Recent news has been circulating about the new Mazda and Toyota joint production plant and what will be built there. In a few news articles, Masamichi Kogai has been quoted saying Mazda will introduce a new and different type of CUV (crossover utility vehicle).
I have been thinking about that statement about a new and different type SUV. Looking in the marketplace, you have pretty much everything out there in size, shape, and quality. I think there is something which is getting lost in the translation of this message.
My bet is it will be something totally new for Mazda.
Back in 2015, Mazda showed off the Koeru concept which was hinting to future models of crossover SUVs.
Looking at the current styling and the concept cars Mazda has laid out at the Tokyo Auto Show with the Mazda 3 Kai concept this year.
The front end styling has been sharpened on this concept car, but it isn’t too far outside of what Mazda is currently offering. The changed roofline at the rear points is designed to maximize cargo space, but in a good-looking package.
I will go out on a limb and guess that Mazda is probably working on a new motor to power whatever the upcoming CUV is going to be.
The most powerful motor Mazda offers right now is the 2.5 Skyactiv turbo engine, which powers the Cx-9 and soon to be offered in the Mazda 6. This motor is based on the older Skyactiv tech though, and with Masamichi saying the new vehicle will something new, my guess is that we should expect to see another tech marvel being produced.
The last thought I have on this with Mazda is this:
If they’re coming out with something new, we may see a large-sized vehicle to go up against the truck-based SUVs from other manufacturers. It is a direction Mazda has not gone before and lines up with the statements they are giving us.
In case you haven’t heard, Mazda officially announced on November 15th that they are bringing the turbocharged 2.5L CX-9 engine to the Mazda 6.
Now, this announcement did not come with a huge amount of information, but it got everyone here at CorkSport all sorts of stirred up. This fantastic news comes coupled with a new facelift, better quality interior, and a few extra options. Check out the teaser shot down below, in my opinion the CX-5 grill looks great on the 6.
While we do not know if this new turbocharged Mazda 6 will carry the Mazdaspeed badge, we do know it will sure feel like a Mazdaspeed.
The SkyActiv-G 2.5T produces 250hp and 310lb-ft while on premium fuel. That power and torque are more than enough to move around the big CX-9 so it will definitely be interesting in the Mazda 6 that weighs almost 1000lbs less. Two more factors remain for the new 6 to truly be a Mazdaspeed6: manual transmission and AWD.
Since the CX-9 and Mazda6 are based on the same platform and have similar chassis, carrying over the AWD system with the engine is a distinct possibility. Plus, Mazda already offers the 6 in AWD in the European and Japanese Markets. The big question remaining then is the manual transmission. While the manual mode on the CX-9 automatic is nice, it is just not the same as a full-bore manual gearbox. It’s not looking too good as the CX-9 only comes in auto and the teaser images just show an automatic but hopefully Mazda can surprise us with a manual transmission.
Since this 2.5T has been in the CX-9 for a few years now we at CorkSport have had a few opportunities to check out the engine, see how it’s packaged, and look for potential performance gains.
What follows are simply observations that we have made, don’t get too excited (yet):
The turbo inlet pipe gets quite small on its route from the airbox to the turbo. Enlarging this would definitely help the turbo breathe better.
The exhaust is fairly restrictive at about 2 3/8”.
There is a good amount of space where the turbo lives for a high-flow downpipe and even turbo upgrades.
Additionally, this engine was designed to fit in the same compartment as the naturally aspirated 2.5L so we may even get some Mazda 3 love down the road if the SkyActiv-X doesn’t steal every engine bay.
This new Mazda 6 may be coming sooner than you expect.
All Mazda models have gotten a 2018 model year, except the Mazda 6 which is currently at 2017.5 and the Miata that’s stuck all the way back in 2017. Hopefully this means the 2018 model year Mazda 6 has the turbo option. Maybe Mazda is even planning a 2018 Miata update but only time will tell.
Look for more info on the new “Mazdaspeed” 6 during its full unveiling at the L.A. Auto Show on November 29th. We’re just as excited as all of you and to be honest, if a manual option gets announced, one will likely find its way into the garage. Stay tuned to the CorkSport Blog, Instagram, and Facebook to make sure you don’t miss anything!
New “Mazdaspeed” Finally Coming Down the Pipeline February 21st, 2018CorkSport
We wanted to take some time to give you all a quick update on one of the many projects we have brewing up here at CorkSport Headquarters.
The project I’m referencing, in general, is our 2nd turbocharger upgrade for the Mazdaspeed 3, Mazdaspeed 6, and CX-7. This unit is a substantial upgrade over our current 18G turbocharger. This Turbo will cater to those looking to take their performance and power goals to a higher level.
Not only will it be capable of putting you well into the 465whp range but this CorkSport Turbo upgrade will be able to do it without giving up on reliability and throttle response.
It will be very beneficial to those who have mildly-built blocks and a supporting fuel system that will allow them to get higher in the HP range.
So, let’s talk about some of the features you can expect on the upgrade and why we decided to utilize them.
Let’s start at the heart of the Turbocharger.
The new CorkSport Mazdaspeed turbo will take full use of a GTX3076R center housing and rotating assembly (CHRA). The unit is equipped with a fully sealed ball-bearing cartridge, which is a nice upgrade when compared to a standard journal-bearing unit. We chose to go with a ball-bearing unit for a few reasons.
The enclosed design of a ball bearing system allows us to eliminate the need for a thrust bearing, which can account for about 40% of the bearing system drag on the turbo rotor assembly.
Ball bearings reduce the viscous drag, which allows a ball-bearing unit the ability to spool up about 15% faster than its journal-bearing equivalent.
The next thing you will notice on the new Mazdaspeed Turbocharger upgrade is the holes that are drilled into the compressor cover. These little holes are known as anti-surge ports and are intended to expand the turbochargers compressor map. The ports function to move the surge line further left on the compressor map which gives the Mazdaspeed turbo some more headroom before it falls out of its efficiency island. Anti-surge ports are becoming increasingly popular in modern performance turbochargers and with great reason. They offer some unique benefits as mentioned and will be fully integrated into our unit.
Last but not least, as with our CorkSport Turbo, this bigger Mazdaspeed Turbo will once-again be a true drop-in unit; minus the 4” compressor inlet.
There will be no cutting, modifying, sourcing oil and coolant lines, running to the store to buy couplers, etc. This unit will come with everything you need to have a trouble-free install. As with the current CorkSport 18G turbocharger, the new Garrett-based design will come with all studs, gaskets, washers, and knowledge that you need to have a nice weekend install.
So keep your eyes peeled as we get closer to delivering more performance for the Mazda community!
– The CorkSport Team
SOURCES: Miller, Jay K. Turbo: Real World High-Performance Turbocharger Systems. CarTech, 2008.
CorkSport BIG Turbo for the Mazdaspeed & CX-7 April 17th, 2023CorkSport
It’s beginning to look a lot like WINTER, and for those of us who aren’t so lucky to have a daily driver, it’s time to start to winterize our Mazdas.
If you’re not one of those who put their Mazda baby to sleep for the long winter months, check out the tips below to best prepare for winter driving, and keeping yourself safe!
CHECK YOUR TIRES!
• Consider getting snow tires. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, swap out your regular tires for all-season tires or snow tires. Seems obvious, but snow tires have a softer rubber that allows them to retain flexibility in the coldest of weather. They also have specifically-designed tread pattern for gripping in ice and snow. They aren’t guaranteed to keep you from slipping and sliding in your car, but they help with better traction. (In winter, any extra help to keep us from losing control of our Mazdas)
• Check the tire pressure. If you’re not opting for winter tires, check your tires often and keep them properly inflated, however this is needed for all tire types. Cold weather changes the air pressure in your tires and causes it to drop (No, it’s not the local kids deflating your tires… I’ve fallen for that one before). Remember that properly inflated tires keep better contact with the road, and while you can’t always keep from slipping, you can do your best to have more connection to the pavement.
• Check the security of your mudflaps. Mudflaps can help keep road debris from killing your paint, be sure yours are securely installed on your ride for maximum protection. If you don’t have them yet, we can hook you up with a fresh set of mudflaps here.
CHECK YOUR FLUIDS AND ENGINE!
• Fill your wiper fluid and change out your blades. Remember that seeing the road is a requirement to staying on it! An ample supply of wiper fluid and new blades will give you a good line of sight in those nasty winter storms. Be sure to use the wiper fluid that has a lower freezing temperature. Otherwise, you’ll be trying to clear your windshield and failing.
• Get an oil change. For your Mazda’s engine to run, it needs the correct oil lubrication. Unfortunately, colder temperatures reduce the effectiveness of the oil. The colder it is outside, the thicker the oil gets. Thickened oil has trouble circulating through your engine, which means your engine doesn’t get appropriately lubricated during startup. Check the owner’s manual to see what oil is currently used in your Mazda, as well as, the recommended viscosity (thickness of the oil) level for different climates.
• Check your anti-freeze mixture. The ratio of your water to anti-freeze mixture should be 50:50 to prevent your radiator coolant from freezing. If you’re unsure, your local auto parts store should have a relatively cheap anti-freeze tester.
• Check your belts and hoses. Colder temperatures potentially weaken the belts and hoses. Look for signs of wear, and replace if needed. In the scenario that a belt snaps while you’re driving, you’ll have to wait for a tow truck, or that trusted buddy to get you out of the cold.
PROTECT YOUR CAR!
• Remove vulnerable exterior mods. Exterior modifications like front lips, custom wheels, and any other exterior bolt-ons that you cherish should be removed. The elements will take their toll on your car, even if it’s parked in the garage at night. From salt on the roads to new potholes you can’t see in the rain, keeping these beloved mods in the garage for the season will preserve your investment.
• Install floor mats. If you don’t already have floor mats in your ride, putting them in the front and back of the car will help keep your interior carpet pristine. Floor mats are easier to clean and can be removed to wash if the mud or snow gets too intense. Click here to check out our CS floor mats.
• Secure your Seat Covers. If you don’t have them, winter is the best time to use them! If you do, make sure that you have them securely installed. The wet from rain and snow isn’t great for the interior and seats. They’re also great for protecting your back and passenger seats from corners of boxes or crockpots of chili while carting presents and food from place to place.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
• Stock your car with emergency supplies. This is one that my dad never let me leave home without. Snacks, blankets, towels, waters, and emergency/first aid kit should be in your trunk during the winter seasons (if it’s not always in there). You never know where or when you might get stranded during winter, and if it’s for longer than expected being prepared is key! Also, the towel is great for kids, passengers, and pets who might be a little muddy or wet from the weather.
Note here from CorkSport: Keeping spare cash in your emergency kit can often help if you’re financially strapped and need to pay for a tow. It could save your butt one day (I know it has saved mine in emergencies!).
• Check your emergency supplies. Road flares, jumper cables, and first aid supplies should be checked for expiration and usability. Road flares do not always have expiration dates. However, the summer months with high heat can sometimes render them unusable (storage above 120 degrees for longer than a week should be avoided), as well as they could be expired if you got your kit for Christmas from Grandma a few years ago.
Whether you’re driving a Mazdaspeed 3, Mazdaspeed 6, or you’re riding around in a Mazda 3 or Mazda 6, we hope that you use our tips to keep yourself safer this winter!
We also sincerely hope that you’re not trying to weather any storms in a Miata or MX5… our Mazda enthusiasts are awesome, but that’s just a different level of crazy!
Anyone else have some good tips or tricks for winter driving in your Mazda or Mazdaspeed?
Share your thoughts or tips in the comments; I am sure we could all use them!
Wishing you safety, warmth, and clear weather this winter!
Cheers,
Kim@CorkSport
Winterize – Dear Car Guy April 24th, 2021CorkSport
I have been thinking about how much my Mazdaspeed3 has gone through in the past couple weeks; I figured I would allow all of my CS crew to enjoy the look back on my journey with me!
I have always had a love for cars, due to my dad always owning some sort of sporty car throughout my childhood. My love of cars started because my dad would let me control the steering wheel in our BMW 318i while cruising on the freeway. That continued as I got older, and as my dad bought faster cars, and of course as I was allowed to start learning to drive.
My very first boosted car was a 2003 Mini Cooper S.
The Mini Cooper S in that year came standard with a 1.6 liter, inline four cylinders, with a supercharger on roughly ten pounds of boost stock. As soon as I bought the car, I was instantly hooked, and had a need and desire for more power. In the time that I owned the Mini, I was able to do a few modifications to it, including: 15% reduction pulley on the supercharger, cold air intake, upgraded top mount intercooler, and a catback exhaust. Those modifications bumped the boost up to about 15psi. For what the car was, it was pretty quick. I owned the car for about three years, and along the way, the car started to have small issues here and there, and eventually, it was time to part ways with the Mini.
When I went looking for my next car, I test drove a 2005 Subaru WRX. Let’s just say that I didn’t know what was best for me at the time.
I took the WRX home to let the girlfriend see it, and instantly got a “HELL NO!” The interior was too basic, and the mileage was pretty high for the price the dealership was asking. I took the car back the next morning and looked around some more.
All of sudden there she was, my Mazdaspeed.
The car showed up overnight, and as soon as I saw it, I had to drive it. I called the girlfriend, and instantly got a NO NO NO. I told her this car was different, and that I thought she would like this one. Took the Mazdaspeed3 home, grabbed the girlfriend, took her for a test drive and got the approval (I know I sound a little whipped here… but, I knew it was going to be more than just a car, so having her approval meant it would be easier in the future when I asked for more). I signed the paperwork, and took the car home. When I acquired the Mazda, it was pretty much stock. It had a short ram intake, and a downpipe installed, other than that it was mine to build and enjoy.
Fast forward about six months, and I had decide to buy a Cobb AccessPort after reading all of the forums. I did that to make sure I could monitor certain things like knock and fuel pressure. Two essential things to keep an eye on. While I was reading the forums, I noticed that people kept bringing up making sure you had your fuel pump internals upgraded. I had no idea if mine had been done. The only thing I knew was my fuel pressure never dropped below 1600psi under wide open throttle. Bought the internals, and sure enough, I had stock ones in there still. After that happened, the modding bug took full effect. Soon enough, the car was fully bolted running e85 for all of the timings. Tuned by Purple Drank, the car went 12.8 @ 110mph in the 1320. I was impressed with the stock turbo at this point and considered my car to be “fast.” Little did I realize there was much more to be had.
I landed the job at CorkSport, and as you can imagine, the car almost instantly got a turbo upgrade.
I kept running the stock block but decided to no longer run e85, and just run pump and methanol. Using the additional fueling, the car made 400whp and 400wtq. My tuner even warned me that I was dancing with the devil at this point. I cared, but not as much as someone else because I secretly wanted a built engine anyways. Took the car to the track one night, and sure enough, on the last run, the car blew a quarter size hole in piston 3. I knew I had a chance of ring land failure, and it failed hard! I guess that meant it was time for a built engine right?
So it was, I decided to rebuild the engine with forged Manley goodness. I had beat the crap out of my MS3 so why not?
I put the car back together towards the end of 2016, slapped the CorkSport turbo on and started the break in/ tuning process. Once the engine was fully broken in, it was time to turn up the boost. Ryan Martin, at Purple Drank Tuning, was excited to give me more power than I had ever had before. The car was making 25psi of boost at 3500rpm, and on the top end, the car was making right around 420whp. Impressive turbo, considering it’s not the biggest snail, but on a built engine it sure packs a wallop.
As more time went by, the more my coworker Brett kept saying that I needed to be way faster than him if I was going to have a built engine. I should have just ignored him, but I caved into the peer pressure and bought a used Gt3582r!
I should have just stuck with the CorkSport turbo; only a couple months later, this turbo decided to destroy its oil seals and turn my car into a diesel truck.
So what am I currently running you may ask??
The new CS Mazdaspeed CST6 prototype turbo may be a thing of our future, but for now it’s keeping me going. Some of you may have seen its development posted in places on Facebook, for some of you this might be the first time. Check out this beauty though! Still in testing phases, but results are looking good! The current plan is to finish the pump gas tune, and then turn on the meth and see what the turbo will do.
I have owned my Mazdaspeed3 for a little over four years.
When I first bought the Mazda, I thought it was the fastest car ever. Now I look back on those days and think how slow the car actually was. I have put back-breaking hard work into making my car as fast as it is today. It really just goes to show you that hard work and dedication allows you to reach your goals with your car.
For all of the Mazda Enthusiasts out there, it doesn’t matter where you are with your build, just stick with it.
At some point, you will reach the goal you have been working towards (or find that you have new goals once those are reached). I know this because I have done it! If anyone reading this ever has any questions, feel free to contact me at CorkSport! Until next time!
Cheers,
Luke
Luke’s Build: My Mazdaspeed 3 Journey April 10th, 2024CorkSport
