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2014 Mazda Skyactiv Prototype looks ready for Daytona

With less than two weeks before the Mazda Skyactiv Prototype makes its race debut at the 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Japanese Zoom-Zoom brand brought its diesel-powered racer to the floor of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
The red prototype marks Mazda's return to prototype racing, and will campaign the inaugural Tudor United SportsCar Championship using a 2.2-liter, SkyActiv-D diesel engine. With 451 horsepower on tap and 580 pound-feet of torque, the racer should stand up well against a field of gas-powered competitors.
Should the Skyactiv win Daytona, it'll be a coup for Mazda. The racer is running an engine with over 50 percent of its parts drawn from the oft-delayed production Skyactiv-D. Head up top for our full gallery of images of the new Skyactiv Prototype. The 2014 Rolex 24 will be run from January 25 to 26.

2018 Mazda 6 gains Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in September

When we did our midsize sedan comparison test, only one of the three cars came equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android. That was the Honda Accord. However, had we waited a bit, the 2018 Mazda 6 also would've included these increasingly common and now widely expected smartphone connection features. Though the addition was previously announced, Mazda made it official that upgrades will start in September. All but the base 2018 Mazda 6 Sport trim will receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as no-cost dealer-installed upgrades. That includes 2018 model year cars that have already been sold. So, if you should have already purchased a Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve or Signature, make an appointment at the dealer in a month and it'll upgrade the infotainment system to not only include the Apple and Android software but also the latest Mazda Connect software and a more powerful, faster-charging 2.1-amp USB port. The 6 is the first 2018 Mazda to receive this upgrade, be it when purchased or as a retroactive add. We have reached out to Mazda to find out if other Mazda models could be so-upgraded in the future. We will update this story as we get more information. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mazda3 with Skyactiv-X engine technology caught testing in the wild

Sometimes, automakers are fine with their mules coming under the watchful lenses of spy shooters. Proof of this can be seen plastered across the bodysides of the Mazda3 mule you see above. Clearly, Mazda wants the world to know that engineers are working hard on the company's so-called Skyactiv-X engine technology so badly that it's created a custom matte black vinyl wrap for its test mules. Clever. Expect to see this sweet new engine tech in the 2019 Mazda3. This SCCI, or Spark Controlled Compression Ignition system holds tremendous potential to boost the efficiency of gasoline-powered engines by 20-30 percent, thereby matching the fuel economy of a comparatively sized diesel engine. As an added bonus, torque figures are expected to jump a similar amount. Besides the placard-sized stickers, there isn't much to see here. The car is clearly a Mazda3 hatchback, though the fenders are punched out a bit and the fuel door is modified from stock. We'd wager that future prototypes will wear a lot more camouflage to cover up next-gen bodywork. In other words, stay tuned. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mazda3 Skyactiv-X: Spy Shots View 9 Photos Green Spy Photos Mazda Fuel Efficiency Technology Emerging Technologies Hatchback skyactiv mazda mazda3 skyactiv-x