By a 2015 deadline Mazda wants to have all of its petrol engines running direct-injection and stop-start technology, reports Automotive News. Continued weight-loss is also on the docket, however, with each platform planned to go on a 220lb (100kg) diet by the next iteration. The upgrades will take place in stages over the coming years, with the early focus on the smaller cars in the lineup. The changes will also reflect a greater degree of freedom and reduced control by parent company Ford, though continued sourcing of parts and pieces from the company parts bin is likely.
The Mazda2, for example, will get an all-new (to America, at least) four-cylinder engine provided it passes U.S. testing. The plan is to bring the small car to market by 2011. The Mazda3 is getting a complete redesign, coming early next year as a 2010 model, offering two different engines as it does now, though details on the exact specifications are still lacking.
The newly reworked U.S.-market Mazda6 gets unique engines that will stay the same for the near future, with a 2.5L four-cylinder rated for 170hp and a 3.7L V6 good for 272hp. The sedan is the only model available now, as the hatchback and wagon have been discontinued.
Exciting developments could come toward the far end of the 2015 deadline as the pushed-back MX-5 Miata redesign is expected to happen in 2012 and a coupe version, possibly based on the Kabura concept, could be in the works as well. Sports car enthusiasts will no doubt be awaiting the new model eagerly, as it is still, even after two decades of sales, one of the best performance and handling bargains in its class, with an eye toward efficiency that most of its competitors lack. The RX8's full redesign is equally far off, though planned increases in displacement and improvements in fuel economy are already being promised.
The company's SUVs and MPVs will see recalibrated automatic transmissions, mild redesigns around 2010 and 2011 and possibly the introduction of a non-turbo version of the CX-7 to reduce fuel consumption, though the concordant drop in performance may leave some buyers dissatisfied. The CX-5 previewed by the Kazamai Concept (pictured) shown at the Moscow Motor Show and sharing Ford Kuga underpinnings isn't expected until 2010 as a 2011 model. The Tribute, essentially a Mazda-badged version of the Ford escape, will likely be axed as the CX-5 moves into the lineup.
Reader Comments
Mon Aug 11 2008 10:19 PM
NoNameDenton says
Smart move, and building cars that are lighter but safer then the orignial works as well as seen with the Mazda2 etc.
Mon Aug 11 2008 10:21 PM
NoNameDenton says
I miss the Mazda6 wagon and hatchback, the European versions are gorgeous.
Mon Aug 11 2008 10:55 PM
Guber says
Mazda is moving in the right direction. The Madza Furai is without a doubt the sexiest car I'd seen in a while.
Tue Aug 12 2008 5:07 PM
Laz says
I hope the new owership group won't hinder the progress Mazda is making.
Tue Aug 12 2008 6:07 PM
chris says
new ownership? laz, ford has had a 33.8% stake in mazda for going on 20 years now.
Tue Aug 12 2008 7:21 PM
NoNameDenton says
Chris is correct, norm ally that would not be considered a majority stake, but Ford controls a huge stake in Mazda to make decisions for that company.
Tue Aug 12 2008 9:42 PM
chris says
well, it's a controlling stake because it's the single largest stake by far. It's like porsche's stake in VW, much lower than 50% but still they have almost complete control really.
point being ford and mazda have been sharing products for ages.
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