2008 Mazda Lineup Drops Mazdaspeed6, Wagon Models

CX-9
All-new for 2007, the CX-9, Mazda's first seven -passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV), returns for 2008 and offers the perfect blend of sophisticated elegance with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the U.S. market, deftly blending sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality.

CX-9 is a medium-sized crossover SUV riding on the class's longest wheelbase to provide easy access to its three-row seating. There's ample room for adults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodate modern American families. Under the sleek exterior is an interior that will impress demanding customers with its space, utility, versatility and premium features. The 2008 CX-9 is priced from $29,400.

Highlights of the 2008 CX-9 include:

    * Standard six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, which provides optimum acceleration and passing performance coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency
    * Available with front-wheel drive or Mazda's Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system
    * Stiff unibody chassis provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling
    * Sophisticated appearance with rising belt line, bold wheel and tire emphasis and steeply angled windshield and backlight
    * Elegantly configured interior constructed with top-quality materials
    * Available BOSE ? premium sound system with 10 speakers in a CENTERPOINT ? surround system; Available ceiling-mounted rear seat entertainment DVD system; Available DVD-based navigation system with 7-inch touch-sensitive display screen and backup camera and Power Lift Gate
    * Standard Roll Stability Control (RSC), which uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary
    * Standard side-curtain air bags which protect outboard passengers in all three seating rows

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * All-new 3.7-liter V6 engine (273 hp @ 6250 and 270 lb./ft torque @ 4250)
    * Available Blind Spot Monitoring System (October 2007)

CX-7
Launched in May, 2006, the CX-7 is a highly styled crossover SUV with a decided soul of a sportscar. Produced entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture, the five-passenger CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV that represents everything a Mazda SUV should be.

Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body's leading edge, a sharply raked windshield and Mazda's signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. CX-7 is fitted with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine similar to that fitted to the MAZDASPEED3, but producing 244 horsepower in this application. Mazda CX-7 delivers an estimated 23 mpg in combined driving.

Inside, the CX-7 is sporty with a high degree of craftsmanship. To draw drivers inside, there's a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel. The 2008 CX-7 is priced from $23,750.

Highlights of the 2008 CX-7 include:

    * Turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engine producing 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque
    * Six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission with manual mode
    * Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar
    * 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 all-season tires
    * Efficient aerodynamics with best-in-class performance for coefficient of drag
    * Power windows with one-touch open/close on front windows, power locks and keyless entry with retractable key
    * Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
    * Standard front side-impact air bags and side air curtains (front and rear) with roll-over protection

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * New catalyst and engine programming mean that premium fuel is now recommended, rather than required

MX-5 Miata
For 2008, the MX-5 Miata adds a six-disc CD changer (Touring/ Grand Touring), seat lifter and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The heart of the MX-5 remains a highly-responsive MZR-series 2.0-liter, 166-horsepower (at 6,700 rpm) powerplant. The 2008 MX-5 has a light and compact engine, featuring chain-driven double overhead camshafts, lightweight fly wheel, variable intake valve timing, electronically controlled port fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition. Revving smoothly to its 6,700 rpm redline, the 2.0-liter engine delivers 140 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm for driving exhilaration throughout the rev range.

The convertible top remains the very model of simplicity: from the driver or passenger seat, release a single windshield-header latch and just push the top backwards. That's it -- no bulky or cumbersome boot or tonneau covers, and no need to get out of the car. The 2008 MX-5 is priced from $20,585.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * In-dash, six-disc CD changer (Touring/Grand Touring models)
    * Driver's seat-lifter with manual adjustment
    * Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

MX-5 PRHT
A Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) model was introduced to the MX-5 lineup in 2007. Building on the soft-top two-seater's zest for life, the PRHT enhances year-round comfort and security with the touch of a button. Opening and closing cycles last only 12 seconds, making this the fastest power-operated retractable hard top in the U.S. Additionally, it's the only one that doesn't eat up luggage space when open, stowing in the same well as the soft top.

To preserve the MX-5's fun-loving spirit and love of weekend getaways, the new PRHT performs what seems like a magic trick: disappearing on cue when the 'open' button is pressed. The MX-5's trunk provides a just-right 5.3 cubic feet of capacity whether the roof is hard or soft, stowed or over head. The 2008 MX-5 PRHT is priced from $24,400.

Highlights of the 2008 MX-5 PRHT include:

    * 12-second opening and closing cycle
    * Trunk space is not compromised when top is down
    * A single, center locking handle secures the PRHT to the windshield frame

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * In-dash, six-disc CD changer (Touring/ Grand Touring models)
    * Driver's seat lifter with manual adjustment
    * Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

MAZDA5
Introduced in 2006, The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration that efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV. MAZDA5 demonstrates Mazda's infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. The 2008 MAZDA5 adds a freshened exterior design, five-speed automatic transmission, rear cool air vents, improved gas mileage, arm rests, standard auxiliary audio input jack, and new interior and exterior colors.

The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine, producing 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, shared with the popular MAZDA3. Inside, the MAZDA5 offers a flexible seating arrangement and a flowing wedge-shaped body with solid proportions, defining the vehicle as unmistakably Mazda. The MAZDA5's large sliding doors and low floor allow for fluid ingress and egress, and a one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats. Pricing for the 2008 MAZDA5 will be announced at a later date.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Freshened exterior design
    * Five-speed automatic transmission
    * Rear cool air vents
    * Improved gas mileage
    * Arm rests
    * Standard auxiliary audio input jack
    * LED taillights (Touring and Grand Touring)
    * New exterior colors -- Copper Red, Golden Sand, Stormy Blue, Sunlight Silver, Crystal White Pearl
    * Two new interior colors -- Black or Sand
          o cloth seat upholstery (Sport and Touring)
          o leather seat upholstery (Grand Touring)

In addition, all 2008 MAZDA5 Grand Touring models will be equipped with standard:

    * Security alarm
    * Bluetooth hands-free phone system
    * Auto on/off headlights
    * Heated door mirrors
    * Rain-sensing wipers

MAZDA6 Sports Sedan & 5-Door*
The MAZDA6 set new standards for performance, driver appeal and styling when it was launched four years ago. As a vehicle that married sports performance with refinement and practicality, it has proven a huge sales success and picked up more than 70 awards for automotive excellence.

For 2008, the MAZDA6 gets even better with a new standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), BOSE ? stereo system (Touring models) and 17-inch alloy wheels (i Sport models).

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on all models
    * Standard BOSE ? stereo system (Touring models)
    * Standard 17-inch alloy wheels (i Sport models)
    * New exterior colors -- Volcanic Red (4-door model) and Silver Metallic
    * Standard security alarm system (Sport VE and Touring)

*To better meet customer demands for the MAZDA6 Sports Sedan and 5-Door, the MAZDA6 Sport Wagon will be discontinued for the 2008 model year.

MAZDASPEED6
Produced only in limited quantities, the MAZDASPEED6 will be discontinued for the 2008 model year.

MAZDA3 4-Door and 5-Door

The perfect sedan for an active lifestyle, the 2008 MAZDA3 delivers a total driving experience far greater than its price tag would have buyers believe. Offering European sophistication, high-performance and advanced technology, the MAZDA3 is a leader in the compact sedan segment.

MAZDA3 5-Door is a sporty hatchback with design flair targeted to appeal to a youthful mindset. Fitted with a 2.3-liter, 156-horsepower MZR engine -- the same as found in MAZDA3 4-Door s, MAZDA5 and MAZDA6i -- MAZDA3 5-Door comes standard with a sport package that includes stylish front and rear bumpers, side-skirts, 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and unique taillights.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Standard side airbags and side air curtains (s Sport models)

MAZDASPEED3

New for 2007, the MAZDASPEED3 will remain unchanged for the 2008MY.

RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 redefined the sports car segment when it was launched in summer 2003, and it continues to shake up the automotive world's definition of what a sports car can be. With an exterior suggesting athletic tension, a unique twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine and an interior offering comfort and practicality, the 2008 Mazda RX-8 continues to be a cutting-edge sports car, as well as the only mass-produced rotary-powered car in the world.

RX-8's unique, athletically sculpted styling features freestyle doors and enough passenger room for four adults. Powered by either a 212-hp engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or 232-hp engine with a six-speed manual transmission, RX-8 is equipped with power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. The 2008 RX-8 is priced from $26,435.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * To help celebrate the 40 th Anniversary of Mazda's rotary engine, Mazda will offer a limited-edition 40 th Anniversary RX-8. Available in early 2008, the 40 th Anniversary RX-8 will feature a special Metropolitan Gray exterior/Cosmo Red leather interior color scheme, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, suspension enhancements, fog lamps, silver engine cover and special badging.

Tribute
Completely redesigned both inside and out for 2008, the new Mazda Tribute makes a powerful statement with a bold, tough exterior and a more upscale, comfortable interior. Offering more traditional sport-utility vehicle (SUV) styling than Mazda's other SUVs, CX-7 and CX-9, the 2008 Tribute rounds out the Mazda family of unibody-based crossover SUVs, making it the perfect choice for buyers in search of traditional, go-anywhere rugged styling.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Three available trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring
    * Freshened exterior design
    * Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)**
    * Standard Roll Stability Control (RSC)**
    * Standard Traction Control System (TCS)**
    * Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
    * 16-inch alloy wheels
    * Standard fog lamps
    * New interior fabrics made with 35% recycled yarns (Sport and Touring)
    * 100% vinyl-free seating surfaces (Grand Touring)

** not available on Tribute HEV.

Tribute HEV
Scheduled to go on sale in California in August 2007, Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle is a 'full' hybrid, capable of running on 100 percent electric power up to approximately 25 mph -- maximizing in-city fuel economy and making it one of the least-polluting vehicles sold.
Equipped with standard front-wheel-drive or optional electronic four-wheel-drive, Tribute HEV is available in two trim levels, Touring or Grand Touring. Mirroring design cues shared by its gasoline-powered sibling, Tribute HEV offers a bold, rugged exterior set off by 16-inch alloy wheels and new front and rear fascias, hood, liftgate, body-side molding, power side view mirrors, headlamps, taillamps and standard fog lights.

Highlights of the 2008 Tribute HEV include:

    * A special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. At speeds over 25 mph, when maximum acceleration is desired, the 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor also provides an added boost to the drive wheels.
    * A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
    * A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the vehicle.
    * A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
    * An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
    * Two available trim levels -- Touring and Grand Touring
    * Four exterior color choices -- Tungsten Gray, Monterey Gray, Kiwi Green and Blue Spark
    * New interior fabrics made with 35% recycled yarns (Touring)
    * 100% vinyl-free seating surfaces (Grand Touring)

B-Series
The B-Series remains Mazda's rough and rugged compact pickup truck. For 2008, the B-Series truck is available with a 2.3-liter I-4(B2300) or 4.0-liter V6 (B4000) engine. Both versions are available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission (B4000 Cab Plus 4 SE is equipped with A/T only). The 2008 B-Series Truck remains largely unchanged. To better meet customer demands for the B2300 and B4000, the 3.0-liter engine (B3000) will be discontinued in the U.S. market for 2008.

New or enhanced for 2008:

    * Upgraded shock absorbers on B2300
    * 16mm ride height decrease for B4000
    * Standard front suspension skid plate (B4000 SE)



Press release via Mazda