[Press Release]
HIROSHIMA, Japan – Mazda Kiyora, a lightweight, next generation, urban compact concept car, will be revealed at the 2008 Paris International Motor Show to be held from Thursday, October 2 through Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Mazda Kiyora (meaning “clean and pure” in Japanese) represents the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features aspired to in Mazda’s long-term technology development vision, “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.”

The concept of Kiyora helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme. Kiyora’s aerodynamic Nagare design and next-generation four-cylinder direct-injection engine contribute to excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

The new Mazda Kiyora concept car is based on an all-new platform designed to minimise weight and maximise safety and driving pleasure. It also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle.

Joining the Mazda Kiyora concept car on Mazda’s stand at the Paris show, the Mazda MX-5 facelift will make its world debut together with the Mazda6 equipped with Mazda’s newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, and the Mazda2 powered by a MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel.

Officially titled the Mondial de l’Automobile, the Paris motor show press days are October 2 and 3, and the public days are October 4 to 19. Mazda will hold its press conference on Thursday, October 2, at 12:15 p.m. (local time).

Designer : Mazda

Press Release :
With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way onto the Power Cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance. The Muscle pushes the Harley-Davidson V-Rod platform into a new turf, where it aims to hold its ground.VRSC Key Features

1250cc Revolution V-Twin: Standard on all 2009 VRSC models, the 60-degree Revolution 1250cc V-Twin is liquid-cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber-mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A shell covers the large-volume airbox located over the engine. A five-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat on all VRSC models. The engine is tuned to produce up to 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000 rpm.

Optional ABS: Each VRSC model is available with optional, factory-installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.

New V-Rod Muscle
The wide, angular air-box cover and chopped tail section look as solid and smooth as billet and give the new V-Rod Muscle lines that are clean and powerful. The size of the massive 240 mm rear tire is accentuated by the new broad, clipped and clean rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. Front-end styling balances the rear, with a trimmed fender that’s blacked out behind satin-finished inverted forks and LED turn signals integrated into the mirror stems. The radiator shrouds are restyled and color-matched to the rest of the bodywork, while the new airbox side covers incorporate air scoop inlets covered with woven wire mesh. The silver five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels are a new design for the V-Rod line.

A new deep seat holds the rider firmly in place against the thrust of the Revolution V-Twin engine. The Muscle features forward foot controls, and a new handlebar with internal wiring. The handlebar is 1.5-inch cast aluminum with tubular steel ends and integrated risers. Bold polished forged aluminum triple clamps secure the inverted forks and frame the distinctive V-Rod teardrop reflector optic headlamp, housed in a satin black bucket.

The long profile of a 34-degree fork rake is stretched visually by new “sidepipe” dual exhausts in satin chrome with fat, turn-out mufflers exiting behind the rear axle. The V-Rod Muscle is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo.

New VRSCF V-Rod Muscle features:

• Liquid-cooled, 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine
• 122 hp at 8250 rpm/85 ft. lbs. torque at 7000 rpm
• Pewter powdercoated powertrain with polished covers
• Assist/Slipper Clutch with reduced lever effort
• New clutch cover with relocated dipstick
• New Satin chrome dual side exhaust with turn-out mufflers
• New Five-spoke cast aluminum 19-inch front wheel
• New Five-spoke cast aluminum 18-inch rear wheel
• New Triple clamps
• New 43 mm Inverted forks
• New stylized rear shocks with black springs
• New airbox cover and side covers
• New front fender with black-out section
• New smooth rear fender
• New LED stop/tail/turn light
• New LED front turn signals integrated in mirror stems
• New seat shape
• New Internally wired handlebar cast with riser
• New instrument graphics and housing
• New side-mount license plate
• Black frame
• 240mm wide rear tire
• Forward foot controls
• Brembo triple-disc brakes
• Teardrop reflector-optic headlight
• 25.6-inch seat height
• Optional ABS
• Optional Smart Security System
• VRSCAW V-Rod

The evolution of the original Harley-Davidson power cruiser continues in 2009. The V-Rod rolls on a fat 240 mm rear tire. The sweeping exhaust ends in bright chrome slash-cut mufflers. A scooped seat cradles the rider just 26 inches off the pavement. Welded pull-back handlebar frame the clamshell instrument pod and teardrop reflector optic headlamp. Raked out to 36 degrees, 49 mm forks hold an anodized aluminum Profile laced front wheel. The V-Rod is available in six production color combinations, including new Red Hot Sunglo, Flame Blue Pearl, Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl/Pewter Pearl and three new Custom Color combinations: Black Ice/Blue Ice, Light Candy Root Beer/Dark Candy Root Beer, and Big Purple Flake/Brilliant Silver.

[Images via AutoBlog]

[Press Release]
Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.

Complete information will be made available immediately after Mazda’s press conference at 10:15 a.m. local time, on August 26 at the Mazda stand.

Conceived by the leader of our conceptual design team, Mr. Ed Jacobs, the motorcycle is at once primitive, bohemian, and yet highly technical. Renovatio is un-compromised, light weight, possesses enormous torque, is capable of extreme performance, yet has maximum real world streetable active safety. It is graceful in motion, yet potentially brutal. It exudes inner beauty through absolute follow through of truth of concept. Renovatio has great proportions, holistic brand gestalt, is original, impactful, alluring and elegant

Specification :

Dimensions:
Weight: 340lbs.; Wheelbase 60″; Seat Height 30″; 27 degree rake.

Engine:
103 cubic inch Confederate Water cooled 90 degree utilitarian modular platform
150 HP normally aspirated – 190 HP optional supercharger

Transmission:
Confederate design; six speed, close ratio.

Primary:
Internal gear driven

Front End:
Girder-type aircraft aluminum and titanium multi-link with
shock centered on steering axis; Carbon fiber struts.

Swingarm:
Single sided aluminum cast piece.

Suspension:
Rear-Penske coil over shock with remote reservoir multi adjustable; Front-Penske coil in shock, multi adjustable.

Lighting:
Forward LED headlight and blinker system; integrated into girder.

Fuel Cell:
Confederate design, one piece composite fiber cell;
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gallons with integrated air box.

Gauge:
Single integrated tachometer and speedometer.

Wheels:
Blackstone structural carbon fiber.

Identification:
Engine & Neck contain ID numbers.

Preliminary Engine Specifications:
Type: V-twin

Displacement: 1686 cc (103 cu. in.)

V-angle: 90 degrees

Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Valve configuration: Over head valves, 2 per cylinder

Valve lifters: Hydraulic roller

Bore x stroke: 108 x 92mm (4.252 x 3.622 in.)

Fuel system: Sequential fuel injection

Fuel Type: Premium unleaded

Horsepower: 135 hp (SAE Certified)

Torque: 125 lbs-ft (SAE Certified)

Fuel shut off: 7800 rpm

Block: 356-T6 Sand cast aluminum

Cylinder bores: Liner-less Nicom coated parent aluminum

Cylinder head: 356-T6 Sand cast aluminum

Intake manifold: Carbon runner, dual throttle body

Exhaust manifold: 321 Stainless steel headers

Crankshaft: Billet 4340 steel

Camshaft: Billet 8620 VAR steel

Connecting rods: Forged Powder Metal Titanium

Pistons: Forged 4032 Aluminum

Valves: Forged titanium

The Dodge Tomahawk can reach 60 miles an hour in about 2.5 seconds, and has a theoretical top speed of nearly 400 mph. Each pair of wheels is separated by a few inches and each wheel has an independent suspension. Bernhard said four wheels were necessary to handle the power from the engine.

Engine
1. 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 5600 rpm ( 60.4 bhp/liter); 525 lb.-ft. (712 Nm) @ 4200 rpm
2. 10-cylinder 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled, 505 cubic inches (8277 cc)
3. 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads
4. Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6)
5. Two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder with roller-type hydraulic lifters
6. Sequential, multi-port electronic fuel injection with individual runners
7. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
8. Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm
9. Fuel Requirement: Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M/2)
10. Oil System: Dry Sump; takes 8 quarts Mobil1 10W30 Synthetic
11. Cooling System: Twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fan.
12. Takes 11 quarts of antifreeze.
13. Exhaust System: Equal-length tubular stainless steel headers with dual collectors and central rear outlets.

Suspension
Front:
Outboard, single-sided parallel upper and lower control arms made from polished billet aluminum. Mounted via ball join t to aluminum steering uprights and hubs. Five degrees caster. Single, fully adjustable centrally located coil-over damper (2.25-inch coil with adjustable spring perch); pullrod and rocker-actuated mono linkage. Center-lock racing-style hubs.

Rear:
Hand-fabricated box-section steel inboard swing arms, incorporating “hydral-link” lockable recirculating hydraulic circuit parking stand. Single fully adjustable centrally located Koni coil-over damper (2.25-inch coil with adjustable spring perch); pushrod and rocker-actuated mono linkage. Center-lock racing-style hubs

Performance
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds (est.)
(Some estimate 1.9)
Top Speed: 300+ mph (est.)

Dimensions
Length: 102 inches
Width: 27.7 inches
Height: 36.9 inches
Wheelbase: 76 inches
Seat Height: 29 inches
Weight: 1,500 lbs.
Track, Front: 8.75 in
Track, Rear: 10 in
Weight Dist: 49F/51R
Ground Clearance: 3 in
Fuel: 3.25 gallons

Transmission
Manual, foot-shifted two-speed
Aluminum-cased two-speed, sequential racing-style with dog ring, straight-cut gears
Gear Ratios: 1st 18:38; 2nd 23:25
Clutch: Double-disc, dry-plate with organic friction materials, hand lever actuated with assist
Final drive: Dual 110-link motorcycle-style chains
Front Sprockets: 14 teeth
Rear Sprockets: 35 teeth
Longitudinal, centrally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout; monocoque construction, engine is central, stressed member. Body of billet aluminum.

Price
$555,000