2008 Mazda Mx5 Grand Touring Hardtop on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mazda3 successor due in dealers this fall

Following exciting new models like the 2013 CX-5 and 2014 Mazda6, Mazda is getting ready to introduce the next generation of its high-volume compact, the Mazda3. After talking to several of Mazda's dealers, Automotive News is reporting that the automaker is planning to introduce its new compact this fall, which is earlier than what was originally reported.
Aside from what we've seen in recent spy shots and what appeared to be a full-scale design mockup back in October, there is little information about the third-generation 3, but we can see that the car will get plenty of cues from Mazda's stylish Kodo design language, and we expect even more technologies from the company's SkyActiv efficiency program to come to bear. AN says that Mazda is hoping to top 300,000 sales this year in the US, and the sooner Mazda can replace the current aging 3, the better chances it has at reaching that goal.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata battles Toyota GT86 on track

It's got two doors and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine up front, driving the rear wheels. It's made in Japan, and as far as bang-for-your-buck goes, it's a downright bargain. So which are we talking about, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, or the Toyobaru coupe known alternately as the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, or Toyota GT-86? The answer is "yes," and it just goes to show, roofs notwithstanding, how close these two vehicles really are to one another. Which one is your favorite may come down to a matter of personal taste, but for its latest video, Auto Express set out to find out which laps faster around the track. On paper at least, the Toyota's 200 horsepower will trump the Mazda's 155 any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Then again, the Miata does weigh a good 400 pounds less, even with the 2.0-liter engine and despite its convertible bodystyle – but is that enough to make up the difference? You're going to have to just watch the video for yourself to find out. All we'll tell you is that the match is pretty darn close – what you might call a photo finish, if they were actually racing each other at the same time as opposed to each racing the clock separately. So watch the video above and voice your support for your favorite little Japanese sports car in the Comments section. Related Video:

Mazda builds 1 millionth MX-5

Mazda produced its 1 millionth MX-5 Miata on April 22. Known alternately as the Miata, the Mazda Roadster, or the Eunos Roadster, the MX-5 has long held the record as the best-selling open-top two-seat sports car. It topped half a million at the turn of the millennium, and hit 800,000 less than a decade ago. The MX-5 recently entered its fourth generation over 27 years, which only promises to drive that record number higher. While it's not one of the most prolific automobiles in history – Ford has made over 34 million F-Series pickups and Toyota produced over 40 million Corollas – the Miata stands as a rather notable exception among niche performance vehicles. Related Video: Mazda Produces One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that production of the Mazda MX-5 (Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached one million units on April 22, 2016. The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima in April 1989. "From the first generation through to today's fourth-generation model, the reason we have been able to continue selling the MX-5 all these years is due to the strong support of fans around the world," said Masamichi Kogai, Representative Director, President and CEO. "Mazda was founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and as we move toward our centennial year we will continue offering customers the joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand. Mazda aims to create a special bond with customers and become a 'one-and-only' brand they will choose again and again." As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, the One-Millionth MX-5 will be displayed at fan events in Japan and around the world. The tour begins on May 3 at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car will participate in the Flower Parade. The MX-5 is a symbol of Mazda's car-making philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its debut in 1989, the model has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced in a lightweight sports car and won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures and age groups. The MX-5 is also critically acclaimed, with over 200 awards from around the globe to its name. The fourth-generation model released last year has won a string of awards, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan, World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year 2016.