Though rally driver Ken Block may be the undisputed king of automotive viral videos, drift drivers have been getting into the game recently. Formula Drift’s Vaughn Gittin Jr. took his Ford Mustang RTR to Saudi Arabia for a bit of sideways action, and now “Mad” Mike Whiddett has taken his Mazda RX-7 with about 750 hp up the Crown Range in Queenstown, New Zealand.
New Zealand’s highest paved roadway, the 6.5-mile Crown Range course peaks at 3,530 feet and features 47 corners. The run is a mix of high, medium and low -speed bends that beg to be attacked sideways. Steel barriers flank the road on one side and exposed rock boxes the car in on the other.
The video shows Mad Mike’s Red Bull Mazda RX-7 tackle consecutive hairpin turns, drive flat out over a long straight, and then rein it all back in at the top of the mountain.
We have to tip our hats to Autoguide.com as they have decided to use some of their graphics budget to pay someone to render what the next generation of the Mazda3 will look like. I’m personally a little pissed as I just purchased a new 2012 Skyactiv Mazda 3 two months ago because of its sporty ride fuel efficient engine and aggressive styling in this case on the Mazda3 sport model. So when I saw the below artist rendering and loved it really only made me jealous.
An Artists rendering of what the 2014 Mazda3 could look like
Most significant are changes to the front fascia. Gone is the silly gen 2 smiley face and in its place we find a more angular and premium design, similar to that of the newly released Mazda6 images. Rumor has it that the the new 3 will be an all-new light weight platform. Mazda has committed to reducing the weight of each of its new models by as much as 220 lbs, meaning the base curb weight for the 2014 model should sit around just 2,650 lbs.
The entry level engine on the new 2014 Mazda3 will be the current 2.0-liter 4-cylinder SkyActiv unit that is found in the current SkyActiv model sold today, which are tuned for 155 hp and 145 lb-ft or torque. . The only difference is that the engine bay will be designed to incorporate the 4:2:1 exhaust manifold that should allow the engine to run at 13:1 compression and slightly increase the torque figure to around 155 lb-ft and improve the engine sweet spot. I am even more jealous now as the current engine configuration is ultra sweet and the 6-speed automatic that sends the power to the front wheels is one of the best that I have driven lately and will perform just as well and in most situations better then the leading dual clutch designs that are current for sale.
For those wishing for a powerful Mazda3 that does not have a Mazdaspeed badge on it should be able to opt for a new 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine, which will produce as much as 189-hp in the upcoming 2014 Mazda6. Mazda is also reportedly considering a new 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine option for the US, which during the Mazda6 launch party was said to be able to produce roughly 170 hp and over 300 lb-ft of torque. That engine is confirmed for North America and will arrive in the new mid-size 6 sedan late in 2013. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these engine as with just under 8000km on my new SkyActiv Mazda3 I’m averaging just over 5.5 L/100km or right around 40 mpg, so I can only imagine what kind of numbers a SkyActiv diesel will be able to achieve.
When more official news gets leaked about the upcoming Mazda3 you can be sure that we will have it here so check back with us frequently and often to catch all of the breaking news.
After months of catching 2013 Honda Accord prototypes, the redesigned midsizer has finally been revealed. The first official 2013 Accord photos show more sophisticated styling that should work in the midsize Honda’s favor when the car rolls into showrooms this fall.
2013 Honda Accord Coupe – Front 3/4 view
Honda has only slightly updated the styling of the previous generation, adding a new sculpted look and a few premium touches. Key design traits are sharper and more focused lines, with the overall design dominated by a bold grille, angular headlights and sweeping character lines running the length of the body. Honda hasn’t revealed the interior just yet, though we suspect the premium look of the exterior will filter across into the cabin.
2013 Honda Accord Coupe – Rear 3/4 view
Honda hasn’t confirmed Accord powerplants yet, but a direct-injected 2.4-liter four cylinder is anticipated to power most Accords via either a six-speed manual or an all-new CVT. The dual overhead cam 2.4-liter four cylinder is believed to be rated at 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque
An updated 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic will be optional for some of the higher-specification trim levels. Though power outputs have not been announced, the engine is rated at 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft. of torque in the outgoing Accord. Honda has promised class-leading V6 fuel economy, so look for an improvement over the current car’s 20/30 mpg rating.
A plug-in hybrid will also be available, although probably not until the 2014 model year. Look for a 6 kwH lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW electric motor to give an EV-only range of 10-15 miles and a top speed of 62 mph. Recharging will take just four hours when a 240V outlet is used, Honda claims. The electric motor mates to a 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder and a CVT.
2013 Honda Accord Sedan – Front 3/4 view
On the road, an overall aerodynamic shape combined with low-drag exterior surfaces including nearly flush windshield glass, flush-mounted windshield wipers and careful under-body tailoring promise enhanced fuel efficiency. Premium details like available LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights hint at the sophisticated technology and luxury available inside.
2013 Honda Accord Sedan – Rear 3/4 view
The Accord is a crucial model for Honda; a leader in performance, safety, efficiency and value since its introduction in 1976, the Accord remains one of the top-selling cars in America though its age has seen that popularity drop in recent times. Key rivals in this segment is also some of the stiffest in the auto industry and includes the recently refreshed Ford Fusion, as well as the Chevrolet Malibu and would also included the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry and recently revealed 2014 Mazda 6.
Read the Full Article here: We can always appreciate car stunts and if you are familiar with our website here you will know that we love posting stunt related videos. Today we are sharing a video of a classic motor cycle stunt that has been performed at carnivals and circus’ since the invention of the internal combustion engine. The stunt is to place a motor cycle inside a circular cage (roof optional) and drive in a circular motion until you have enough momentum to climb up the walls.
The catch with today’s version of this gravity defining stunt is to preform the trick with a much heavier vehicle, the likes of a stock Mazda 2. I knew that the Ford Fiesta/Mazda 2 was a nimble and agile vehicle however I had not idea that it could drive sideways around the inside of a 30 ft diameter barrel.
Hell if you don’t believe me check out the link below and see it for you self.
Back in December of last year we reported that a new 1.3-liter turbo four pot was the leading contender as the engine of choice for the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However it now appears that Mazda has only ruled out some engine options in their quest to fine the perfect power plant for their fun to drive roadster.
Current Mazda MX-5 Miata
In fact Motor Trend reported yesterday on their web site that the new naturally aspirated 1.5-liter Skyactiv engine wasn’t sporty enough for the 2,200 pounder. They also mentioned that cash strapped Mazda had already ruled out revising the current cars 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four banger due to pour fuel consumption numbers when compared to today’s 40mpg standard.
This makes us wonder if Mazda could even afford to borrow more money for their engine department to do more R & D on another new engine. They are currently still in the Skyactiv technology fine tuning process on a larger sized engine to be used in the next gen Mazda 6. Then there are the rumors swirling around about how they are in the preliminary stages of designing a more efficient Skyactiv version of the old 1.3-liter rotary engine that was used in the outgoing RX8 model. Only Mazda would know if there are enough coins in the coffer to begin development on a engine compromise, say a 1.8-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder or either a 1.3-liter or 1.5liter turbocharged four.
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Artist’s Rendering
Regardless of how Mazda solves their current engine dilemma one point is clear. The automaker plans on having around 150-hp and a 10-percent increase in fuel economy compared to the current MX-5 which has 22/28 city/highway mpg or 10.7/8.4 L/100km. Combine that with the fact that the car is a 2,200 lb 2-seeter sports car it would be a lot of fun to drive on the twisty stuff.
We have come across some updated artists renderings of the 2014 Mazda Miata showing off the cars more masculine side. We have never been attracted to the old Miata or MX-5 as it has always come across as being more of a hair dressers car, much like the VW beetle. Unlike the New 2012 Beetle if the new images of the Miata may finally have converted us away from thinking this a sole a chick car and more of a light weight sports car.
2014 Mazda Miata Artist’s Rendering
The aggressive narrow new headlights and day time running LED light strips flank the Takeri Concept car inspired grill. We love the lines flowing over the front wheels into the side heat vents and side chrome molding that is very Aston Martin like.
We have previously reported on all of the SkyActiv engine component as well as the 1.3-liter turbo engine that has been rumored to be powering this light weight two seater so we won’t flog a dead horse here. Instead we will just refer you to our previous article titled “The 2014 Mazda MX-5 to be powered by a 1.3-liter Turbo Engine”.
It is important that these images are only artist’s rendering and do not represent the official car yet. We hope that the continual stream of leaked renderings will remain true to the new car because we love the new direction the 2014 Mazda Miata is heading. It feel strange saying that as we have never once cut someone else’s hair and only eat raw red meat while drinking beer and watching football.
It was just at the end of the summer when we reported that the 2014 Mazda MX-5 was going to have a newly developed 1.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine under the hood which will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The exciting news was that the SkyActiv-G engine would be able to produce around 125hp and was rumored to achieve 50 mpg.
The Current Mazda-MX-5-Spyder
Reports are now coming out suggesting that Mazda will further reduce the displacement of the MX-5’s power plant to a 1.3-liter turbo that will feature SkyActive technology. The motor will feature variable cam and valve timing, a reworked exhaust manifold as well as the incorporation of the turbo to increase low end torque.
The next generation MX-5 has been confirmed to be built on an all new rear-wheel drive SkyActive platform code named “S-platform”. It is said that the Mazda engineers involved in the project have been pleasantly surprised in the weight reduction of these two new components in comparison to the portly outgoing engine and platform weight. Mazda’s weight savings focus is apparently now looking at transmission options as they aim to keep the cars overall weight down to a slim 1750lbs or 800kg.
Artist Rendering of the Next Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Next generation Mazda is slated for a March 2013 debut at the Geneva Motor Show, with cars showing up in the show rooms by the fall of 2013 as 2014 models. We think that if the car looks anything close to the more masculine artist rendering in combination to overhauling the long in t tooth engine and transmission Mazda will have a winner on their hands.
Yesterday at the 42 Tokyo Motor Show Mazda unveiled its latest concept car called the Takeri. The car has mid-sized car dimensions and features Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology and a design theme called KODO.
All of the speculation at the show has this model being the next generation Mazda 6 which could be a breath of fresh air as lower than expected sales continue to plague the current generation Mazda 6. Takeri is a “four-door coupe” with a prominent grille, muscular fenders and 20-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it measures 4,850mm long, 1,870mm wide and 1,430mm tall. Power comes from a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV diesel engine that is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to start/stop technology and the i-ELOOP regenerative braking system which doesn’t use batteries instead it uses a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor.
This cutting edge technology has allowed Mazda to estimate that the Takeri will be able to travel approximately 1,500 km (932 miles) between fill ups.
We’re not sure if it has peak your interest like it has ours? However all we can think about now is whether it will be branded as a 2013 or 2014 model? Either way it won’t be soon enough as the Mazda 6 needs to have new life infused into the brand asap.
Motor Trend has definitive information on the next Mazda MX-5 Miata and as a result have had an automotive sketch artist draft up what it will look like.
Artist Rendering of the Next Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata
It has been rumored that the new MX-5 will have newly developed 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine under the hood which will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine will produce around 125hp and is said to be able to achieve 50 mpg. Unfortunately it is also rumored that the North American model is slated to not change and receive the current 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 145hp.
The Next generation Mazda is slated for a March 2013 debut at the Geneva Motor Show, with cars showing up in the show rooms by the fall of 2013 as a 2014 model.
The car looks a little more masculine then the previous generations and I mean only a little bit, thanks to the headlights. But remember this is only an artist interpretation of the below drawing that Mazda submitted to the Tokyo Patent office.
Next Gen Mazda MX-5 Miata Tokyo Patent Office Drawing
Read the full article on the Motor Trend website; Click Here
A very good question, am I GTI enough? Well before I watched this 2 minute video highlighting the Golf GTI 35edition, created to celebrate the GTI’s 35th birthday I thought that I was. However after watching the video I’m not sure. The actress who stars in this short film is clearly having more fun driving then I have on my morning commute. There is no denying the fact that she is behind the wheel of the king of the hot hatches and that would get me a little tingly but not quite in the mood for shortness of breath.
The world premier of the GTI 35 edition is set for June 1st which is the first day of the Worthersee Tour. To those who don’t speak fluent VW Group it is an annual 4 day VW (and sister companies) enthusiast festival, where GTI fans can go to be among other like minded aficionado’s. Think of it as VW’s version of Comic-Con or a Trekkie convention, with the main difference being that the VW crowd doesn’t need their Moms to drop them off, or drive them home afterwards.
There are some minor visual changes with the 35 edition that include a slightly different front bumper, and enough 35 badges inside and out to add up to 245. Which is strangely close to the increased horsepower numbers which are now 235, an increase of 25 horses from the same 2.0 liter turbo inline 4 that the regular GTI employees.
There has been no word on if this edition will be for sale here in North America however if you ask me don’t waste your time looking for one. A simple fix would be to take your stock 2011 GTI into a tuning shop and have them reprogram the ECU with the 35 editions code. A much better idea is to skip the 35 edition engine management system program altogether and go right up to the one used in the GTI R. This will increase your total horsepower to 265 without adding the weight of the R’s all wheel drive system. If you do check option two then you may also want to look into upgrading your breaks, because even cars that can do a 0-60 time in 5.5 second need to eventually stop.
Enjoy the video and stay tuned to see if Ford, Chevy, or even Mazda can eventually dethrone the Hot Hatch King.
