Bathurst X 1995  (earlier post) models. All of them are made by Kyosho and to be honest, I believe Ebbro is slightly better in terms of detail. However, the Kyosho 1/43 scale models with opening parts are very impressive...

More photos after the jump!

Live photos of SKYACTIV components

Back in October 2010, Mazda released details about its next-gen powertrain technologies, called SKYACTIV (earlier post). Although nothing new has been published, I came across with some live photos showing the new SKYACTIV components, or at least some of them, which I found interesting.

[Source: Response]

A glimpse of the new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

The latest issue of Best Car magazine has a very interesting cover showing all the important new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

So, here is what's coming (... I am missing a couple of Nissan sedan models):

• Daihatsu's small car based on the concept e:S (earlier post)

• Honda Fit - aka Jazz - wagon (earlier post)

• Honda Freed Hybrid 

• Honda Insight (facelift with design cues from  FCX Clarity)

• Lexus CT (looks like a spicy version... a CT-F perhaps?) 

• Lexus GS-F (earlier post)

• Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's variant of the Ford Kuga)

• Nissan Tiida - aka Versa - (earlier post)

• Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A (related posts)
  

• Toyota Prius V (related posts)

Mazda MX-5, RX-8 and 787B scale models

Three new Mazda models were added yesterday to my diecast collection. The Mazda 787B is the only Japanese car that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race ever!

• Mazda MX-5 tuned by MAZDASPEED (Red Metallic) by AUTOart
• Mazda RX-8 tuned by MAZDASPEED (Red Metallic) by AUTOart
• Mazda 787B (Dark Silver) by HPI

Next-gen Mazda MX-5 to come with 1.6L engine

Just an update on my previous post regarding the MX-5's successor (ロードスター). According to information from a Japanese magazine, the new model will be equipped with a 1.6L engine featuring SKYACTIV technology (earlier post) producing around 130hp and don't be disappointed... in conjunction with a weight of 995kg, it should be still fun! The new model will be slightly smaller and lighter, a back to the basics approach!

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Mazda Shinari to influence design of next 6 / Atenza

The four-door sports concept Shinary will influence the design of the next-gen Mazda 6 / Atenza (マツダアテンザ), according to information from Mazda itself. The new design language is going to replace the "Nagare" one, with the latter one applied only to one model, the new 5, aka Premacy (プレマシー).

The next-gen Atenza is expect to be launched in spring 2012.

Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst X (FD3S) scale model by Kyosho

The "Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) Type R Bathurst X 1995" scale model by Kyosho has been re-released, in white, and I will try to get it in order to complete my RX-7 collection (earlier post). My next order should arrive at the beginning of December.

Actually, Kyosho will re-release a number of models, including the following:

• Nissan Fairlady 300Z (Z32)1989 (White)
• Nissan Fairlady 300Z (Z32)1989 (Yellow)
• Nissan Silvia (S13) K'S (White)
• Toyota Soarer (Z30) 2.5GT Twin Turbo L (Pearl White)
• Toyota Soarer (Z30) 2.5GT Twin Turbo L (Dark Blue Mica) 

 

If you want to stay up to date with the future releases by Kyosho, then this is a blog in order to do so. Future releases of Ebbro scale models are announced on their website.

RX-8 successor more than two years away

The RX-8 successor (earlier post) is at least one year behind schedule, due to failure in meeting the emission requirements. Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of Mazda's powertrain division, insists that "we will never give up" and the 16X Wankel engine under development is already 30% more fuel efficient that the Renesis engine. Hitomi stated that the 1.6L 16X engine is slightly more fuel efficient than Mazda's 2.0L petrol engine.

So, when the new RX will hit the market? "Maybe within two years we can tell you when we will introduce it to the market," according to Hitomi. 

Source: Automotive News