Trio of Mazda2 Concepts Including a MazdaSpeed Custom Debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show

Automakers are trying their best to convince American consumers that size doesn't matter and that small cars can be equally fun and adventurous as their larger siblings. Following the example of Ford with the customized 2011 Fiestas, Mazda also displayed a trio of funky concept models based on the new U.S.-spec Mazda2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Coincidently, the Mazda2 and Fiesta share the same underpinnings.

The most impressive concept version of the Mazda2 is the 2Evil which gives us an idea of what a potential MazdaSpeed2 (MPS in Europe) could look like.

The supermini has been spiced up with a full body kit that includes an aggressive front spoiler, chunky side skirts, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser that houses the new exhaust tip.

The 2Evil is finished Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics while wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green.

The MazdaSpeed-prepped hatch rides on 17-inch wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires while the lowered coil-over suspension by H&R and the Magna performance exhaust complete the package.

The other two concept models are the Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow. Both variants feature 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires, a H&R coil over suspension, special graphics and a Thule roof rack system.

2011 Mazda2 with New Smiley Fascia Breaks Cover at Los Angeles Show

Two years after its debut and market launch in Europe, Japan and Australia, the now not-so new Mazda2 has finally made its way to the USA. The North American-spec version of the Mazda2 features some mild styling tweaks that include a reprofiled front bumper that now houses Mazda's trademark 'smiley' lower grille and slightly different tail lamps.

Notably, the front-wheel drive hatchback shares the same vehicle platform as the 2011 Ford Fiesta that also made its premiere at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

In the U.S., the new Mazda supermini will be offered with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The Mazda2 will be positioned below the Mazda3 and its competition will include the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo and of course, the Fiesta.

It will launch into the North American market in late summer, 2010, with more details and pricing to be released at a later date.

Mazda to Participate in Electric Vehicle Test in Japan with the Mazda2 / Demios

Mazda has announced that it will take part in a joint project to test electric vehicles in Japan, by providing three Mazda2 / Demio superminis to be converted into EVs and will also assist in determining the vehicle specifications and evaluating the car's performance. Among the companies participating in the project, which will be lead by the Itochu Corporation, are Norway's Th!nk, Seiko and Nippon Car Solutions.

The Tsukuba Environmental Style Test Project is scheduled to commence in March 2010 in Tsukuba city, near Tokyo.

The Japanese automaker said that through its participation in the EV project, it aims to further strengthen the base of its future R&D activities in the development of its electric drive technologies.

Participating organizations

Project leader

Itochu Corporation

List of collaborating companies and roles & responsibilities

Family Mart	Provide sites for the project at convenience stores
Itochu Enex	Provide sites for the project at service stations
Tokyo R&D	Electric vehicle-related
Th!nk (Norway)	Electric vehicle-related
Kyuki	Supply rapid chargers
EnerDel Inc. (US)	Supply vehicle batteries and fixed batteries
Seiko Electric	Fixed battery system integration
Itochu Techno-Solutions	Supply ICT technology, data center
Windcar	Car sharing service operation
Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation	Car sharing-related
Nippon Car Solutions Co.	Car sharing-related
Ecosystem Japan	Supply solar panel systems
Mazda Motor Corporation	Electric vehicle-related (provide Mazda Demio vehicles)

Advisory Committee

Tsukuba City

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI)

The Japan Research Institute, Limited

North American Mazda2 to Premiere at LA Auto Show, Sales Start in 2010

The Ford Fiesta's Japanese cousin, the Mazda2, will make its debut on this side of the Atlantic at the Los Angeles Auto Show in early December, the company announced today. Mazda said that the North American-spec hatchback will go on sale in the USA and Canada beginning in late 2010.

The Japanese firm has not disclosed any specific details or photos for that matter, but we suspect that the NA version of the Mazda2 will benefit from the same subtle cosmetic tweaks, chiefly up front, as the Thailand version of the subcompact hatch featured in the opening picture.

"Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our line-up," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "The Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value.In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom."

Mazda RX-Z: A... Diesel-Electric Hybrid Design Study for RX-8 Replacement

What you see pictured here is a conceptual vision for a 2+2 sports coupe with reverse opening rear doors designed to replace the current Mazda RX-8. The so-called Mazda RX-Z was conceived by Romanian design student, Adrian Ciprian who took a different -but not necessarily better- styling approach ditching most typical new-generation Mazda design cues except for the 'smiley' five-point grille.

The artist also claims that he envisions the RX-Z being fitted with a hybrid powetrain comprising of a front-mounted diesel engine and a pair of electric motors at the rear.

Understandably, this means that the Mazda-badged sports car proposal isn't much of a member of the 'RX' series, but hey, it's just a hypothetical design study.

Via: Diseno-art

Revised 2010 Mazda CX-7 Crossover with New Turbo Diesel Hits UK Showrooms, Petrol Version Dropped

Mazda has announced that its facelifted CX-7 'Sports Crossover' will arrive in UK showrooms from November 1st with pricing set at £25,785 on-the-road. In Britain, the subtly refreshed CX-7 will be available as a single model powered by a new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that generates 173 horsepower and 400Nm of peak torque.

The automaker claims a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 124mph (199 km/h) with combined fuel economy of 37.7mpg UK (31.3mpg US or 7.5lt/100km).

For the 2010 model year, the Japanese automaker has dropped the Mazda3 MPS-sourced, 260HP 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline unit from the CX-7's lineup.

Aside from the changes under the hood, the facelifted CX-7 has received a larger five-point lower grille and a restyled front bumper, reworked headlamps, a new roof spoiler, more chrome detailing and newly designed 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, there's a new steering wheel with integrated control switches, new meters on the instrument panel and upgraded materials and trim.