1994 Mazda Rx-7 4,800 Original Miles! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mazda working on lithium-ion batteries to replace lead-acid starter batteries

In the quest for ever better fuel economy, car companies are looking for every single advantage possible, no matter how small. This is evident in everything from active grille shutters to the 48-volt mild-hybrid electric assist systems like that in the new Ram 1500. For Mazda, the latest target for potential efficiency gains is the lowly 12-volt starter battery. The company announced that it is partnering with two other companies, ELIIY Power and Ube Industries, to develop a lithium-ion starter battery that would be used on mainstream models in place of conventional lead-acid units. Mazda plans to have them ready for use by 2021. The advantage here would be that 12-volt lithium-ion batteries would be much smaller and lighter than the lead-acid ones they replace. And lighter cars don't need as much fuel to move around. Plus, as an added benefit, making cars lighter also often makes them faster and better handling. This is why companies such as Lotus and Porsche have offered optional lithium-ion 12-volt batteries for some lightweight sports cars. A potential downside to the use of these batteries is increased cost. Lead-acid batteries from your local parts store will run you between $100 to $150. AGM batteries could be between $200 and $300. As for lithium-ion batteries, Lotus introduced the option on the Evora 400 in 2016, and the option cost $1,690. Odds are that a company such as Mazda won't be absorbing all those costs, meaning that the cost of these future Mazdas could increase with a change from lead-acid to lithium ion. Related Video:

Full 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing released

Take heart, roadster fans. The first 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miatas due for the US are now in production. To go along with that milestone, the Japanese automaker has finally released full pricing for the fourth-generation Miata. As previously revealed, the 2016 Miata in the base Sport trim starts at $24,915 (plus $820 destination), and for that outlay buyers get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque that's matched to a six-speed manual. The convertible comes standard with features like LED lighting and a Bluetooth-equipped audio system. For $1,075 more on all models, customers can spec a six-speed automatic gearbox, and keyless entry is another $130 but standard with the auto 'box. One rung up is the Club trim for $28,600, and it improves things with 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive body kit and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Order the manual trans, and the roadster gets a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a shock-tower brace. There's also a $3,400 package to make this version of the convertible even sportier with 17-inch BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, side sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt. Among the regular trims, the top rung is the Grand Touring for $30,065 that adds luxuries like heated, leather seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights. Mazda's i-Activesense is also standard and includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. Finally, there's the Launch Edition, which is limited to 1,000 units, and it sells for $30,495 (or $31,570 for an automatic). All of them come in an exclusive combo of Soul Red with Sport Tan leather, and buyers get all of the Grand Touring's kit, plus standard keyless entry. The order site for these special roadsters opens on May 5, but hopefuls can pre-register now for a reminder. The first 2016 Miatas should hit dealers in late summer. That should provide some time for top down driving fun before it gets too cold. Related Video: U.S.-Bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Production Kicks Off Today - Mazda Also Announces U.S. Pricing for Entire MX-5 Lineup - IRVINE, Calif. (April 20, 2015) – The wait is almost over, as North America-bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata production began today, signaling the imminent arrival of the next generation of the world's most popular two-seat roadster at U.S. dealers.

Mazda prices 2016 CX-3 from $20,840

Been eager to put your cash down on the hood of a new 2016 Mazda CX-3, but haven't known just how much to take out from the bank? You can call your branch manager now, because Mazda has released pricing details for its new subcompact crossover. The MSRP for the new CX-3 will start out at $20,840, including an $880 destination charge. (Alaskan buyers can expect to pay an extra $45 on top.) That's for the base-level Sport model with front-wheel drive. Tack on another $1,250 for all-wheel drive if you think you'll need the extra traction, but either way it'll be channeling 146 horsepower and just as much torque from a 2.0-liter inline-four through a six-speed automatic transmission. Step up to the Touring model and the retail price jumps up to $22,840 (with delivery), plus the same $1,250 for the AWD option. There's a Touring Technology package available for another $1,410 that includes moonroof, satellite radio, and cargo cover. Finally at the top of the line is the CX-3 Grand Touring for $25,870 (delivered), available with that same i-Activ all-wheel drive system, and an i-Activsense package that throws in an array of electronic conveniences and safety systems for another $1,920. So while you can get away with paying as little as $20,840 for the base model, a fully loaded CX-3 can run you as much as $29,040. Related Video: All-New 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover MSRP[1] to start from $19,960 - Latest evolution of Mazda's signature KODO design comes embodied in crossover available with premium, class-exclusive features and class-leading fuel economy - IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- New vehicle segments don't come around often. So when Mazda had the opportunity to create its very own subcompact crossover to tackle the urban sprawl, as well as the road less-traveled, it did so the only way it would – with the fun-to-drive, stylish and upscale 2016 Mazda CX-3. 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover Priced From $19,960 Nearing its mid-August expected on-sale date, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released full pricing for its entry-level CUV offering, starting at an MSRP2 of $19,960 for the entry-level CX-3 Sport with front-wheel drive. As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability.