General Mazda News with 8 updates..
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General Mazda News with 8 updates..
I found this in last week's Automotive News:
Additional Mazda Nameplates on Horizon
Mark Rechtin
Staff Reporter
Tokyo- Within the next two years, Mazda Motor Corp. will develop at least five nameplates from it's new core platforms, executives said.
Some of the vehicles will be replacements for existing vehicles, while others will be new entries to the Mazda brand, said Joseph Bakaj, Mazda executive officer of design and product development. What's more, these vehicles will be developed from the design freeze to Job 1 in 12 months, he said.
The launches of the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and RX-8 over the past two years represent about two-thirds of Mazda's volume. The new products will be counted on for additional growth, said Bakaj(pronounced by "buh-KYE").
Mazda can "quickly and cheaply go after niches and higher-revenue segments with the platforms it has in place," he said here last week.
Reusing architecture
Potential new segmentsare being examined by the advanced activities division of Mazda's product development department, he said. The advanced activities group has teams in California, German, and Japan. "All they do is work new concepts," Bakaj said.
Although not giving details of the new vehicles, an examination of product cycles shows that the Miata, Tribute and MPV are due for renewel by Fall 2005. Mazda has also done several studies of a large crossover vehicle, though Bakaj said such a vehicle must match the Mazda brand.
That still leaves several segments open for expansion. Bakaj said models such as the Mazda6 wagon do not count as contributors to the new derivative count.
As to how well the Tribute and MPV could work from the Mazda6 platform, Bakaj said: "You can stretch the wheelbase and upgrade the suspension, but it's not such a big deal. If you look at the rear multilink suspension , there are no technical issues to taking it up a couple classes."
A tougher task is to ensure that a larger vehicle on the same architecture will be stiff enough to avoid noise, vibration, and harshness, he said.
Not all the derivatives will reach all markets. The Mazda2, for example, is considered too small for the North American market, as might it's derivatives.
Bakaj did confirm that Mazda will use the RX-8 platform for the next Miata. He has said Mazda wants two-seat coupe and convertible versions of the RX-8 as well.
"We've strategically invested lots of money in the RX-8, so it makes sense to reuse that investment," Bakaj said. "We'd want a different wheelbase and track, but we can reuse the architecture."
Can't pigeonhole
Mazda chief designer Moray Callum said the four core products have consolidated Mazda's design look. But the derivative vehicles will be used for evolving and growing the face of Mazda.
"You will recognize them as Mazdas, but because they are derivatives, we can give the cars their own signature and character," Callum said. "We're looking at types of vehicles that don't fit just into a segment, vehicles that you can't pigeonhole."
I've also got an article about possible fuel leaks in the Mazda6's gas tank, but I don't feel like typing it all in right now.
Additional Mazda Nameplates on Horizon
Mark Rechtin
Staff Reporter
Tokyo- Within the next two years, Mazda Motor Corp. will develop at least five nameplates from it's new core platforms, executives said.
Some of the vehicles will be replacements for existing vehicles, while others will be new entries to the Mazda brand, said Joseph Bakaj, Mazda executive officer of design and product development. What's more, these vehicles will be developed from the design freeze to Job 1 in 12 months, he said.
The launches of the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and RX-8 over the past two years represent about two-thirds of Mazda's volume. The new products will be counted on for additional growth, said Bakaj(pronounced by "buh-KYE").
Mazda can "quickly and cheaply go after niches and higher-revenue segments with the platforms it has in place," he said here last week.
Reusing architecture
Potential new segmentsare being examined by the advanced activities division of Mazda's product development department, he said. The advanced activities group has teams in California, German, and Japan. "All they do is work new concepts," Bakaj said.
Although not giving details of the new vehicles, an examination of product cycles shows that the Miata, Tribute and MPV are due for renewel by Fall 2005. Mazda has also done several studies of a large crossover vehicle, though Bakaj said such a vehicle must match the Mazda brand.
That still leaves several segments open for expansion. Bakaj said models such as the Mazda6 wagon do not count as contributors to the new derivative count.
As to how well the Tribute and MPV could work from the Mazda6 platform, Bakaj said: "You can stretch the wheelbase and upgrade the suspension, but it's not such a big deal. If you look at the rear multilink suspension , there are no technical issues to taking it up a couple classes."
A tougher task is to ensure that a larger vehicle on the same architecture will be stiff enough to avoid noise, vibration, and harshness, he said.
Not all the derivatives will reach all markets. The Mazda2, for example, is considered too small for the North American market, as might it's derivatives.
Bakaj did confirm that Mazda will use the RX-8 platform for the next Miata. He has said Mazda wants two-seat coupe and convertible versions of the RX-8 as well.
"We've strategically invested lots of money in the RX-8, so it makes sense to reuse that investment," Bakaj said. "We'd want a different wheelbase and track, but we can reuse the architecture."
Can't pigeonhole
Mazda chief designer Moray Callum said the four core products have consolidated Mazda's design look. But the derivative vehicles will be used for evolving and growing the face of Mazda.
"You will recognize them as Mazdas, but because they are derivatives, we can give the cars their own signature and character," Callum said. "We're looking at types of vehicles that don't fit just into a segment, vehicles that you can't pigeonhole."
I've also got an article about possible fuel leaks in the Mazda6's gas tank, but I don't feel like typing it all in right now.
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WASHINGTON - Federal safety officials are investigating 2003 Mazda6 cars to see whether their fuel tanks are prone to leak.
Workers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found a leak in June while preparing a Mazda6 for a crash test.
In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation to determine whether other Mazda6 cars have the same problem.
The institute, a safety research organization for auto insurers, discovered the leak where the hole had been bored for the fuel outlet.
Mazda North American Operations Inc. told NHTSA that it changed a manufacturing process after being informed of the leak. But the company does not believe cars already in service need to be recalled and repaired, NHTSA records show.
If NHTSA investigators find evidence of a defect, as many as 57,000 cars could be recalled.
Workers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found a leak in June while preparing a Mazda6 for a crash test.
In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation to determine whether other Mazda6 cars have the same problem.
The institute, a safety research organization for auto insurers, discovered the leak where the hole had been bored for the fuel outlet.
Mazda North American Operations Inc. told NHTSA that it changed a manufacturing process after being informed of the leak. But the company does not believe cars already in service need to be recalled and repaired, NHTSA records show.
If NHTSA investigators find evidence of a defect, as many as 57,000 cars could be recalled.
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From: Santa Fe, NM
Does "Mazda will use the RX-8 platform for the next Miata" mean the Miata will have a rotary engine, or does the "platform" include the engine?
And could the two-seat coupe version of the RX-8 mentioned actually be the next RX-7?
And could the two-seat coupe version of the RX-8 mentioned actually be the next RX-7?
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From: Wappinger Fall, NY
Does "Mazda will use the RX-8 platform for the next Miata" mean the Miata will have a rotary engine, or does the "platform" include the engine?
When manufacturers reuse a "platform" for another car, it usually is just referring to the chassis. So no rotary for the miata (wouldn't really want it in there anyway).
As for the 2 door coupe being the RX-7, you may be on to something....
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From: Wappinger Fall, NY
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the RX-8 platform make the miata regretably bigger and heavier? I thought I heard that Mazda was trying to make the next gen Miata even lighter than the last. If there isn't a weight issue tho, the 8 chassis would probably make the Miata pull ever further ahead of the competition handling-wise :D
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From: Milwaukee
I've heard a few rumors that the miata will be on the RX-8 platfrom and will have a wankel in it. I also heared that there is a very very good chance of a true two seater RX-7 with a hatch on the RX-8 chassis, but with a turbo.
Thats what will set it apart from the practicality that they aimed for in the RX-8...... less room, more power
Oh yeah and a possible 4 seater miata?....... hell yeah, because it will still handle very well
Thats what will set it apart from the practicality that they aimed for in the RX-8...... less room, more power
Oh yeah and a possible 4 seater miata?....... hell yeah, because it will still handle very well
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From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by 4thGen
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the RX-8 platform make the miata regretably bigger and heavier?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the RX-8 platform make the miata regretably bigger and heavier?
However, any rumours that the Miata will get a rotary are completely false. Mazda has gone on record as being very explicit about this - the Miata only gets the inline 4 (the new MRZ engine line as used in the Mazda6 and Mazda3; 1.6 and 2.0 litre versions), and will NEVER get a rotary or V6.
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Gordon
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From: Dallas, Texas
Coupe and convertibe RX-8 may follow, no sooner then 2006.
The miata will not have a rotary engine, but will have a Inline-4, Electric Turbo. It will use RX-8 chassis, and other things, but not the engine. I hope they make a Miata Coupe.
The miata will not have a rotary engine, but will have a Inline-4, Electric Turbo. It will use RX-8 chassis, and other things, but not the engine. I hope they make a Miata Coupe.
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From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by rx-7~rx-8
Coupe and convertibe RX-8 may follow, no sooner then 2006.
Coupe and convertibe RX-8 may follow, no sooner then 2006.
The miata will not have a rotary engine, but will have a Inline-4, Electric Turbo. It will use RX-8 chassis, and other things, but not the engine. I hope they make a Miata Coupe.
Regards,
Gordon
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From: Dallas, Texas
Mazda is naming all there cars...
6
3
RX-8
MPV
Tribute...(which is in the process of redesign and possibly a name change)
They probably will make a larger car to compete with Nissan Maxima and Acura TL... no sooner then 2006 as the company did want to make new products... which they are doing, Mazda is doing it.. but not all at once. First Mazda 6 came... to rival accord and camry... which it is doing. Then the RX-8 to rival the S2000 and 350Z ... which it is doing. Then the Mazda 3 to rival corolla and civic, which it is going to ...Then MIATA... Mazda is doing the MPV.. Tribute.. then possibly a Millenia. There comming, its just matter of 2 years or so. They discontinued the MIllenai cause of very very poor sale... cause of acura tl... and maxima ... mazda didn't care to focus on that (just discontinue.. screw it)... more focus on the 6,rx-8,3..
Mazda is doing Z()()M... Z0OM....
6
3
RX-8
MPV
Tribute...(which is in the process of redesign and possibly a name change)
They probably will make a larger car to compete with Nissan Maxima and Acura TL... no sooner then 2006 as the company did want to make new products... which they are doing, Mazda is doing it.. but not all at once. First Mazda 6 came... to rival accord and camry... which it is doing. Then the RX-8 to rival the S2000 and 350Z ... which it is doing. Then the Mazda 3 to rival corolla and civic, which it is going to ...Then MIATA... Mazda is doing the MPV.. Tribute.. then possibly a Millenia. There comming, its just matter of 2 years or so. They discontinued the MIllenai cause of very very poor sale... cause of acura tl... and maxima ... mazda didn't care to focus on that (just discontinue.. screw it)... more focus on the 6,rx-8,3..
Mazda is doing Z()()M... Z0OM....
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From: Savannah, Georgia
I would love to see a Mazda9 in the future though. I think it would be sweet. Personally I miss the old 323, 626, & 929 names.
And most of all I miss my second gen RX-7. That car was SO ahead of its time in terms of body and interior shapes etc. Just the way the door panels seamlessly flowed into the dash. This was being done while the Z was still boxy and just plain UGLY if you ask me. I would love to see Mazda just bring back and totally update the second gen. It was so reliable.
And most of all I miss my second gen RX-7. That car was SO ahead of its time in terms of body and interior shapes etc. Just the way the door panels seamlessly flowed into the dash. This was being done while the Z was still boxy and just plain UGLY if you ask me. I would love to see Mazda just bring back and totally update the second gen. It was so reliable.
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