Categories
Mazda Video

Watch the US launch of the new Mazda MX-5

ND Mazda MX-5 launch from Monterey, California

If you couldn’t watch the live stream of yesterday’s US launch of the Mazda MX-5 then you’re in luck, because it’s available for you after the break.

Hosting the event from Monterey in Calfornia was Derek Jenkins, Mazda Director of Design. As we’ve come to realise there wasn’t a lot of technical detail revealed in this launch but it’s still interesting to hear Jenkins talk through some of the design aspects of the new MX-5.

Besides, what could be better than watching a car launch with a bunch of whooping and hollering Americans!

Categories
Mazda

Fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 revealed

2014 ND Mazda MX-5

So we now have our hands on all the press material Mazda has released with this initial launch of the fourth-generation MX-5. We can say that we do like the design quite a lot at first viewing in this two-dimensional form.

This ND MX-5 is the most different from its three predecessors, although Mazda will tell you differently. That’s no bad thing, though, because the company’s current Kodo design language is kicking goals across various product lines. Mazda’s cars do generally look very good and this new MX-5 is no exception. Perhaps more than ever this MX-5 looks as much fun as it should be to drive.

What we can’t bring you is any detailed technical specification. There’s 15 or so images, a brief press release and not much else. We know the new car will be around 100kg lighter than the old model. And we know it will have Skyactiv-G petrol engines “specially tuned for the MX-5.”

The new MX-5 won’t go on sale until 2015 so we expect full tech specs will be released in due course. We’ll bring them to you when we can. Until then take the jump to see everything we’ve got.

Categories
Mazda

Yes, this is the new Mazda MX-5

2014 ND Mazda MX-5

The leak was right, this is the fourth generation Mazda MX-5. Full technical details and more pictures will follow later today. The good news is the ND MX-5 is 100kg less than the model it replaces and has the lowest centre of gravity of any MX-5 yet built. It will feature Mazda’s Skyactiv-G petrol engines and is the first rear-wheel drive model to use a Skyactiv-chassis.

Categories
Alfa Romeo Fiat Mazda

Mazda and Fiat hop into bed together

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Good news kids! Mazda and Fiat have been fooling around together behind the bus shelter after school and want to take their relationship to the next level.

In adultspeak that means they have formally signed a non-binding MoU to collaborate on two new roadsters based on the MX-5 platform. Remember, that’s a rear wheel drive platform for those playing at home. The agreement states the new models shall be lightweight, distinctly styled and brand specific. Awesome.

So, what’s with the picture of the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept above? Fiat knows you only look at her because she’s got a bit of cash, she’s smart enough to know she’ll tease more cash from you if she struts a sexy Alfa Romeo in front of you. Much like the 4C, really.

To be clear, then, the two new models will be sold under the Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands. This story just got a little bit cooler, don’t you think. For Mazda they get to work with the style gurus from Italy. While Alfa Romeo gets to work with the efficiency masters from Hiroshima, which is where the current plans suggest the two cars will be built.

Assuming the courtship goes well then the Mazda–Alfa Romeo roadster romance should be consummated by the end of the year.

The official word can be read below and includes comments from the father’s of both families.

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The ragtop version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG isn’t due for its public debut until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but that hasn’t stopped the three-pointed star from releasing a big image gallery of their new Roadster.

Driven by the same 420kW/650Nm 6.3 litre V8 and 7-speed DCT as the “Gullwing” tintop, the Roadster gives the filthy rich, or those who truly deserve it—depending on your bank balance—access to the open sky in just 11 seconds. The soft top can be opened at speeds up to 50km/h as well.

The SLS AMG Roadster introduces some new in-cabin tech, too. It’s called “AMG Performance Media” and it brings some Nissan GTR-like telemetry to the main display screen—G forces, engine data, lap times; that sort of stuff.

After the break you can see 60-plus images from Benz, as well as a short promo clip and lengthy presser.

UPDATE: A quick note from Mercedes-Benz Australia: “The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will launch in Australia and New Zealand during quarter one, 2012. The selling price will be confirmed closer to its local launch.”

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster targets Frankfurt debut

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz has released these official images of the SLS AMG Roadster which document the car’s development from tin top to rag top.

According to Benz the SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster were created in parallel. That has given the engineers a head start in refining NVH levels, body rigidity, handling and the soft top roof.

The Roadster has completed 20,000kms of testing, half on urban roads, the other half around the Nürburgring. It will debut in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.

Categories
Mercedes-Benz Video

Mmmm, donuts!

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

From time to time we feature videos from car mags that bring us closer to the cars we love, or hope to love. Usually they’re pretty straight laced, informative and good, honest viewing. This clip from Car and Driver, though, breaks the mould. It’s the Mecrdes-Benz SLS AMG as you’ve never seen it before. You will love it!

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster spied

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

A couple of pics of a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster prototype have been doing the rounds today. Of course, the Roadster will lose the gullwing-style doors of the tin top, but it will feature the same stonking 6.3 litre V8 engine. Using a weight and space saving fabric roof the SLS AMG Roadster is expected to debut around the middle of next year.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Sneak peek: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

German publication Auto Motor und Sport currently has a promo previewing some of the cars that will be on show at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks (2–17 October). Included in that preview is this image of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. Until now we’ve only seen camouflaged prototypes in testing at the Nürburgring and the like.

Often the transition from tin top to soft top can result in a less than satisfying design. Based on this image, however, it would seem Mercedes has done quite well. The real test, of course, is seeing how the car looks with its roof down.

The engine specs from the 6.3 litre V8 found in the SLS AMG aren’t expected to change for the Roadster version. It will also be interesting to see how the dynamics of the soft top have been affected by its greater weight due to chassis strengthening.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster spy shots

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Pistonspy have some nice shots of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster in action at the Nürburgring. It’s expected we’ll get a proper look at an undisguised SLS AMG Roadster before the end of the year. It may even be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Engine specs from the tintop SLS AMG aren’t likely to change, so there might be a slight performance drop due to the extra weight needed to strengthen the roofless chassis.

[Pic: Pistonspy]

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster test

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Those of you who think gullwing style doors are a bit passe might be interested to learn the Roadster version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is getting closer to a release. This video filmed at the Nürburgring shows the car in action. As with its tin top sibling the engine note is pretty special. Check out the clip after the break.

[via The German Car Blog]

Categories
BMW

BMW Z2 scheduled for 2011?

BMW Z2 - Auto Motor und Sport

German publication Auto Motor und Sport reckons BMW are on track to reveal a baby Z2 roadster by 2011. If this rendering, prepared by Mark Stehrenberger, is anything to go by it will be as stunning to look at as it will be to drive, no doubt.

Best guesses would indicate a mostly four cylinder engine line up, with the possibility of some type of hybrid engine in the range, as well. Although, if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking how good it would be to have the 225kW twin turbo inline six cylinder from the 135i wrapped inside this gorgeous shell.

Here’s hoping this rumour grows in momentum and we see something concrete on the Z2 in 2010.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport via autoblog