Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.



[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi eoraaudi espiraAudiEoraAudiEspiradesign challengedesign challenge 2009DesignChallengeDesignChallenge2009general motors car heroGeneralMotorsCarHerohonda helixHondaHelixLA Design challengeLA Design Challenge 2009LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2009mazda sougaMazdaSouganissan v2gnissan v2g unmltdNissanV2gNissanV2gUnmltdtoyota linkToyotaLinkThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mazda working on business case for diesels in America]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-mazda-working-on-business-case-for-diesels-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-mazda-working-on-business-case-for-diesels-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-mazda-working-on-business-case-for-diesels-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Stop us if you've heard this one. A major global automaker with plans in place to increase fuel efficiency X percent by X date offers all kinds of cool diesel engines all over the world except in America. The reason? Americans don't buy diesels, they say. In this case, the automaker in question is Mazda, and the goal is to boost the fuel efficiency of its fleet of cars and trucks 30 percent by 2015.

According to Seita Kanai, head of research and development at Mazda, the Japanese automaker would need to sell at least 10,000 diesel engines in the States to make a profitable business case. Not surprisingly, Mazda is studying Volkswagen's recent success in offering diesels here in America to see if there's any chance of moving the required units.

Whatever the case, we know that Mazda has some worthwhile new powerplants that we'd love to see installed in the engine bays of products like the current Mazda3 and upcoming Mazda2.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Mazda working on business case for diesels in America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselmazdamazda dieselmazda sky dmazda sky dieselMazda SKY enginesMazdaDieselMazdaSkyDMazdaSkyDieselMazdaSkyEnginesSat, 24 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mazda looking to raise $1.1B to catch up in hybrid race]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-mazda-looking-to-raise-1-1b-to-catch-up-in-hybrid-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-mazda-looking-to-raise-1-1b-to-catch-up-in-hybrid-race/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-mazda-looking-to-raise-1-1b-to-catch-up-in-hybrid-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Mazda Tribute - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Reuters, Mazda plans to raise up to $1.1 billion (95.9 billion yen) by issuing 315.2 million new shares and selling 96.8 million treasury shares. The resulting funds are to be reinvested in the company, mainly for research and development into hybrids and other eco-friendly technologies.

So far, Mazda's only hybrid has been a version of its Tribute crossover utility vehicle, which was in reality little more than a badge-engineered version of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Last year, Ford reduced its stake in Mazda to 13.8 percent, meaning that the Japanese automaker could no longer rely on the Blue Oval for eco-friendliness and needed to make its own independent investment into new technologies.

Back in April, Mazda announced plans to boost the fuel efficiency of its fleet of cars and trucks by 30 percent, and that laudable effort will begin in 2011 with a new fuel efficient version of its bread-and-butter 2.0-liter four cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Well, now we know how all this newfangled Sustainable Zoom Zoom stuff will be paid for.


Gallery: Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Mazda looking to raise $1.1B to catch up in hybrid race originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridmazdamazda hybridmazda hybridsmazda sharesmazda stockMazdaHybridMazdaHybridsMazdaSharesMazdaStockMon, 05 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Mazda debuts next-gen SKY clean engines, transmission and Kiyora concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/tokyo-2009-mazda-debuts-next-gen-sky-clean-engines-transmissio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/tokyo-2009-mazda-debuts-next-gen-sky-clean-engines-transmissio/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/tokyo-2009-mazda-debuts-next-gen-sky-clean-engines-transmissio/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mazda Kiyora Concept set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda just dumped a bunch of info about their next generation clean engines that will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, and we have two words for you: direct and diesel. Along with its next-gen 'Mazda SKY Drive' high-efficiency automatic transmissions, visitors to the at 41st Tokyo Motor Show will get to see the 'Mazda SKY-G' direct injection gas engine and the 'Mazda SKY-D' clean diesel engine. The house of Zoom-Zoom is hoping to use these advanced technologies to boost their corporate average fuel economy by a whopping 30 percent between 2008 and 2015.

In typical Mazda fashion, they want everyone to know that they haven't given up on driving excitement in their move to more eco-friendly fare. Mazda is out to prove that 'fun' and 'green' don't have to be mutually exclusive terms. The Mazda SKY display area will be broken into "Technologies for Today, Tomorrow and The Future." The Today area will show off things like i-stop, the idle start-stop feature that debuted on the 2010 Mazda3. The Future area will host the rotary-powered Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid among other things. But the one we're really waiting to see is the Mazda Kiyora concept.

The Kiyora is a lightweight concept powered by a new 1.3L d.i. engine. It will travel 32 kilometers per liter of fuel (under Japan's 10-15 mode test cycle, about 75 mpg U.S.), and promises lots of smiles per gallon as well. Besides that new SKY engine, the Kiyora will also feature the new Mazda SKY-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking, and super-slick aerodynamics. It also weighs at least 100 kg less than any other car in the current lineup. Follow the jump for more details and check out the gallery as well.


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mazda debuts next-gen SKY clean engines, transmission and Kiyora concept

Tokyo 2009: Mazda debuts next-gen SKY clean engines, transmission and Kiyora concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmazdaMazda enginemazda kiyoramazda kiyora conceptMazda SKYMazda SKY engineMazda SKY enginesMazdaEngineMazdaKiyoraMazdaKiyoraConceptMazdaSkyMazdaSkyEngineMazdaSkyEnginesreporttokyotokyo 2009Tokyo2009tokyomotorshowTue, 29 Sep 2009 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/dyson-racing-debuts-ethanol-biobutanol-blend-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dyson Racing B09/96 running at Mid-Ohio - click above for high res image gallery

When we spoke with American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton at the Detroit Auto Show last January he revealed that discussions were being held between the series and parties interested in racing with a new fuel. At the time he declined to reveal the nature of the fuel but expected to announce something during the 2009 season. We're now down to the second-to-last-race of 2009 and a fourth fuel has finally arrived.

Dyson Racing's LMP2 #16 Lola-Mazda is running unclassified at this weekend's Petiti Le Mans because its fuel tank will be filled with a blend of biobutanol and ethanol. This is the first use of butanol in an ALMS car. Dyson has been working with its primary sponsor, BP, and engine supplier Mazda to develop the new fuel which is currently produced from sugar cane but can also be produced from cellulosic sources. Butanol has several advantages over ethanol including higher energy density allowing mileage and power closer to gasoline. Because it doesn't have the same tendency to absorb water that causes corrosion, it can be blended with gasoline in higher concentrations without modifying the engines. Hopefully in 2010 we'll see cars running for points fueled by butanol all season long.

Gallery: Dyson Racing Mazda-Lola at Mid-Ohio


[Source: American Le Mans Series]
All photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans

Dyson Racing debuts ethanol-biobutanol blend at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengebiobutanolbutanolbutanolfueldysondyson racingdyson racing lola mazdaDysonRacingDysonRacingLolaMazdaethanolethanol-butanol blendEthanol-butanolBlendfalselola-mazdapetit le mansPetitLeMansSun, 27 Sep 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-mazda-mx-5-superlight-makes-us-wonder-how-wed-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-mazda-mx-5-superlight-makes-us-wonder-how-wed-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-mazda-mx-5-superlight-makes-us-wonder-how-wed-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.

Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and us in the process), but the Superlight goes to show what an inventive mind and a skilled hand or two can do with the iconic Mazda roadster. Characterized by its windshield-less shape, the Superlight also features an exquisitely crafted cockpit of brushed aluminum and saddle brown leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber rolls hoops with integrated brake LEDs, an aluminum rearview mirror mounted on the hood, a wider track, dropped suspension and upgraded brakes.

While the engine essentially carries over from the stock 1.8-liter, 126hp four, the Mazdaspeed intake and exhaust, coupled with the reduced 2,194-pound curb weight, bring the 0-60 run down to 8.9 seconds. Which may not sound like breakneck acceleration, but with the wind rushing at your face, we're guessing this junior Veritas is a real thrill ride. Check it out in the gallery below.




Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShowfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowmazdamazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamazda mx-5 superlightmazda mx-5 superlight conceptmazda mx-5 superlight versionmazda superlightMazdaMiataMazdaMx-5MazdaMx-5MiataMazdaMx-5SuperlightMazdaMx-5SuperlightConceptMazdaMx-5SuperlightVersionMazdaSuperlightmx-5 superlightMx-5SuperlightsuperlightTue, 15 Sep 2009 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mazda to release new fuel efficient engine in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-mazda-to-release-new-fuel-efficient-engine-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-mazda-to-release-new-fuel-efficient-engine-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/report-mazda-to-release-new-fuel-efficient-engine-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda's previously announced promise to boost the fuel efficiency of its fleet of cars and trucks by 30 percent will officially kick off in the year 2011 as the Japanese automaker releases a new series of efficient powertrains, starting with its best-selling 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. That revised powerplant will be hooked up to a new six-speed automatic transmission for even greater fuel savings, gaining 10 miles per gallon in both city (from 22 to 32 mpg) and highway (from 32 to 42 mpg).

Automotive News (sub. req'd) suggests that either the next-gen MX-5 or Mazda5 would be likely initial candidates for the new powerplant combination. Also on the way is a revised version of the long-running Wankel rotary engine, which is rumored to feature a displacement increase along with direct injection. Six-cylinder engines will continue to be sourced from Ford.

Seita Kanai, head of Mazda's eco-friendly movement, says that the 30-percent efficiency boost doesn't include advancements the automaker is making into stop/start, regenerative braking or hybrid technology. Finally, Mazda says it is studying the U.S. market to determine if there's a reason to bring diesel engines Stateside. Might we suggest a meeting of the minds with Volkswagen?



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Mazda to release new fuel efficient engine in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mazda2011Mazdamazdamazda 2.0mazda fuel efficiencymazda fuel mileagemazda hybridmazda hybridsmazda mileagemazda mx-5mazda rx-8mazda rx-9Mazda2.0MazdaFuelEfficiencyMazdaFuelMileageMazdaHybridMazdaHybridsMazdaMileageMazdaMx-5MazdaRx-8MazdaRx-9Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Mazda CX-7 to debut new diesel SCR system]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/frankfurt-preview-mazda-cx-7-to-debut-new-diesel-scr-system/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/frankfurt-preview-mazda-cx-7-to-debut-new-diesel-scr-system/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/frankfurt-preview-mazda-cx-7-to-debut-new-diesel-scr-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Mazda CX-7 MZR-CD - click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda will be showing off the newly refreshed CX-7 with the latest MZR-CD 2.2-liter diesel next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This will be the first Japanese brand diesel to feature an selective catalytic reduction system. Like other SCR systems, this one uses urea injection to convert NOx emissions to nitrogen and water. The AdBlue (aqueous urea solution) is stored in a tank under the rear cargo area and injected into the exhaust stream ahead of the catalytic converter.

The urea tank is sized to support service intervals of about 12,000 miles so the drive shouldn't run out of urea before regular service intervals. The CX-7 will conform to EURO-V emissions standards Unfortunately, the diesel will only be offered in the European market.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda CX-7 MZR-CD


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Mazda CX-7 to debut new diesel SCR system

Frankfurt Preview: Mazda CX-7 to debut new diesel SCR system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowMazdamazda cxmazda cx 7mazda cx-7mazda cx-7 dieselMazdaCxMazdaCx-7MazdaCx-7DieselMazdaCx7ureaurea injectionurea-injectionUreaInjectionFri, 14 Aug 2009 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Mazda MX-5 Superlight ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/frankfurt-preview-mazda-mx-5-superlight/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/frankfurt-preview-mazda-mx-5-superlight/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/frankfurt-preview-mazda-mx-5-superlight/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mazda MX-5 Superlight Show Car - Click above for high-res gallery

Mazda will display a concept version of the MX-5 Superlight at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show that combines eco-consciousness with enhanced performance. Mazda isn't pretending we'll get to see the MX-5 Superlight on the road any time soon - they say this is "a pure show car" and you probably noticed in it doesn't have a windshield - but some of the strategies used to reduce the emissions from the car could be transferred to production versions of the MX-5, aka the Miata. Mazda has been saying for a while now that the next-gen MX-5 would be about 10 percent lighter overall, and it's likely that the refreshed 2011 model year MX-5 Miata could get a downsized gas engine, maybe with a turbocharger and direct injection. Other alternatives, like a diesel or hybrid powerplant, are not impossible but go against the lightweight ethos that the Superlight is espousing. Whatever happens with the MX-5 Miata that makes it to showroom floors, Mazda says the Superlight concept will feature "improved driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions." The Superlight will be unveiled in Frankfurt on September 15th. Until then, take a walk down MX-5 Miata lane here.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Superlight Show Car

58309maz-58309-a-maz-

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Frankfurt Preview: Mazda MX-5 Superlight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsemazda miatamazda miata superlightmazda mx-5mazda mx5 miataMazdaMiataMazdaMiataSuperlightMazdaMx-5MazdaMx5Miatamiata superlightMiataSuperlightmx-5mx-5 superlightMx-5SuperlightWed, 05 Aug 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Does Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost four = MazdaSpeed3 four? Nope]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/does-fords-2-0l-ecoboost-four-mazdaspeed3-four-nope/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/does-fords-2-0l-ecoboost-four-mazdaspeed3-four-nope/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/does-fords-2-0l-ecoboost-four-mazdaspeed3-four-nope/#commentsFiled under: ,



After Ford VP Barb Samardzich officially announced that the 2.0-liter four cylinder EcoBoost engine that's coming next year, a correspondent for the Examiner.com postulated that this engine was in fact nothing more than a re-badged version of the 2.3-liter engine from the MazdaSpeed3. Certainly there are similarities in the specs: both have four cylinders, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, etc., and there has been plenty of collaboration between the two companies. The Mazda CX-9 even uses a version of Ford's 3.7-liter V6.

We checked with Ford and, while they have not released many details of the engine, they did provide some explanation. The EcoBoost, like other recent DuraTec-badged Ford fours, shares a block design with Mazda's similar displacement units. In fact, the EcoBoost block is the same as the Mazda L3T used in the MazdaSpeed3. However, the entire top end of the engine has been redesigned. Like the V6 EcoBoost, the four uses a new direct injection system that is presumably less expensive and allows Ford to use these engines much more widely.

The Mazda engine also requires premium fuel. All of the EcoBoost engines are designed to run on regular, although they will get a bit more power with extra octane. The EcoBoost also gets independent variable timing for each of the intake and exhaust cams.

The upshot: the two engines are built on the same foundations, but they are not the same engine.

[Sources: Ford, Examiner.com]

Does Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost four = MazdaSpeed3 four? Nope originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoboostecoboost 2.0ecoboost 2.0lEcoboost2.0Ecoboost2.0lfordford ecoboostford ecoboost fourFordEcoboostFordEcoboostFourmazdamazdaspeed3Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop? Pause? A distinction without a difference with Mazda iStop]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/stop-pause-a-distinction-without-a-difference-with-mazda-istop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/stop-pause-a-distinction-without-a-difference-with-mazda-istop/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/stop-pause-a-distinction-without-a-difference-with-mazda-istop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mazda3 with i-Stop - click above for high-res image gallery

If an engine is not being fed any fuel and the crankshaft is not rotating, is it running? Of course not. But would you say it is stopped or paused? Both, it makes no difference. It's simply a semantic distinction with no difference in real meaning. Mazda has introduced a new kind of automatic start-stop system on the 2010 Mazda3 called i-Stop. Until now, such systems primarily consisted of using either a beefed up starter motor or an alternator integrated with starter motor functionality to restart the engine. These units have to be more robust in order to withstand the greater number of engine start cycles that are required compared to traditional engines.

Mazda's system takes advantage of direct injection and a crank position sensor to re-start the engine without a stronger starter. The engine is stopped/paused with one of the pistons in the middle of its power stroke. During re-start, fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder and then ignited. The force of the expanding and combusting fuel pushes the piston down, taking the load off the starter. Thus, the engine can re-start more quickly and smoothly.
Gizmag calls this pausing the engine rather than stopping it, but Mazda never uses that term in any of its press materials. Currently the i-Stop system is not available on the U.S. market 3, but it will likely arrive eventually.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda3 i-Stop


[Sources: Gizmag, Mazda]

Continue reading Stop? Pause? A distinction without a difference with Mazda iStop

Stop? Pause? A distinction without a difference with Mazda iStop originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto start stopauto stopAutoStartStopAutoStopdirect injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectioni-stopmazdamazda i-stopmazda3mazda3 i-stopMazda3I-stopMazdaI-stoppausestopFri, 03 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Australian company behind the evMe has announced plans to expand their conversion-concept horizons to the European market. Energetique has made the trip from Down Under to Germany and signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with vehicle development firm RLE that will see the partnership develop an adaptable and affordable electric vehicle platform that can meet a variety of different customer needs. What that means in English is that they will take the approach used to turn the Mazda 2 into the evMe and apply it to other vehicle types for small fleet buyers with specific needs.

The original Energetique project looks like it's going well if one were to judge it by its website cover. The evMe internet home has been fully fleshed out since our last visit and now boasts plenty of pictures as well as links to its Facebook page and an electric car survey. They've also been garnering a bit of favorable Aussie press attention that's worth checking out. As far as conversions from the land of kangaroos and wallabies are concerned, we've seen worse. Official press release after the break.

[Source: Energetique]

Continue reading Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe

Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric conversionElectricConversionEnergetiqueevMeprofessional electric conversionProfessionalElectricConversionRLEThu, 18 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mazda paint system reduces VOC and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/new-mazda-paint-system-reduces-voc-and-co-sub-2-sub-emissions/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/new-mazda-paint-system-reduces-voc-and-co-sub-2-sub-emissions/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/new-mazda-paint-system-reduces-voc-and-co-sub-2-sub-emissions/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the ongoing effort to reduce the environmental impact of building cars, automakers are re-evaluating their paint systems (see here). Mazda has introduced a new water-based system at its Ujina Plant No.1 that slashes volatile organic compound emissions by 57% compared to current systems

Water-based painting systems have been used for many years, because the use of water rather than solvents releases so much less VOCs. However, the process of drying the paint to evaporate the water has been energy intensive. Mazda claims to have developed a more efficient air conditioning and evaporator system for its paint shop that addresses the problem. The Aqua-tech system also cuts the number of steps in the painting process. The implication is that only a newly developed top-coat paint is used without any primer. The new top-coat apparently has the same qualities as the previous primer/top coat process.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading New Mazda paint system reduces VOC and CO2 emissions

New Mazda paint system reduces VOC and CO2 emissions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aqua-tech paint processAqua-techPaintProcessmazdapaintreduced voc emissionsReducedVocEmissionsTue, 16 Jun 2009 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda goes big for hybrids in next decade]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/mazda-goes-big-for-hybrids-in-next-decade/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/mazda-goes-big-for-hybrids-in-next-decade/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/mazda-goes-big-for-hybrids-in-next-decade/#commentsFiled under: ,



Zoom Zoom may soon rhyme with Green Green as Mazda has added itself to the growing list of automakers investing heavily in hybrid automotive technology. While it's true that the Japanese automaker has offered a hybrid version of its Tribute SUV, that car is really little more than a rebadged Ford Escape Hybrid.

Mazda's next hybrids will be developed in-house and will be adapted to existing nameplates, not standalone models such as the Toyota Prius, Lexus HS 250h and Honda Insight. We can expect to see these new Mazda hybrids sometime within the next five years or so, though the automaker is trying to push that date up as much as possible.

Why is Mazda suddenly showing such an interest in hybrid technology? Speaking to Automotive News, Executive Vice President Philip Spender suggests that it's due in part to the fact that rival automakers are investing so heavily in hybrids. Plus, upcoming regulations in the United States and abroad will usher in new technologies to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency - two goals that hybrids are particularly well-suited for.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Mazda goes big for hybrids in next decade originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid mazdaHybridMazdamazdamazda hybridmazda hybridsMazdaHybridMazdaHybridsFri, 12 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mazda Axela (Mazda3) with start/stop now on sale in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/new-mazda-axela-mazda3-with-start-stop-now-on-sale-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/new-mazda-axela-mazda3-with-start-stop-now-on-sale-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/new-mazda-axela-mazda3-with-start-stop-now-on-sale-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Mazda3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all new Mazda Axela (aka the Mazda3) went on sale in Japan today, and the automaker hopes to sell 2,000 of the "eco-sports" car a month. As expected, all new 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive 3s get stop-start technology (which Mazda calls i-stop) and Mazda says that the new i-stop Axela gets 43 mpg (U.S.), an improvement of about 15 percent compared to the previous model. The cheapest Axela with i-stop is 1,890,000 yen (about $19,400).

Here in the U.S., the new Mazda3 was able to get an EPA "SmartWay" designation, which means it scored well on the agency's environmental scorecard.

Gallery: 2010 Mazda Axela (Mazda3)


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading New Mazda Axela (Mazda3) with start/stop now on sale in Japan

New Mazda Axela (Mazda3) with start/stop now on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda alexamazda3MazdaAlexastop startStopStartThu, 11 Jun 2009 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda reorganization puts more focus on green vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/mazda-reorganization-puts-more-focus-on-green-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/mazda-reorganization-puts-more-focus-on-green-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/mazda-reorganization-puts-more-focus-on-green-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to various reports all over the interwebs, Mazda - long known as an automaker most interested in a sporty driving experience - is currently shaking up the ranks of its management in an effort to find the right fit for its executives and enable certain individuals to have more influence over the decision making process at the Japanese automaker. It seems the organizational changes also include the creation of a new department that will oversee the development of eco-friendly and specifically electric vehicles.

Up until this point, Mazda has carefully cultured its racy, performance-minded heritage, which includes the "Zoom Zoom" corporate tagline. With the upcoming rise in CAFE regulations and the overall push towards biofuels and the electrification of the automobile, it's possible Mazda now sees the need to infuse a bit more environmental awareness into its marketing position.

Gallery: Mazda Taiki


[Source: Detroit News, Kicking Tires]

Mazda reorganization puts more focus on green vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsmazdamazda electric carmazda evMazdaElectricCarMazdaEvThu, 04 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda delivers first Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mazda-delivers-first-premacy-hydrogen-re-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mazda-delivers-first-premacy-hydrogen-re-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/mazda-delivers-first-premacy-hydrogen-re-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid (Iwatani Corporation version)

A little while ago we told you that Mazda had begun taking orders for its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. Well, today they delivered the first one to a Japanese energy company, Iwatani Corporation. As we told you before, the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid takes the basic powertrain from the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE and adds an electric motor in series, adding a healthy dose of zoom-zoom while extending the range.

Hydrogen fuel range is twice that of the RX-8 at 200 kilometers. Not only that, but the rotary mill can switch to running on gasoline if hydrogen isn't handy. The powerplant and its lithium-ion batteries are then mounted in the oh-so-versatile Premacy microvan, which is better known as the Mazda5 on these shores.

Iwatani Corporation has had an RX-8 Hydrogen RE in their fleet since March 2006 and this Premacy will join it at the company's offices in Western Japan for a while, before heading to the Kansai International Airport in Osaka. There it will be used at the Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project's (JHFC) Kansai Airport Hydrogen Station. The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda delivers first Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

Mazda delivers first Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazda hybridmazda premacymazda premacy hydrogenmazda premacy hydrogen re hybridMazdaHybridMazdaPremacyMazdaPremacyHydrogenMazdaPremacyHydrogenReHybridpremacyPremacy Hybridpremacy hydrogen re hybridPremacyHybridPremacyHydrogenReHybridTue, 26 May 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the next Mazda Renesis rotary set to get direct-injection?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/is-the-next-mazda-renesis-rotary-set-to-get-direct-injection/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/is-the-next-mazda-renesis-rotary-set-to-get-direct-injection/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/is-the-next-mazda-renesis-rotary-set-to-get-direct-injection/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine. It's taken this long for anyone to actually notice application 20090101103, which appears to have been approved just last month, but it's still an interesting development in the ongoing saga of the engine design.

First developed and patented by German engineer Felix Wankel way back in the early 1950s, the rotary engine has always been able to make lots of power relative to its small size, but it's also proven extremely difficult to keep emissions and fuel consumption at acceptable levels. Adding direct injection may be one effective way to manage the fuel consumption issue, and it's long been assumed Mazda would go this route on the next version of its Renesis rotary.

Further, it seems the automaker is working to slightly change the dimensions of the rotor housing (increased displacement?) and the distance between the twin spark plugs, which may have desirable effects on the engine's tailpipe emissions. It's certainly no sure-thing that this engine is going into production, but it shows the Japanese automaker is intent on improving its rotary technology. Click here to see the actual patent application, and check out all seventeen diagrams in our gallery below.


[Source: U.S. Patent & Trademark Office via SWDELAW]

Is the next Mazda Renesis rotary set to get direct-injection? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 21 May 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16x16x renesis16x rotary16xRenesis16xRotarydirect injecteddirect injected rotarydirect injectiondirect injection rotaryDirectInjectedDirectInjectedRotaryDirectInjectionDirectInjectionRotarymazdamazda renesismazda renesis patentmazda rotarymazda rotary patentMazdaRenesisMazdaRenesisPatentMazdaRotaryMazdaRotaryPatentThu, 21 May 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda officially delivers first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Norway]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/mazda-officially-delivers-first-mazda-rx-8-hydrogen-re-in-norway/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/mazda-officially-delivers-first-mazda-rx-8-hydrogen-re-in-norway/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/mazda-officially-delivers-first-mazda-rx-8-hydrogen-re-in-norway/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mazda RX-8 turnover ceremony - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Late last month, Mazda delivered the first of 30 European-spec RX-8 Hydrogen RE cars. At a ceremony in the Norwegian capital of Oslo this week, the vehicles were accepted by Norwegian crown prince Haakon at the opening of one of two new hydrogen fueling stations in Oslo. These stations are part of a new hydrogen fueling infrastructure that Norway is building out along the route between Oslo on the eastern coast and Stavanger on the western North Sea coast.

Also on hand for the event was Norwegian Minister of Transportation, Ms. Liv Signe Navarsete, who drove off in the new RX-8 after the crown prince fueled it up for the first time. Being a dual-fuel car, the Hydrogen RE is capable of running on either hydrogen or gasoline. Besides the switch from right to left hand drive, the European version of the RX-8 also gets a manual transmission in place of the automatic in the Japanese version. Mazda plans to deliver the remaining cars beginning this summer.


Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RE delivery in Norway


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda officially delivers first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Norway

Mazda officially delivers first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Norway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 13 May 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazda rx-8 hydrogen remazda rx-8 hydrogen rotary enginemazda rx-8 rotary en...MazdaRx-8HydrogenReMazdaRx-8HydrogenRotaryEngineMazdaRx-8RotaryEn...norwayWed, 13 May 2009 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda brings new diesel engines in Mazda 2 in June]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/mazda-brings-new-diesel-engines-in-mazda-2-in-june/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/mazda-brings-new-diesel-engines-in-mazda-2-in-june/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/mazda-brings-new-diesel-engines-in-mazda-2-in-june/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mazda2 - Click above for a complete gallery

Mazda announced last fall it would be phasing out the current 1.4-liter diesels in the Mazda2 hoods with new 1.6-liter units. Starting in June, the new 1.6-liter will be available in the 2. This is the same powertrain found at the 2's larger sibling, the Mazda3, but this is the 90hp version, which is 22 hp more powerful than the previous unit. Torque is also increased, it goes from 160 Nm at 2,000 rpm to 212 at 1,750, quite an increase. Fuel consumption stays the same at 4.2 l/100 km (56mpg) and CO2 emissions are reduced to 112 g/km, with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) fitted as standard. Prices are bumped up, too, by 1,000 euros. The new Mazda2 starts at €16,250.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2


[Source: Auto News]

Mazda brings new diesel engines in Mazda 2 in June originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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