Mazda to Launch Customized Versions of CX-5, Mazda3, RX-8, MX-5 et al at Tokyo Auto Salon

It may not have the same international flavor as the Tokyo Motor Show, but the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will take place in Chiba, Japan, from January 13 to 15, is nevertheless an event that will draw the attention of all Japanese car manufacturers.

Mazda was the first to announce its line-up for the auto salon, led by the new CX-5 that will be launched in Japan next spring. The new compact-size crossover will be shown in two versions: the standard model, and a customized special edition sporting red bodywork color, matte-black alloy wheels and a slightly lower ride height.

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Mazda Hints at Next Mazda6 with Diesel-Powered Takeri Concept in Tokyo

Arguably, the Takeri concept is Mazda’s most important attraction at this week's Tokyo Motor Show. Intended to showcase the styling of the Mazda6's replacement that is due in 2013, it adopts many elements of the new “Kodo” design introduced in the Shinari concept, which is also on display at the firm's Tokyo stand.

Powering the 4,850mm long four-door sedan study is the new SKYACTIV-D 2.0-liter diesel engine linked to the firm's new 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Takeri is also fitted with Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system and a unique regenerative braking system called ‘i-ELOOP’ (Intelligent Energy Loop). The i-ELOOP is billed as the world’s first kinetic energy recovery system that uses a capacitor and a 25V to 12V alternator instead of a traditional battery pack.

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Mazda Readies New Biante GRANZ Prototype for the Tokyo Motor Show

The 42nd edition of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show that opens for the public on December 3 will see Mazda unveiling a new prototype version of its Japanese domestic market Biante people carrier.

The Biante GRANZ showcar is a design study for a more luxurious version of the 4.7-meter (186-in.) long minivan. The most noticeable changes take place up front where Mazda's designers moved the firm's new five-point grille from the lower part of the bumper to right under the hood. The new grille also gains prominent horizontal chrome slabs.

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Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System, Debuts on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.

Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).

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Mazda Takeri Sedan Concept Smiles for the Video Camera

This year's edition of the Tokyo Motor Show in December is gearing up to be one of the most exciting automotive events of the year as we're anticipating many important debuts including the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ twins, the new Honda CR-V and the reason why we're writing this article, the Mazda Takeri concept.

Even though Mazda's initial press release didn't disclose many details, the Takeri is believed to be a thinly disguised concept of the next generation of the Mazda6 sedan in the same way that the Minagi study previewed the CX-5 that was revealed in Frankfurt this September.

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2011 SEMA Show Debut for Mazda5 Laguna SECA Support Vehicle

Albeit one of the lesser "zoom-zoom" models in Mazda's range, the Mazda5 minivan also received a special treatment for the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

Dubbed the Mazda5 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (MRLS) support vehicle, the six-seater family car has been reimagined with a slightly sportier flair.

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Hot Mazda2 Turbo with MAZDASPEED3 Engine and 3dCarbon Concepts Hit the SEMA Show Floor

There's a lot going on at Mazda's 2011 SEMA Show booth this year. Along with the two MX-5 concept roadsters, the Japanese brand also brought a pair of hotted-up Mazda2 studies to the Las Vegas show.

Without doubt, the Mazda2 Turbo is the one to watch out for as the concept model has been fitted with the MAZDASPEED3's MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine that pumps out 263-horses and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.

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Sweet: Supercharged Mazda MX-5 Super20 gets a New 'Do for 2011 SEMA

Joining the new MX-5 Spyder Concept at Mazda's 2011 SEMA Show booth is a blast from the past, the MX-5 Super20 that returns to Las Vegas with a new color scheme.

Introduced during last year's SEMA extravaganza, the refreshed MX-5 Super20 ditches the original model's dark color theme for an eye-popping Hyper Orange Mica exterior treatment offset by a matte black finish for the hardtop, wheel arch extensions, trim accents, stripes and 16-inch Enkei RPF1 twin-spoke racing wheels matched with Toyo Proxes RA-1 245/45ZR16 tires.

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2011 SEMA: Hot Mazda MX-5 Spyder Revealed in Detail

One of the most intriguing concept models of this year's edition of the SEMA automotive aftermarket extravaganza, which takes place in Las Vegas from November 1 to 4, is the Mazda MX-5 Spyder.

Based on the soft-top MX-5, the two-seater roadster model has been tastefully modded with a mix of bespoke accessories and body parts such as the ground effects kit and the redesigned front bumper that sports a new grille and air vents.

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Mazda to Woo SEMA Show Crowd with MX-5 Spyder and Mazda2 Turbo Hot Hatch

The countdown to the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas is heating up with only a few days left before the big event kicks off on Tuesday, November 1.

Mazda will be there with at least two concept models including the MX-5 Spyder and the Mazda2 Turbo.

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Tokyo Motor Show: New Mazda Takeri Concept Previews Next Mazda6

Mazda fans may be unhappy about the RX-8’s demise, but the Hiroshima-based automaker has a history of displaying well received concepts that eventually enter production, like the RX-Evolve and the Minagi.

The company's latest concept is the Takeri and it will be unveiled at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show on November 30. The Takeri is a mid-size sedan that effectively gives us an early glimpse at the Mazda6's replacement, which is expected to arrive in the market in the first half of 2013.

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Geneva 2011: Mazda Previews New Compact SUV with Minagi Concept [Updated]

Mazda lifted the wraps off its new Minagi concept SUV today at the Geneva Motor Show. The compact SUV study builds on the Japanese brand's new Kodo design identity first seen on the Shinari concept last year. However, unlike the Shinari, the Minagi, which previews Mazda's forthcoming VW Tiguan rival, looks to be more production ready.

“I wanted to convey something different from the Mazda SHINARI. I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture,” said Masashi Nakayama, the designer of the crossover concept.

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