MAZDA, BP DEBUT ADVANCED BIOFUEL AT PETIT LE MANS RACE

<center><p><img alt="" height="269" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-41.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br />Dyson Racing's No. 16 Mazda-powered Lola LMP2 coupe is running a blend of <br />ethanol and biobutanol at Road Atlanta. It will not be classified in the race.<br><br />In the ongoing rolling technology showcase that is the American Le Mans Series, <br />MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, Dyson Racing and their primary Series <br />sponsor and technical partner, BP, will fuel one of their Mazda MZR-R-powered <br />Lola coupe racecars with a fuel combining both ethanol and biobutanol - an <br />advanced biofuel that BP is developing with its partner DuPont – in the 12th <br />annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6.<span class="fullpost"><br /><center><p><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-50.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br />"This weekend's debut of an ethanol and biobutanol blend in our American Le Mans <br />Series race car is the perfect example of the technical relationship between <br />Mazda and BP," said Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and <br />Quality for Mazda North American Operations, and the man responsible for the <br />company's North American motorsport programs under the MAZDASPEED Motorsports <br />Development banner. "Advanced biofuels such as biobutanol, along with the choice <br />to use a production-derived 2.0-liter turbocharged MZR-R engine, shows the <br />commitment that both Mazda and BP have to bringing clean, efficient, <br />environmentally sensitive technologies to motorsports, and using motorsports to <br />improve those products before we offer them for sale to the general public."<br /><center><p><img alt="" height="265" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-49.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br />In order to continue development of the advanced biofuel in a racing <br />environment, Dyson Racing will run one of its cars using the standard <br />Series-approved fuel (car 20), and the other (car 16) on biobutanol. Through <br />open and ongoing discussion between Mazda, American Le Mans Series technical <br />personnel and other participating teams the gasoline, ethanol and biobutanol-blend-fueled <br />car (car 16) will not participate for Series points during the Petit Le Mans <br />weekend.<br /><center><p><img alt="" height="266" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-45.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br />BP is a leading energy company with significant investments in advanced biofuels. <br />It is looking for opportunities in biofuels that make both a contribution to <br />energy security and a material reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared <br />with conventional fuels. BP is committed to using economically and <br />environmentally sustainable feedstocks and is developing new technologies to <br />make good biofuels even better. Participation in American Le Mans Series <br />competition offers BP a unique opportunity to produce new fuels and biofuel <br />components, as well as demonstrate the performance of these fuels.<br /><center><p><br /><img alt="" height="268" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-42.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br />Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the <br />sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the <br />United States, Canada and Mexico through more than 850 dealers. Operations in <br />Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in <br />Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.<br /><center><p><img alt="" height="268" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/dyson-mo-1280-14.jpg" width="400"></p></center><br /><p>Biobutanol facts:<br><br />• Biobutanol shares many of the environmental advantages of ethanol and has <br />additional benefits, including:<br><br />• Blends into gasoline at higher concentrations than ethanol without the need to <br />modify vehicles.<br><br />• Offers excellent fuel economy that is close to that of gasoline.<br><br />• Can be used alongside ethanol to help improve the performance of <br />ethanol/gasoline blends.<br><br />• Can be used in existing gasoline (petrol) supply and distribution channels, <br />eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure investments.<br><br /><br><br />Production:<br><br />• Can utilize a variety of conventional feedstocks (such as sugar cane, corn, <br />wheat and sorghum), supporting global implementation.<br><br />• In future, biobutanol can be produced from cellulosic feedstocks, including <br />fast-growing energy crops (e.g. energy grasses) or agricultural by-products <br />(e.g. corn stalks).<br><br /><br><br />Environmental Benefits:<br><br />• Initial indications are that, on the same feedstock basis, biobutanol delivers <br />emission reductions that are at least as good as ethanol.<br><br />• Biobutanol's low vapour pressure (lower than gasoline), means that vapor <br />pressure specifications do not need to be compromised leading to higher VOC <br />emissions.<br><br /><br><br />The 12th annual Petit Le Mans powered by MAZDA6 on Saturday, September 26 is the <br />American Le Mans Series' cornerstone event at Road Atlanta in Braselton Ga. The <br />green flag for the 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance classic is scheduled for 11:15 <br />a.m. ET with SPEED airing live television coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET ... <br />rain or shine! American Le Mans Radio presented by Porsche and Living Timing & <br />Scoring will be available on Racehub at americanlemans.com. Live coverage also <br />can be heard on Sirius 126 and XM 242. You can follow the Series on Twitter (almsnotes) <br />and on our Facebook page.<br><br /><br><br />The race will also mark the ninth round of the 2009 MICHELIN® GREEN X® <br />Challenge. Tickets are available at americanlemans.com and roadatlanta.com.</p><br /> <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/gallery/dyson-racing-mazda-lola-at-mid-ohio/#45">More <br />Photos </a><p><br /></span><p>

MAZDA, BP DEBUT ADVANCED BIOFUEL AT PETIT LE MANS RACE

Dyson Racing's No. 16 Mazda-powered Lola LMP2 coupe is running a blend of ethanol and biobutanol at Road Atlanta. It will not be classif...

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2010 Mazda3 MPS in Depth - With Video

<center><object height="280" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Grocy7EfPf8"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Grocy7EfPf8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="280" width="400"></embed></object></center><br />The all-new Mazda3 was launched earlier this year with an exciting new design, a stiffer chassis and lively engines that make it one of the world’s sportiest-looking and driving compacts. In fact, it was chosen as the best-looking compact on an AutoBild magazine reader poll of 200,000 Europeans in June. Mazda now expands the Mazda3 line-up with an all-new Mazda Performance Series (MPS) flagship version that is sure to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat faster. It is a unique combination of exhilarating fun and everyday compact car practicality. It inherits an evolved version of the high-performance MZR 2.3-litre DISI petrol from the previous MPS, has a dynamic design based on the new hatchback that’s even more emotional than its predecessor, with a refined driving experience, more comfort, and a long list of new technical features as standard.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />The all-new Mazda3 MPS replaces a flagship model that has been a popular sports car around the world since launch in 2006. In just two years, the first-generation Mazda3 MPS quickly made a name for itself by selling 31,100 units globally, a third of them in the USA. Europe is its second-largest market for sales, with one out of every five Mazda3 MPS finding owners here, a total of 6,300 units. The first-generation’s biggest markets in Europe are the UK and Germany, which account for a third of all sales in Europe, followed by Switzerland and Spain.<br /><br />The new model enters a European C non-premium sports compact segment that grew steadily until 2008, when sales decreased for the first time since 2004 due to the economic downturn at the end of the calendar year. Yet the Mazda3 MPS was very successful between 2007 and 2008, coming from a zero percent market share to take 4.5% of the segment by the end of 2008. This brought new kinds of customers to the brand and helped Mazda solidify its sporty Zoom-Zoom reputation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVhz37W3ylmo3WIAlJ4tYc3Sxi63-YE437cgdtKXpod4UyPZjfpyJ_nvitGzZa0ljeq5lXnL-V0SbIlSpLh_UinOINFdJfgD8FJQgaDZfQZyjhY8pQT62gqzqOLppTqyEmrvNlheH-KA/s1600-h/497924.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378282177303801602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVhz37W3ylmo3WIAlJ4tYc3Sxi63-YE437cgdtKXpod4UyPZjfpyJ_nvitGzZa0ljeq5lXnL-V0SbIlSpLh_UinOINFdJfgD8FJQgaDZfQZyjhY8pQT62gqzqOLppTqyEmrvNlheH-KA/s400/497924.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">At a glance</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exterior</span><br /><br /> * Based on sporty, second-generation Mazda3 hatchback with a more aggressive and sportier look<br /> * New bonnet with air-intake and two deep character lines for a hot-hatch look and optimised intercooler efficiency<br /> * Special MPS front fenders and a new specific front and rear bumper design for a more solid and athletic look<br /> * Front grille and lower bumper section share same black metallic finish<br /> * Larger front headlamp fascias hold cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps with boomerang shaped position lamps (standard or option, depending on market)<br /> * Specific MPS round fog lamps<br /> * Side under-spoilers that lower the car’s visual centre of gravity<br /> * Aerodynamic designing results in one of the segment’s lowest drag coefficients at 0.32<br /> * New, larger rear spoiler increases down force, and contributes to lowering lift to 0.03<br /> * LED tail lamps<br /> * Privacy glass for the rear windows (standard or option, depending on market)<br /> * New 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels (18 x 7.55 J) with three-dimensional design similar to the wheels of the sports icon Mazda RX-8<br /> * Total of four body colours available ranging from racy Velocity Red, to Aluminium Metallic, Black Mica and Crystal White Pearl<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17qAZLaLR5A3W56DxdpchCxxvFcrh_Njfz7m6ekSZbj1ntPe62UKuJ43-G09jN38mxrhjkUylqTtoQDl0iYJeVSIOhZVwo8Gre6EIBzXv6CKbOpYV8SMTxbwe93_ydP72TNaVsUSomco/s1600-h/1153718.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378282104137526802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17qAZLaLR5A3W56DxdpchCxxvFcrh_Njfz7m6ekSZbj1ntPe62UKuJ43-G09jN38mxrhjkUylqTtoQDl0iYJeVSIOhZVwo8Gre6EIBzXv6CKbOpYV8SMTxbwe93_ydP72TNaVsUSomco/s400/1153718.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interior</span><br /><br /> * Driver-oriented cockpit and dashboard for a wrap-around, sporty feel<br /> * New meters with red MPS logo<br /> * New LCD turbo-boost gauge between the driver metres<br /> * New multi-information display (MID) including integrated navigation system (standard or option, depending on market)<br /> * 10-speaker Bose® premium surround-sound system, with Audiopilot2® noise compensation and Centerpoint® surround system (standard or option depending on market)<br /> * Hands-free system for Bluetooth®-equipped cell phones and mobile audio players (standard in most markets)<br /> * Special semi-bucket front sport seats in half leather with superior fit<br /> * Special MPS black interior with red graphic design throughout the cabin (on seats, door trim and dashboard) and red stitching on door trim, steering wheel, gearshift lever and sliding centre armrest<br /><br /><br />Powertrain<br /><br /> * One of the world’s most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars with a high-performance MZR 2.3L DISI* Turbo petrol Euro V engine, producing 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm, and high torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm<br /> * In-cylinder cooling effect from direct injection realizes ca. 10 percent more torque compared to conventional-intake engines with same displacement<br /> * Advanced boost pressure control suppresses sudden torque peaks for linear torque development<br /> * Left and right drive shafts optimized to minimize torque steer<br /> * Torque-sensing super limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard<br /> * Top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds<br /> * Aerodynamic performance, engine calibration, electric hydraulic power-assisted steering, and slightly higher gear ratios keep fuel consumption at a moderate level<br /> * Sportier engine sound with dual exhaust pipes that are 10 dB quieter than the previous MPS single exhaust at engine speeds over 5,000 rpm<br /> * The world’s first single-nanotechnology catalytic converter helps reduce the amount of precious metals needed<br /> * Six-speed manual transmission with slightly wider gear ratios than before<br /> * Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear for optimised gearshift operation<br /> * Low-viscosity transmission fluid reduces shift effort when the engine is cold<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovttObRge21T1zGuilB75R2gfspdaxuWINzIJLBbtNCMhvHd4UGRLMmyOpDfdeWndlYvshuo60Iyy0CPLHTPvVRqNpgtrzC67VxLtPo4WrCT3A0Aei1xF3czKMtt5rxaSoZjZV7BIgRc/s1600-h/6688809.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378282039269555458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovttObRge21T1zGuilB75R2gfspdaxuWINzIJLBbtNCMhvHd4UGRLMmyOpDfdeWndlYvshuo60Iyy0CPLHTPvVRqNpgtrzC67VxLtPo4WrCT3A0Aei1xF3czKMtt5rxaSoZjZV7BIgRc/s400/6688809.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chassis and Safety</span><br /><br /> * Reworked body and chassis deliver improved control and stability<br /> * NVH levels some of segment’s best, for improved driving comfort, together with sportier engine sound<br /> * Special reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets, a large tunnel member and ca. 17 percent more high-tensile steel deliver a 41 percent improvement in liftgate diagonal displacement and a 15 percent increase in body hysteresis compared to the previous Mazda3 MPS<br /> * Larger diameter stabilizers with longer mount spans achieve greater roll linearity<br /> * Modified coil spring rates for MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension<br /> * Special dampers with increased damping strength contribute to higher roll stiffness<br /> * Like the all-new Mazda3, the MPS now possesses three highly-rigid steering gear mount bushings, instead of two used on the previous model, which improve response to steering wheel action<br /> * New exclusive wider Dunlop 18-inch tyres (from 215 to 225) with more rigid sidewalls and damping strength improve grip and give a more direct steering feel<br /> * New electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering helps to save fuel, especially at high speeds, and offers optimal steering feel<br /> * Large diameter 320 mm ventilated front disc brakes, 280 mm rear solid discs, 8+9 inch tandem brake booster and 1-inch diameter master cylinder for powerful and stable braking<br /> * Newly-introduced electronic brake assist added to four-wheel ABS and DSC (all standard)<br /> * New adaptive front lighting system (AFS) with pivoting bi-xenon lamps that illuminate the curve at night (standard or option, depending on market)<br /> * New rear-vehicle monitoring system (RVM) that detects if a car is approaching from the left or right rear, or is in the blind spot, and warns the driver before he changes lane (standard or option, depending on market)<br /> * New emergency stop signal (ESS) that flashes hazard lights to warn following vehicles if the driver suddenly brakes (standard)<br /> * New tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard or option, depending on market<br /> * Parking sensor system (standard)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K_fssBrYVyG7Kg0NdYhIedKtkSzuBxFf9ghNO9uUXR6VsqpPWfC3izgjFZupxNaTvr1IWCWzwlLN9Nq7Z1x9z2md32XwZrBCdN44CTtZ7_tjXZ-9zU5Q20AuC0O-pp7uP4ZvzE7nVOs/s1600-h/6449980.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378281948659083954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K_fssBrYVyG7Kg0NdYhIedKtkSzuBxFf9ghNO9uUXR6VsqpPWfC3izgjFZupxNaTvr1IWCWzwlLN9Nq7Z1x9z2md32XwZrBCdN44CTtZ7_tjXZ-9zU5Q20AuC0O-pp7uP4ZvzE7nVOs/s400/6449980.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109090421496/mini14/2010-mazda3-mps-in-depth">More Photos</a><br /><br /></span><p>

2010 Mazda3 MPS in Depth - With Video

The all-new Mazda3 was launched earlier this year with an exciting new design, a stiffer chassis and lively engines that make it one of the ...

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2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift officially announced for Europe

<center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="268" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/5718286.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Mazda has officially announced the European release of the facelifted Mazda RX-8. The 2010 model year RX-8 will take center stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, showing the same restyling customers in Japan have received.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="205" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/1218984.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Under the hood, Mazda will use the unchanged 1.3-liter rotary engine that provides 231 hp and 211 Nm. The engine now has a second knock sensor, for increased efficiency. Using the six-speed manual, the car can reach 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. The car tops out at 234 km/h (145 mph). New engine choice may appear with the 2011 Mazda RX-7, but that is unconfirmed.<br /><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/109072420658/mini18/2010-mazda-rx-8-facelift-officially-announced-for-europe">More Photos</a><br /><br /><center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="268" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/5181931.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Some of the changes include a new front bumper, new headlights, and LEDs incorporated into the rear lights. The front now brings the car more in line with the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Although exhaust tips are now round, the triangular shape is still seen in the red reflector at the base of the rear bumper. Mazda is also using new side skirts, as well as new 19-inch alloy wheels.<br /><br /><center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="266" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/9790284.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Inside, the driver and passenger will be held into place thanks to the Recaro sport seats that combine black cloth and leather. A new instrument cluster, steering wheel, and sound system are included, as well as Bluetooth functionality.<br /><br /><center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="316" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/6754451.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Pricing has not been officially announced, but could reach as high as €38,000 in Germany, including tax.<br /><br /><center><img alt="2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift - euro spec" height="268" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/6822312.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br /></span><p>

2010 Mazda RX-8 facelift officially announced for Europe

Mazda has officially announced the European release of the facelifted Mazda RX-8. The 2010 model year RX-8 will take center stage at the F...

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Porsche 911 Carrera 4S-based widebody Supersport in the works?

<center><img alt="Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet Turbolook MY 1985" height="273" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/2776111.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />According to a recent report, Porsche is developing a limited edition 911 widebody Supersport which will be based on the Carrera 4S.<br /><span class="fullpost"> <br /><center><img alt="2009 Porsche 911 Carrera" height="320" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2008/9/large/9080902.009.Mini2L2.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Although details are limited, TeamSpeed.com forum is reporting that the Supersport will boast unique styling features such as a double bubble roof and a duck-tail spoiler in honor of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Bumpers will be from the GT3 and other interesting design touches will include Fuchs-style wheels, a primer gray exterior paint scheme, and a brown leather interior.<br /><br /><center><img alt="2009 Porsche 911 Carrera" height="266" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2008/9/large/9080902.009.Mini1L2.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />In 1984 Porsche introduced the "turbo look" option officially called the Supersport for the 911 3.2 Carrera. It resembled the 930 Turbo with its widened wheel arches and whale tail. It also featured the stiffer suspension, braking system and wheels of the Turbo model.<br /><br /><center><img alt="Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 Coupe MY 1975" height="303" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/1404074.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Power will likely come from the C4S' 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine which produces 385 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This should enable the Supersport to rocket from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds before hitting an estimated top speed of 185 mph.<br /><br /><center><img alt="2009 Porsche 911 Carrera" height="266" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2008/9/large/9080902.009.Mini5L2.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Set to be released next year, the Supersport will reportedly cost an eye watering £135,000 ($222,223 USD) which is a far cry from the C4S' base price of £74,534 ($123,100 USD).<br /><a href="More Photos">More Photos</a><br /><br /></span><p>

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S-based widebody Supersport in the works?

According to a recent report, Porsche is developing a limited edition 911 widebody Supersport which will be based on the Carrera 4S. Alth...

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