1993 Mazda Rx-7 Base Coupe 2-door 2.0 L 3 Rotor Twin Turbo on 2040-cars

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Mazda Hot Lap Challenge will put simulator drivers in real Miatas

Using a video game as a feeder racing series is nothing new. Sony and Nissan have run the GT Academy for years now, rewarding the best Gran Turismo players with the chance to drive a real car. It seems Mazda wants a piece of the action. This year, it will host an iRacing Hot Lap Challenge, giving the best players a trip to the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The two fastest drivers will race head-to-head, with the winner earning a test drive in a Mazda MX-5 Miata Cup car. During 2018, Mazda will host events events at select races where participants can lap Daytona in an iRacing simulator. Those who can't attend one of those events will have the chance to compete on iRacing at home. At the end of the year, 35 drivers will compete for a trip to the 2019 race. That winner will be a guest of Mazda Team Joest. The event is open to U.S. residents age 18 and above. Full details can be found on the iRacing website. The event calendar is listed below. Online time attack schedule Week 1: 4/13 – 4/15 – Daytona Road Course Week 2: 5/25 – 5/26 – Lime Rock Park Week 3: 6/29 – 7/1 – Watkins Glen Week 4: 8/3 – 8/5 – Road America Week 5: 8/24 – 8/25 – Gateway Motorsports Park Week 6 9/7 – 9/9 – Laguna Seca Week 7: 10/11 – 10/13 – Road Atlanta TA sessions will be available the entire day(s) based on GMT At-track schedule Week 1: 4/13 – 4/15 – Long Beach Week 2: 5/25 – 5/26 – Lime Rock Park Week 3: 6/29 – 7/1 – Watkins Glen Week 4: 8/3 – 8/5 – Road America Week 5: 8/24 – 8/25 – Gateway Motorsports Park Week 6 9/7 – 9/9 – Laguna Seca Week 7: 10/11 – 10/13 – Road Atlanta Related Video: News Source: Mazda, iRacing Marketing/Advertising Toys/Games Mazda Convertible Racing Vehicles mazda mx-5 mazda mx-5 cup

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.

2014 Mazda3

The Cure For The Common Corolla
I hate the Toyota Corolla. I'm not talking about the new 2014 model; I can't yet judge a car I haven't driven. I'm referring to the current, old-as-dirt sedan. As an appliance, I get why people buy it, but it represents everything that I, as a car enthusiast, dislike. I don't like looking at it, I don't like sitting in it, and I really don't like driving it. There is absolutely no amount of emotion dialed into any part of the Corolla experience and every other vehicle in the segment is a far better choice. But still, somehow, Toyota sells 'em like hotcakes.
Thankfully, there are a lot of people who agree with me. And for folks like us, companies like Mazda exist. This small Japanese automaker places emotion and driver involvement as its top priorities when creating new products, and mostly - especially in recent years - the end results have been great. The new CX-5 crossover is a doll, to say nothing of the rakish and lovely new Mazda6 that launched earlier this year. And let's not forget the Miata...