I completely agree with ya nycgps. While I believe Mazda has a nitch as having some of the most fun to drive vehicles, they are not winning the battle against fuel economy right now. I know when I began my searchf or a new vehicle I wanted another Mazda badly but none of their vehicles achieving over 35 mpg is heartbreaking.

Nonetheless though, Mazda wouldn't need to put the 787B back to active duty. Because I'm pretty sure the Furai would show all what Mazda is truly capable of with design and functionability. Unfournately though one can only dream.

 

Mazda2 should be able to make that goal, but for some weird reasons it didn't, have something to do with Ford I guess. it makes their Fiesta look better than the Mazda2 when both are actually the same with different bodykit and badge.

but honestly, MPG wasn't Mazda's biggest thing. their goal is fun to drive. now with SkyActiv, they should be able to keep Fun to drive + having MPG at the same time, I can't wait.

 

Furai does not exist anymore as far as I know. I believe it burnt down last year.

It would be so sweet if Mazda would race a new 4 rotor at Le Mans some day (Not likely).

Paul.

 

Jackson, I love reading your comments .

The US market 2 arrived with old technology, which is good and bad (Not Ford's doing). With the Skyactiv stuff on the way and the savings involved, I imagine it was wise to bring it to market with the old style engine, transmission etc.

Paul.

 

Cool info and pictures in this thread, thanks everyone for sharing.

 

random pics and vids of today's afternoon @ Le Mans (sorry for resolution,but are twits from a cellphone IMHO)












http://twitpic.com/5970w1
http://twitpic.com/5970dw

 

Matt,

You are most excellent! Thanks for the pics.

Paul.

 

The Mazda2 is something like what Honda did to the FIT GD model. it wasn't new, came out in Japan I think 2002 or so. with only 2 years left in it's lifecycle, Honda introduce it to the States cuz of high small car demand, 2 years later. GE model came out and replaced everything. it kinda makes the GD model owners feels somewhat stupid.

They're taking Preorders for the 2 in Japan now, I really wonder when they gonna release it in the states. I think they wanna test the engine first in the 2, see if it runs correctly in "real life" scenario. At least if something goes wrong, 2 should be cheaper to fix.

 

Speaking of Mazda 2 (Demio) and SKYACTIV..

This IS the First Mazda to use new Engine and Trans...

This 1.3 litre WILL get 63 MPG, taken from Japan's all new Economy Cycle regs (very similar to USA).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gyXiPS9v78

 

whats holding back the current 2 is its tranny.

yup Furai is nothing but ashes and crushed dreams now

Yeah the tranny really holds it back BUT its actually not different than the fiesta. Ive posted this about a thousand times around the internet but if you look at the mile from epa.gov the Fiesta and the 2 at the same package and price get the same mileage. That is until you up the Fiesta to the special efficient package. but that is also like 5k more than the highest price Mazda2.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qPHsk0t1uo&

 

from press conference (this morning CET)



video of Dempsey
http://twitpic.com/59h0zd

OT: Patrick "not so tall" Dempsey

 

I'd guess he's at least 5'10" since I have stood next to some of the people in this picture. He's also in a wide stance.

Being a TV and movie star with a passion and budget for motorsports definitely has it's perks. I guess Mazda has decided to use him in a PR role, allowing him to drive the Le Mans winning 787B and to speak on their behalf in some ways as well (Not to mention driving the RX792P in the US).

It must suck to be Patrick

Paul.

 

Patrick "Long Feet" Dempsey...

 

Thanks for the pics MattMPS

 

Paul Newman worked for Nissan's benefit; now only if Dempsey would perform in something other than a chick flick....

 

latest coverage

Dempsey behind the wheel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=ZH5vTe8Hgl0


parade











Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Where is Johnny???

I know he is driving (and with Audi..I think)...I am pretty sure I read he was permitted to go to the 787B promo...but he in not in the pictures?.

Edit...Oh that's right Johnny spat the dummy when he was pushed aside by Dempsey...typical.

Sorry, but Dempsy has NOTHING to do with this celebration..could he even drive a car when the 787B won?.

...gee I won't be popular...

 

dont' worry mate, for Johnny there was a special part of the "party", replica of the collapse outside the car and podium included

he made three laps cheered by folks

 

Since he is 45 yrs old atm, he was at least old enough to hold a drivers license at the time. If he held one or drove would still be unknown (I bet he did).
I had a friend that went to Le Mans in "92" to be a turn marshal. He was stationed near the Mulsane Kink. I asked him to bring back something about the winning car. He brought back a cheap plastic (no Mazda) LeMans clock, bummer.

 

Thanks Matt...there is Johnny!!

************************************************** *******************************

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5l0fYvkG6I

 

what a great event ! sad about the crash tho.

 

You scared me. I thought they crashed the 787B

Paul.

 

What the heck happened to the Furai and when? How did it burn? Any pictures?

 

Yeah , when did the Furai burn down??? News to me....