Tag Archives: Mazda

First generation Mazda MX-5 as EV

The British company Electrogenic is specialized in turning classic cars into EVs, and some of their projects are the Porsche 911, Land Rover Defender and Jaguar E-Type. One of their latest projects is the Mazda MX-5.

The new equipment kit has increased the vehicle’s weight by 100 kilograms, but it should be noted that the conversion process is reversible and owners can return their car to its original configuration if they wish. This approach allows them to take advantage of the benefits of electrification, but also to restore the historical value of their vehicle.

The Mazda MX-5 is powered by a single electric motor with more than 160 hp (117 kW) and 228 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, paired with a single-speed gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. It is equipped with a 42 kWh battery that is located where the 1.8-liter engine used to be, as well as the fuel tank. The battery provides a range of 240 kilometers, and it takes up to an hour to fully charge the battery.

The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in more than 6 seconds with a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph). Drivers can use two modes, Eco which maximizes range, and Sport for maximum performance. It should be noted that the equipment kit is compatible with versions with manual and automatic transmissions.

The price of the upgrade has not been announced.

Source: Electrogenic

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Mazda Iconic SP goes into production

At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Mazda revealed a concept car that could now go into production. It is a sports car Iconic SP, which represents a combination of classic and modern design.

General Manager Design Division at Mazda Masashi Nakayama said that this is not just a show car, but a car created with the real intention of hitting the road one day.

This finally resolved the doubt whether Mazda will start production of the Iconic SP. It will likely be offered in two versions, as a sports car that will follow in the footsteps of the RX-7 and RX-8, but also as a smaller car closer in size to the popular MX-5 roadster. Also, with its appearance, the Iconic SP represents a review of the design of Mazda’s sports cars.

When it comes to the powertrain, the option is a hybrid system – a combination of electric and rotary engine – with a total power of 375 hp (276 kW). In this case, the rotary engine has the role of a range extender, so that the car can move even when the battery is empty. Of course, during development, it was also taken into account that the car can use several types of carbon-neutral fuel, which reduces harmful emissions by up to 90 percent.

There will be more information in the coming months.

Source: Mazda

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Mazda is developing a new Skyactiv-Z engine

In 2012, Mazda revealed its first model with the “Kodo” design language and the first fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, the compact crossover SUV CX-5. Four years later, the second generation arrived on the market, and now the Japanese company announces the new third generation of this model.

What do we know so far? The redesigned crossover will play a central role in Mazda’s Phase 2 plan, which includes a transition to full electrification by 2027. This means that the new generation CX-5 will get a new hybrid powertrain, but it will also be 60 percent less complex than the current model.

The Japanese company will introduce a new electric vehicle based on a new platform currently under development in three years, which could help the company at a time when electric vehicle adoption is weak.

Mazda also confirmed the development of the new Skyactiv-Z engine as a four-cylinder successor to the Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines, with better combustion and improved environmental and driving performance, which should arrive in the next three years. It will use the lambda one combustion method, which enables high thermal efficiency by realizing super lean combustion over a wide range from low to high revs. This combustion technology will also be introduced in the 6-cylinder engine.

Source: Mazda