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AIMS 2011 gallery: Mazda

Mazda at AIMS 2011

We’ve waxed lyrical about the Mazda Shinari Concept already, but it really is an object of true beauty. It was first revealed to an invitation-only press event in Milan almost 12 months ago. Back then the media were given a gander inside (see Autoblog). If we had to take Mazda to task, that would be the only issue; denying us a more in depth viewing.

Both the Shinari and the Minagi SUV concept feature what Mazda calls their ‘KODO’ design language; they claim this will provide the inspiration for future production models. Let’s hope not too much is lost in translation because both models look fantastic, the Shinari especially. It’s Aston Martin Rapide-like in its size and shape and, to be honest, it actually looks quite a bit nicer.

We’ll soon see how ‘KODO’ is applied to production models when the CX-5 is released at the Frankfurt Motor show in September.

We also enjoyed a wry smile at the expense of the BT-50 ute decked out in what can only be described as pig-hunting trim.

If you live in Melbourne you have until this coming Sunday to get on down to Jeff’s shed to see the Shinari for yourself. Don’t miss it.

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AIMS 2011: The stars

AIMS 2011 teaser

Updates from our visit to AIMS last Friday haven’t progressed as well as we had hoped, so to give you a taste of what’s to come here’s a quick teaser of the five cars that stood out the most for us.

1. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
We’ve covered this car before, when it was first revealed way back in 2009. But seeing it first hand has given us an altogether new appreciation for it. The EffeicientDynamics concept is a genuinely stunning design that we now know previews the forthcoming i8 model. Forget the mechanical aspects of the car for a moment, though, and just appreciate every crease, curve and detail. It’s an astonishingly well made concept and almost makes up for BMW not displaying any other cars. That’s right, no 1M!

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Mazda

Mazda MX-5 aiming to be the biggest loser

Mazda MX-5 rendering

Last November Autocar brought word that Mazda is hoping to bring its next-gen MX-5 to market with a sub-1000kg kerb weight. Now, InsideLine has raised expectations further by nominating a sub-800kg figure. However, it’s unlikely that Mazda will reach such a low weight, so expect a kerb weight somewhere near the first-gen MX-5, which was 940kg. The current model tips the scales at roughly 1100kg, so a saving of 150kg or more is quite significant.

They go on to say the new MX-5 could be powered by a 1.4 litre turbocharged engine. High-strength steel could be used to aid weight reduction, along with a lesser spec for on-board equipment. Indeed, even the owner’s manual could be supplied on a USB stick, rather than in printed form.

Light, zippy zoom-zoom engine; it’s bound to be a great drive.

[Source: Inside Line | Pic: Autocar]

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New vehicle sales report – April 2011

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April’s Easter and Anzac day holiday break is being cited as the cause for an 8.8% drop in sales compared to 2010 figures. In all 74,214 new vehicles were sold.

Japanese marques are expected to have temporary ongoing supply issues following the unfortunate earthquake and tsunami.

Toyota and Holden continue their reign as the country’s top two selling brands. However, in April, they gain a rare visit from Hyundai in third place, ahead of usual rivals Ford and Mazda.

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New vehicle sales report – March 2011

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March was another month without much fanfare as far as vehicle sales go. The official press release from FCAI is very matter of fact.

In real terms, though, the numbers don’t seem too bad. A total of 93,984 sales were registered, a drop of just under 1% compared to March 2010.

FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar seemed to dismiss the drop in sales by saying, “Notwithstanding slightly lower sales during the month, the demand for new vehicles is broadly consistent with other retail and consumer demand indicators.”

Toyota and Holden remain unchallenged in their respective one and two positions on the sales charts. While it is Ford’s turn to hold the number three mantle from Mazda.

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New vehicle sales report – January 2011

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The start of the new calendar year has seen a solid result in the new car market with 73,584 new vehicles finding homes. That’s a minor drop in sales of 1280 (1.7%) compared to January last year.

However, it is worth noting that sales in flood ravaged Queensland dropped by almost 2000 (12.8%) compared to the same month in 2010.

According to FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar, “New vehicle sales in Queensland have taken a hit as people concentrate on the flood recovery effort.

“We can expect sales in Queensland to be slower in the short-term but will pick up in the months ahead as people begin to look for replacement vehicles.”

Toyota, Holden and Mazda begin the year as the top three selling marques in Australia.

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Mazda

The world’s best selling two seat sports car

Mazda MX-5

Congratulations must go to Mazda and its plucky little MX-5 for reaching a total production milestone of 900,000 vehicles. The new high-mark comes 21 years after production of the MX-5 began in April 1989.

In May 2000 total production of the MX-5 reached 531,890 which was enough to earn it the title of “Best selling two-seat sports car” as sanctioned by Guinness World Records. Since then the record has been re-sanctioned as production reached 700,000 and 800,000. Mazda is now seeking to have its new mark acknowledged.

The MX-5 badge is the longest serving in Mazda’s 90-plus year history and it seems like it will be around for a while yet. Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, “Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades.

“Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5’s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people.”

More after the break.

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New vehicle sales report – December 2010

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Congratulations Australia, for just the third time ever we have managed to send over 1 million new vehicles out the door. To be exact, 1,035,574 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles found new homes in 2010 and that represents an increase of almost 100,000 sales on 2009 figures.

“This is an exceptional outcome and is the second highest result on record and only the third time ever that the market exceeded more than one million sales,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

“With continuing strong levels of vehicle affordability there is no reason why the new vehicle market won’t continue to perform better than other areas of the economy.”

Toyota was the highest selling marque in 2010, with 214,718 sales registered. Holden and Ford followed with 132,923 and 95,824 sales respectively.

Holden can claim still bragging rights, though, with the Commodore proving to be Australia’s most popular car for the fifteenth year in a row. Its 45,956 sales placed it ahead of the Toyota Corolla, on 41,632, and the Toyota Hilux, with an impressive 39,896 sales.

Meanwhile, a number of other marques are shouting from the rooftops about their new records set in 2010, including BMW, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and Volkswagen.

UPDATE 7 January: Audi, Kia and Mitsubishi have released their brag sheets today, too.

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New vehicle sales report – November 2010

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VFACTS recorded a moderate increase in sales last month, up 1509 vehicles from November 2009. FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar reckons the motor industry is performing well compared to other industries, “These figures show new car sales continue to outperform other economic indicators, including retail spending and business investment.

“Much of the strength of the market can be attributed to the affordability of new vehicles, evidenced by the healthy sales to private buyers (up 9.6% in November).”

McKellar predicts Australia will register over 1 million new vehicle sales in 2010, if so it will be just the third time this has happened.

Toyota, Holden and Ford maintain their positions as the top three selling brands.

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Mazda

BBR teams up with Cosworth to give MX-5 added punch

BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5

The little Mazda MX-5 is a true modern classic. For over 20 years it has been adored by critics and buyers across the globe. Built from an old skool perspective where handling is more important than outright power, many have often felt the MX-5 could do with some more grunt.

The latest tuner to try its hand at doing just that is BBR GTi who have invited Cosworth to the party, as well. The BBR-Cosworth soiree found an extra 77bhp to throw at the current model NC MX-5 courtesy of an MP62 Eaton supercharger. That’s a massive 117kW 57kW in our lingo! Torque has also been given a boost, to the tune of 69Nm.

Importantly, BBR say the handling balance of the MX-5 has not been altered. Well, they would say that, I guess. The cost for the kit is £4995 (approx AU$8100), so you’d want to hope they’re right.

If you drive an older NA or NB MX-5, well, fear not as BBR have a 220bhp turbo tuning kit to help you along too.

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Mazda targets sub-1000kg weight for next MX-5

Mazda MX-5 rendering

Along with the above rendering Autocar brings word that Mazda are aiming to keep the weight of its next MX-5 under 1000kg. A saving of over 130kg on the current model. As usual, we can expect a nice little handler. Further aiding nimble handling is the adoption of production techniques from the RX-8 which will allow the engine to be mounted behind the front axle, while the fuel tank and heaviest parts of the exhaust will be in front of the rear axle.

Mazda is scheduled to unveil its fourth generation MX-5 towards the end of 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, before its sales launch in 2012.

[Source: Autocar]

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AIMS 2010: Photo gallery

AIMS 2010

Here is the AUSmotive photo gallery from the Australian International Motor Show industry day. There are 128 photos in all and you can simply click on each thumbnail to access a 2000px super image.

Highlights include a couple of track specials in the form of the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the rear-engined V6 Renault Megane Trophy. Others to look out for are the Toyota FT-86G concept, the Ford Focus RS, a trio of Lamborghini Gallardos and the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which looks great in all white.

Dedicated articles on the following cars can be access by clicking on the links below:

A big thank you to Daniel McKenna who joined the AUSmotive crew at AIMS and brought you many of the pictures you see here.

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