News

Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric: Everything We Know So Far

# Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric: Everything We Know So Far

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been known as a lightweight, affordable, and two-seater sports car. It was first revealed in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and quickly gained popularity for its timeless design and sleek silhouette. The fourth generation of the MX-5 debuted in 2014 and has been praised for its technical prowess and nimble handling. However, with the automotive industry shifting towards electric vehicles due to stricter emissions regulations, there have been speculations about the future of the MX-5. Mazda recently announced its plans to transition to full electrification by 2030, raising questions about the fate of the iconic sports car. While there is still limited information about the upcoming Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric, it is expected to be worth the wait.

## Mazda Commits To The Original MX-5 Design

Mazda plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2030, with 25% of its models being fully battery-electric. The challenge for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and other small roadsters, is adding weight while maintaining its inherent lightness. Batteries add significant weight, so a hybrid setup is the most likely outcome. This setup allows the car to maintain its portability without sacrificing acceleration. Mazda’s current powertrain portfolio includes mild hybrid and 48-volt versions, which are expected to be used in the MX-5 Electric. Mazda assures customers that despite the changes, the essence of the MX-5 Miata will remain the same – a lightweight, affordable, and open two-seater sports car.

## Mazda Is Investing In Miata Electric For More Features

Mazda has announced a $10.6 billion investment plan for speedy electrification. A video released by Mazda provides clues about the features of the upcoming MX-5. The video showcases a hardtop coupé body style with Lamborghini-style scissor doors, hinting at the new Miata design. The model’s chassis also includes a space for a longitudinally mounted motor, a feature not commonly seen in electric cars. Mazda has also revealed other electric vehicles in its lineup, including a petrol range extender version of the MX-30 and a follow-up to the CX-60 called the CX-80. Mazda plans to introduce a new hybrid system and additional battery-electric vehicles between 2025 and 2027.

## The Mazda Miata Electric Will Be Affordable

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Electric aims to be an affordable option among electric roadsters. While other upcoming electric sports cars like the MG Cyberster and the Porsche 718 Cayman are expected to be more expensive, Mazda plans to offer a compelling driving experience at a fraction of the cost. Mazda has previous experience with electric vehicles, having released the MX-30 R-EV earlier this year. The company has taken customer feedback into account and aims to improve upon previous models. Despite the challenges and competition, Mazda is committed to producing a high-quality electric MX-5.

## What Does The Future Hold For Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Mazda’s strategy revolves around delivering multiple solutions tailored to customer needs and local driving conditions. The company aims to embrace both hybrid and electric technology to make its mark in the evolving automotive industry. The reveal of the electric MX-5 by Mazda is highly anticipated by enthusiasts. With a goal of complete electrification by 2030, Mazda has time to perfect this project while maintaining its reputation for enthusiastic driving pleasure. Fans hope to see an ambitious product that combines Mazda’s classic design with the benefits of battery technology, creating the ultimate sports car. Only time will tell what the future holds for this iconic legacy.

FiatUk

The FIAT brand’s vibrant new world is on the horizon

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Motorsport

New BFGoodrich T/A Pursuit Tire Is Designed Specifically For Police Cars

Law enforcement vehicles have tough lives. While they may spend a lot of time idle, they are often called upon for high-speed pursuits, navigating various terrains, making sharp turns, and performing sudden stops. The tire of the vehicle suffers the most in these situations. Luckily, BFGoodrich has introduced a specially designed, all-season tire that can withstand this kind of punishment.

According to a recent press release by the company, this new tire is one of the best pursuit tires for wet-braking on the market. It can stop up to 21 feet shorter compared to other brands. Kim Kegler, the Brand Director of BFGoodrich Tires, said, “The BFGoodrich Elite-Force T/A tire can respond to emergencies in any condition, whether it’s driving downpours or rough gravel roads. We developed a tire that can handle severe conditions and meet any and every call.”

In creating this tire, BFGoodrich incorporated feedback from law enforcement officers in its design and testing process for the Elite-Force T/A. Major Jason Ramey from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina provided input, stating, “Wet-traction handling is the most important to me, especially in high-speed situations.”

Aside from its superior wet performance, the BFGoodrich pursuit tires are designed to be 35 percent stronger with a revamped tread pattern for enhanced durability and longer wear life. They are available in various sizes to fit different law enforcement vehicles, whether sedans like the Dodge Charger, SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, or Ford Explorer. Additionally, these tires come with a badge-inspired design on the sidewall or a traditional sidewall for undercover work.

On the internet, you will find numerous videos featuring high-speed chases or other incidents where law enforcement vehicles are pushed to their limits. Recently, we covered a high-speed chase in Arkansas and a wild school bus chase that ended in a cornfield. These situations highlight the importance of purpose-built tires that can withstand heavy abuse.

Motorsport

Corvette E-Ray Behind-The-Scenes Video Reveals Elaborate Photo Shoot

# Corvette E-Ray Behind-The-Scenes Video Reveals Elaborate Photo Shoot

It’s no secret that automakers invest a significant amount of time and effort into capturing the perfect photos of their new cars. While some official launch photos may seem hastily done, in general, the process involves more than just finding a cool spot and snapping some pictures. The official Instagram account for the GM Design studios recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at Chevrolet’s photo shoot for the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, revealing the elaborate setup and attention to detail involved.

One of the locations for the shoot was a winding road through a forest during the day. But simply driving on a dry road wasn’t enough for the E-Ray. A truck was brought in to wet the surface with water, and a smoke machine was used to add atmosphere. The video footage shared on Instagram gives a glimpse into the actual shoot and showcases the resulting official images.

Another location for the shoot was at night, and while it doesn’t appear as elaborate as the daytime shoot, the road is clearly wet, suggesting the use of water to enhance the visuals.

It’s important to note that the Corvette E-Ray is a significant vehicle for Chevrolet. It is the first Corvette to feature an electrified powertrain and all-wheel drive, making it the fastest-accelerating model in the Corvette lineup. Given its significance, it comes as no surprise that extra attention was given to capturing stunning images of the E-Ray.

This behind-the-scenes look at the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot raises curiosity about what the next Corvette trim, rumored to be the ZR1, will bring. Based on aggressive-looking camouflaged prototypes and a leaked report, the ZR1 is expected to be the most powerful and fastest production Corvette to date, with up to 850 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine.

In conclusion, the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot showcased the dedication of the GM Design studios and the meticulous effort put into capturing stunning images of this special Corvette variant. As we await the debut of the next Corvette trim, it’s exciting to anticipate the elaborate photo shoot that will accompany its introduction.

Motorsport

F1 Reflects on 50 Years of Safety Cars, Starting with the Porsche 914

Safety cars are an essential part of Formula One events, serving to protect track marshals and safety crews during accidents or hazardous conditions on the track. While they are a familiar sight in modern races, there is a rich history behind these safety cars, as explored in a video on the Formula One YouTube channel.

The very first official Safety Car was a Porsche 914/6, used at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1973. Since then, Formula One has employed various cars for this role, including the Lamborghini Countach at the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix. Other unlikely choices have included the Ford Escort Cosworth, Renault Clio, and Fiat Tempra. It became evident that the safety cars needed to be fast enough to maintain normal operating temperatures in the Formula One cars’ brakes, tires, and engines, which is why in 1996 Formula One entered into an agreement with Mercedes-Benz to provide the official safety cars. Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance division, AMG, have supplied a range of vehicles, such as the CLK63 AMG Black Series, SLS AMG, and Mercedes-AMG GT, to fulfill the demands of the role. This exclusivity lasted until 2021 when Aston Martin joined as a partner, sharing the responsibility of providing safety cars.

However, being a Formula One Safety Car driver encompasses more than just piloting a fast car like the Aston Martin Vantage. It requires a skilled driver like Bernd Maylander. Maylander, an accomplished race car driver in his own right, won the 1997 FIA GT and the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2000. For the past 24 years, he has served as the primary Safety Car driver in over 212 Grand Prix events.

The Formula One Safety Cars differ significantly from their stock, road-going counterparts. They are equipped with enhanced performance and safety features to handle the demands of the track. Special lights and communication equipment, including GPS and telemetry systems, are utilized to pinpoint the location of any accidents and the leading car during races.

Even to this day, Formula One and the role of the Safety Car continue to evolve. Maylander emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the continuous learning process within the safety car team. While he cherishes the memories from his extensive tenure as the primary Safety Car driver, it is the collaborative effort of the entire team that he takes the most pride in.

Motorsport

NHTSA Pushes for Auto Emergency Braking to Become Standard on Big Trucks and Buses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed a new rule that would require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on passenger vehicles. Now, the agency is expanding its reach by suggesting that the same rule apply to heavy-duty trucks and buses weighing over 10,000 pounds.

According to NHTSA estimates, this technology could save around 155 lives per year and prevent over 8,800 injuries. The agency’s data shows that approximately 60,000 heavy-duty vehicles are involved in rear-end crashes, and implementing this technology could potentially prevent more than 19,000 of these accidents annually.

Passenger vehicles would also benefit greatly from this technological advancement. NHTSA believes that requiring AEB on all passenger vehicles traveling at speeds up to 62 miles per hour could save a minimum of 340 lives each year and reduce injuries by 24,000.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2022 found that pickup trucks equipped with AEB had a 43% lower rate of causing rear-end collisions and a 42% reduction in related injuries. Interestingly, only 8% of registered pickups in 2021 came with AEB as a standard feature. However, several major automakers, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, now offer trucks with AEB systems as standard.

While technology like AEB undoubtedly saves lives and minimizes injuries, a separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also revealed that vehicles equipped with crash prevention technology, including AEB, can be more challenging to repair. The research found that approximately half of the surveyed individuals encountered issues with these features even after completing repairs, raising concerns about their reliability and potentially increasing repair costs over time.

If the proposal for both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles is approved, it would take three years for the ruling to go into effect. However, NHTSA has not specified when a final decision will be made, so it may take several more years before customers see these changes implemented in new vehicles, regardless of size, as automakers continue to enhance standard safety features in their latest models.

Motorsport

2024 Audi Lineup In The US: All Of The Changes Coming

Audi of America has announced the changes that will be coming to its 2024 models. One of the major improvements is that all of the brand’s SUVs will now come standard with adaptive cruise control or adaptive cruise assist.

Starting this summer, models equipped with the MIB 3 software suite will have access to a new in-vehicle app store. Most versions of the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q8, and E-tron GT will support this functionality. The app offerings will include popular platforms such as Spotify, TikTok, Yelp, Webex by Cisco, and The Weather Channel. Audi also plans to develop its own proprietary apps.


Motorsport

Watch And Listen As 2004 Mustang SVT Cobra Screams To 500 HP On Dyno

Before the Mustang Shelby GT500 was revived in 2007, Ford sent its New Edge Mustang Cobra out with a bang. The 2003-2004 Cobras, equipped with a factory Eaton supercharger, were known as the “Terminator” and were highly regarded for their power and performance in the muscle car world.

This recent dyno video showcases the powerful nature of the Terminator Cobra. Despite only having a few minor bolt-ons, such as a pulley swap for the supercharger and an upgraded exhaust system, this 20-year-old Mustang managed to produce 498 horsepower at the wheels.

When factoring in the average driveline loss of 15 percent, this translates to around 590 horsepower at the engine, significantly more than Ford’s stock rating of 390 horsepower. It’s no surprise that Cobra owners quickly realized the underrated potential of the supercharged 4.6-liter engine.

Aside from its impressive performance, this particular 2004 Cobra stands out due to its rarity. With a production run of only 3,768 units, and just 299 painted in Screaming Yellow, it’s a special find for enthusiasts. The Screaming Yellow color option was exclusive to the Cobra and the SVT Focus, making it even more unique.

The New Edge-era Cobras, including the 2003-2004 models, were also notable for being the first Mustangs to feature independent rear suspension. This upgrade greatly improved the ride quality and handling characteristics of the pony car.

As a result of their power, performance, rarity, and modern-classic status, well-preserved examples of the 2003-2004 Cobras can command prices of around $50,000 in today’s market.

Motorsport

Infiniti Unveils Updated Logo, Scent, and Sound to Refresh Brand Image

Today, Infiniti made an announcement regarding the update of its brand identity. The luxury automaker has introduced a refreshed logo and badge, as well as a new retail experience.

The new Infiniti logo is not a drastic departure from the current design, and the changes made are subtle. This marks the fourth iteration of the logo since the company’s establishment in 1989. The logo symbolizes an infinite road leading towards the horizon, and the updated emblem further accentuates this concept. The bottom opening of the logo is now wider, which narrows the outline of the road. The road no longer terminates at a point, which places greater emphasis on the horizon.


Motorsport

2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance Spotted Testing with Unusual Tailpipes

A recent video has captured the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance being tested with some design updates. While part of the car is camouflaged, it raises questions about potential changes in its powertrain.

The camouflage covers a significant portion of the front fascia, hood, and fenders. Mercedes has attempted to conceal the Panamericana grille, but the V8 E Performance badges on the fenders are visible. The GT63 will sport a redesigned grille above a refreshed front bumper.