Next MX-5 Will Be Lighter Said Mazda

According to Mazda the current generation of MX-5 has gotten to heavy for their liking hence they set a goal for the next incarnation to loose about 98kg to come close to the weight of the MX-5 Superlight concept. According to Officials at Mazda, making the MX-5 lighter will replicate the spirit of the original one weighing in at 970kg.

Among the measures Mazda plans to carry out through a smaller and lighter engine, likely to copy the original’s 1.6-litre capacity. “We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, which undercut our current 2.0-litre unit but deliver the same 160-170bhp power range,” they further added. The dimensions of the car's platform and wheelbase will remain intact but front & rear overhangs will be trimmed. Lightweight construction techniques will also be employed. Mazda is experimenting with using new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its bodyshells.

Mazda is putting Takao Kijima who is the chief engineer for the first gen MX-5 as a special advisor for the new car. The new car is due in 2011. To put a "SMILE" in your face, sources are suggesting that the price could come down, too, to reflect the new MX-5’s more simple appeal. :)











Source : Autocar

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Price Announced

The Suzuki Kizashi was made public earlier this year and the price for the US Market has been revealed. Listed below are the price for various trims (excluding $735 for destination and handling) :
Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 6-speed manual 2WD $22,499

Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) 2WD $23,599

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 6-speed manual 2WD $24,399

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) 2WD $25,499

Kizashi S 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $21,749

Kizashi SE 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $22,749

Kizashi GTS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $24,849

Kizashi SLS 2.4L I-4 Automatic (CVT) AWD $26,749

The entry level Kizashi comes equipped with eight airbags (front/rear side and curtain), keyless start, dual-zone climate control, a 9-speaker stereo system with steering wheel mounted controls, powered windows, doors and mirrors and ambient and footwell lighting. Impressive for a car of this class.

The SE trim will set you back an additional $2,500 that adds continuously variable transmission (CVT), 17-inch alloys, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, 3-position memory for the driver’s seat, and a leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control.

The next level of upgrade is the Sporty GTS model with a price starting at $22,499. This will se your Kizashi ship in with Rockford Fosgate 10-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, 18-inch wheels, fog lights and a power moon roof.

The Flagship Kizashi (SLS Model) has everything the GTS has with additional goodies such as leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning and graphic display. Prices for this model start at $24,399 (plus $735 for destination and handling).


Source : Suzuki