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Mazda MX-5 breeds upgraded Roadster RS in Japan

Fans of the new Mazda MX-5 Miata looking for something a little more performance-focused may be enticed by the new RS model. Unfortunately they'll have to go all the way to Japan to get it. Because Mazda will only be offering this particular version back home. The new RS version of the Mazda Roadster (as it's known in Japan) features a number of performance upgrades, although none of them specifically affect the engine or its output. The Roadster RS features Bilstein dampers and front suspension tower brace for better handling, along with bigger brakes for added stopping power, a retuned steering rack for sharper turn-in, and upgraded exhaust for a better sound. Inside it's also been treated to heated Recaro seats with Nappa leather and Alcantara trim and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. It also comes equipped with adaptive front lighting and high-beam control as well as lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. Feeling left out yet? Don't be too disappointed, or book that ticket to Tokyo's Natita International Airport just yet. The Mazda Roadster RS only comes with the smaller 1.5-liter engine that produces 129 horsepower, which is significantly less than the 2.0L we get here at 155 hp. It does, however, come with the six-speed manual instead of the automatic. So while this may not be the most powerful version of the Miata, it may be the enthusiast favorite – at least in the JDM. Related Video:

Mazda Miata RF gets price bump for 2019

Over the past couple of months, Mazda has been releasing information about updates for the 2019 model year of the MX-5 Miata. We got details about the car's 2.0-liter I4 making 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The car also gets a telescoping steering wheel, new door stops, updated cupholders and seat levers, standard rear-view camera and 17-inch wheels. Later, we learned the new Miata would also be a smidge more efficient. Now, Mazda has announced pricing for the 2019 Miata RF. Going on sale in August, the 2019 Miata MX-5 RF starts at $33,240 (including $895 in destination fees) for the Club trim level with a six-speed manual transmission. That's a price increase of $435. That doesn't seem so bad when you consider the extra 26 horsepower and higher redline. The Club 6MT can also be optioned with Brembo brakes and BBS wheels for an extra $3,770, or the Brembo/BBS/Recaro package for $4,670. The MX-5 Club with six-speed automatic comes with paddle shifters and sport mode for $33,840, but isn't available with the Brembo/BBS packages. The i-ActiveSense package, which includes features like Smart City Brake Support and lane-departure warning is a $450 option for the Club 6AT. MSRP for the Grand Touring trim starts at $34,230 with a six-speed manual transmission, which is $585 more than the outgoing model. The new GT-S package for the Grand Touring 6MT adds $750, and comes with a front shock tower brace, limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein dampers and a hand-painted black roof. The Grand Touring with six-speed automatic goes for $35,305. Auburn Nappa leather adds another $300. In terms of exterior colors, there are three premium options to choose from, each with its own added price. The gorgeous Soul Red Crystal tacks on another $595 to the price of the Miata RF. Machine Gray Metallic adds $300, while Snowflake White Pearl Mica costs $200. Pricing for the soft-top version of the 2019 Miata hasn't been announced yet. Related Video:

Recharge Wrap-up: Renault-Nissan hits 250,000 EVs, will the next Toyota Prius be an SUV?

Will the next Toyota Prius be an SUV? Mazda and Toyota recently reached an agreement to share powertrain technologies, which will help Mazda comply with California's tightening ZEV restrictions with a plug-in vehicle. On the flip side, Toyota will have access Mazda's Skyactiv diesel powertrain, which a source tells Motoring will be used in an SUV based on the Toyota Prius (and, as Hybrid Cars suggests, on the Toyota C-HR concept). Interestingly, the collaboration will also give Mazda access to Toyota's fuel cell technology, which could mean more hydrogen powered cars on the road and the subsequent expansion of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Could it also make way for a long-awaited hydrogen powered rotary-engine sports car from Mazda? Read more at Motoring. Samsung SDI unveiled two new lithium-ion stationary batteries at Intersolar Europe. In doing so, Samsung throws its hat in the ring with the likes of automakers Tesla and Mercedes-Benz, using knowledge from electric vehicle batteries in the arena of home solar energy storage. In addition to its 3.6-kWh battery, its new 5.5-kWh and 8.0-kWh batteries offer storage solutions at a larger, more practical scale for solar customers. Called the All-in-One, the battery system, borrowed from electric vehicles, is made up of a photovoltaic inverter, battery PCS and lithium-ion battery, and promises efficiency, compactness, fast installation and an affordable price. Read more from Samsung SDI. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has sold its 250,000th electric vehicle. The quarter-millionth EV was a white Renault Zoe sold to a French computer engineer from Bordeaux named Yves Nivelle. While he credits a government program offering a ˆ10,000 rebate for EV buyers trading in an older diesel vehicle for helping him make the decision to pull the trigger on the new Zoe, "I have to say, I was convinced the first time I drove the car. It's a real pleasure to drive and it feels good to do my part for the environment," says Nivelle. The Alliance had sold around 31,600 EVs from January to May this year, up 15 percent from the first five months of 2014. See the video above, and read more in the press release below. Renault-Nissan Alliance sells its 250,000th electric vehicle • Historic EV milestone reached in early June • Alliance sells half of all EVs globally • EV sales up nearly 15 percent through May vs.