ARTICLE: 900,000th MX-5 to set new record

900,000th MX-5 to set new record

 HIROSHIMA: The popularity of the MX-5 continues to grow, with Mazda producing 900,000 units on Friday.

The 900,000th Mazda MX-5 was a 2.0-litre softtop model in Germany.

This milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 started in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring.

In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup.

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."
 

 

Ferrari to use full name of new car

Ferrari to use full name of new car

Ferrari unveiled the car last month under the full name "Ferrari F150th Italia," reflecting Italy’s celebration in 2011 of the 150th anniversary of the nation’s unification.

Ford sued Ferrari in Detroit federal court, contending the Italian racing carmaker had violated its trademark over the pickup truck name F-150.

Ferrari says it hasn’t used the abbreviated F150 name commercially.

It said it failed to see the logic in Ford's viewpoint.

“Ferrari believes that its own contender in the forthcoming F1 championship cannot be confused with other types of commercially available vehicle of any sort whatsoever, nor can it give the impression that there is a link to another brand of road-going vehicle," it said in a statement.

"Despite this and to further prove it is acting in good faith...Ferrari has decided to ensure that in all areas of operation, the abbreviated version will be replaced at all times with the full version, Ferrari F150th Italia."

The F1 season starts March 13 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

 -AP

Preview: Mondeo and S-MAX ECOBOOST

KUALA LUMPUR: Local Ford vehicle distributor Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd has unveiled two Ford new models featuring the Detroit car maker’s powerful and yet fuel efficient EcoBoost 2.0-litre engine - the updated Mondeo sedan and S-Max multi-purpose vehicle.

The Mondeo will be launched next month followed by the seven-seater S-Max in August.

Both vehicles to be sold in the luxury Titanium trim grade, are fully imported from Europe and will be equipped with the six-speed dual clutch Powershift transmission for smooth gear shifting.

The Mondeo is estimated to be priced between RM180,000 and RM185,000, and the S-Max from RM185,000 to RM188,000.

The Mondeo gets features such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

It also has Ford Convers+, a 256-colour screen in the instrument panel which displays radio, CD, MP3 player or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone information.

Safety features include seven airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Powered by a 203bhp and 300Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that features direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing technologies, the Mondeo can sprint from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

EcoBoost powertrain promises up to 20% more power and fuel economy with up to 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a normal engine of similar capacity.

The S-Max meanwhile, promises spacious interior for family vehicle in a stylish package featuring Ford’s current “kinetic” styling.

S-Max.

Its Fold Flat Seating system which offers 285 litres with all seats folded up and up to 1,171 litres available in “five-seat” mode, greatly enhances the S-Max’s ability to people and luggage together.

Utilising the same EcoBoost powertrain with the Mondeo, the S-Max can sprint from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 221kph.

Key features include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, Ford Convers+, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

Safety equipment include nine airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Ford Export Operations Asia Pacific regional manager David Westerman said: “The new Mondeo’s smart design gives it a premium feel, and Malaysian customers will appreciate the class, style and comfort that this outstanding vehicle delivers.”

He also said the S-Max’s sleek new look combines first-class enhancements and functionality for a maximum fun-to-drive experience in comfort and style.

The Mondeo and S-Max come with a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating.

ARTICLE: 900,000th MX-5 to set new record

900,000th MX-5 to set new record

 HIROSHIMA: The popularity of the MX-5 continues to grow, with Mazda producing 900,000 units on Friday.

The 900,000th Mazda MX-5 was a 2.0-litre softtop model in Germany.

This milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 started in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring.

In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup.

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."