Who Wants The SKYACTIV-D?

 

I have been getting more and more excited about the Mazda Skyactiv Diesel engines which are due to arrive in North America this spring.  My thoughts have been a bit skewed with estimating power numbers with down-pipes, cranking up the boost, and doing crazy low RPM burnouts in the first 4 gears with mountains of torque.  My dreams were dealt a big blow yesterday as the news was released by Mazda that the diesels have been delayed.  Again.

  SKYACTIV-D Diesel - CorkSport

Seeking an answer as to why the holdup I went to look at Mazda’s official press release.  The Mazda official text is below

 

Mazda North American Operations today announced that the launch of its SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine in North America is being further delayed from its Spring 2014 announced debut timing.

While Mazda understands its SKYACTIV-D can meet emission regulation requirements without the use of a NOx after-treatment system, it was decided that further development is required to deliver the right balance between fuel economy and Mazda-appropriate driving performance.”

 

I read this as Mazda wants to make sure the car is trouble free for North America and I am giving them props for this.  In the rest of the planet people are more familiar with diesels and the needed upkeep with urea injections to keep NOx lower.  Mazda is trying to do away with the need for this completely making the car similar to owning a standard petrol powered car which I am in agreement with.   Your average American is used to a diesel in an F350 or a Dodge not a passenger car and the last thing you want is people having problems with their cars and posting to Yelp about it for not understanding the real issue.

  SKYACTIV-D Diesel - CorkSport

So for now my burnout dreams will be just that, dreams until Mazda gets it all sorted out.  I wonder if they would let me take one of the 25 hours of thunder hill cars for a weekend to hold me over…

-Derrick

 

The Best Power Mod For A Mazda

In the ongoing quest to make your Mazda more powerful, and fun to drive, we have developed many great aftermarket options.

The stock airbox and air intake on most Mazdas were designed for economy instead of power. The problem with using the stock filter and airbox is that it functions similar to breathing through a rag. The rag does a great job of keeping contaminants and dirt out, but it also requires extra effort to pull air in.

When you upgrade the intake to a CorkSport Short Ram Intake you remove the air stifling setup and finally breath freely. Suddenly, your car goes from an underpowered, oxygen lacking zombie, to the free breathing, throaty roar of increased horsepower and freedom.

Take a look at a section from our book “The Ultimate Mazda Performance Guide” about how a Short Ram intake system should be your first modification for power.

If you are looking to start the year off right, and are ready to upgrade your intake system we can answer any questions on which option is best for your ride.

Want to start 2014 off with some extra power? How about just letting your Mazda breathe easy? Thankfully you can do both with one simple modification, the Short Ram Intake.

www.corksport.com

Mazda Axela Sport and the 6 Wagon Turbodiesel (Next Mazdaspeed?)

2014 Axela Sport Concept (New Mazdaspeed?)

Mazda recently released some concepts with Mazdaspeed exteriors. Could these be the next Mazdaspeed 3’s? The new Axela Sport with Mazdaspeed Exterior certainly has a sporty look, but there is no official word on if this is just a design concept, or if it’s confirmation of the next Mazdaspeed 3.

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The hatchback will feature a strengthened chassis, some Brembo stopping power and a set of black alloy wheels. The end result is a stunning example of another great design from Mazda, a company that truly understands blending high performance and sporty style.

Whether this is the new Mazdaspeed or not, we look forward to more ideas and designs from Mazda, such as the Mazda 6 Wagon concept below!

Mazda 6 Wagon Mazda Design Concept

Also joining the 6 sedan lineup is a stylish wagon variation. Featuring subtle aero changes, new wheels and a leather wrapped dash. It will house a Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine power-plant. Rumor has it that we should be seeing this engine in the USA, so we have our fingers crossed. Turbo + Diesel + Wagon = the best of all worlds, at least we think so!

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Product Release! CorkSport 2014+ Mazda 6 Lowering Springs

 We’ve got love for 2014.

Those of you who are already driving the new 2014 Mazda 6 will be happy to see that we are releasing lowering springs to bring you improved handling and looks to your new ride. Read about the new release of the best Mazda 6 lowering springs.

Mazda 6 Lowering Springs

 

The CorkSport Advantage

  • A 1.75” Drop Front and Rear for improving the ride while maintaining safe operation
  • An average increase of 7% in the spring rate while maintaining a comfortable ride
  • Crafted from high tensile strength spring steel for long-lasting quality and performance
  • OEM Finish to ensure lasting durability and rust resistance
  • Backed by CorkSport Limited 2-year warranty
  • CorkSport Service and Support Receive full-color installation instructions, all of the needed installation hardware with knowledgeable telephone installation support
Mazda 6 Lowering Spring Set

The demand has been high for the Mazda 6, order yours soon. Get your Mazda 6 ready to stand apart from the rest.

Order your Mazda 6 2014 Lowering Springs today.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and product updates from CorkSport.

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Mazda Posts High Profits, Innovation is Up their Sleeve

Mazda is planning to make an announcement soon on their April – June profit. Though Mazda spokeswoman Misato Kobayashi declined to comment, speculation and reports from Nikkei Business daily says that Mazda should have a profit of over 20% higher than last year at the same time. Reuters reports that Mazda has seen strong sales of their CX-5 and Mazda 6 so far in 2013. Reuters also cited the Nikkei business daily as stating that the falling Yen and improved sales have helped contribute to Mazda’s profitability.

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At CorkSport our love of Mazda means that when Mazda does well, we get excited. Though Mazda is one of the smaller automakers, their innovative ideas, designs, and fun vehicles has helped them stay competitive against much larger companies. We love seeing Mazda report that they are selling well, and we love knowing that more people are coming to enjoy the brand we appreciate so much. The more people that enjoy Mazda, the more we can create parts to help you love driving your Mazda.

2014-mazda-3-sedan-leaked_

Honestly we aren’t surprised at all by the recent success from Mazda. With the new 2014 Mazda 3 having been announced about a month ago, a new Mazda 6, and a fresh CX-5, Mazda seems to be doing everything right. All their recent vehicles have been inspiring, good looking, innovative, full of features, and mostly, a blast to drive. When the rest of the competition seems to be more focused on isolating you from the road, Mazda seems to be doing everything they can to make driving an experience to enjoy, not a chore that is required.

With all the rumors swirling around about the new MX-5 Miata, and the upcoming Diesel Mazda 6, and a new Mazdaspeed, we have a lot to look forward to from Mazda.