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April 23, 2003
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This Week:

• Two Successful BMW Cars Bid Farewell To The Sports Car World: Production Of Z8 and M5 Soon To Be Discontinued

• Lexus Introduces the HPX Concept Car at the New York International Auto Show

• 2004 Malibu Maxx SS Concept Car: Room And Zoom

• Cayenne Also Shows What It Can Do On The Big Screen

• Shanghai GM Unveils Buick Excelle Sedan

• Ford To Follow Its 2004 'Year Of The Car' With All-New Ford Futura Mid-Size Sedan

• Toyota Stages World Premiere Of All-New Camry Solara Coupe At 2003 New York Auto Show

• New Mazda MX Sportif Concept: An Electrifying Sport Compact Design

• Aulnay Plant (France) Produces its Sixth-Millionth Vehicle

• DaimlerChrysler Minivan, Powered by Unique Fuel-Cell System

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New Mazda MX Sportif Concept: An Electrifying Sport Compact Design

Photo: Mazda

New York: Mazda unveiled its newest design concept - the MX Sportif - at the 2003 New York Auto Show. The concept vehicle debuted as the newest incarnation of Mazda's always the soul of a sportscar mantra and is to be showcased alongside two additional, new-generation Mazda products - the MAZDA6 flagship sedan and iconic Mazda RX-8 sports car. Together, with the MX Sportif, the trio of dynamic vehicles represents products that are consistently conceived and developed in line with Mazda's product DNA and fully embody three core product attributes: distinctive design, exceptional functionality and responsive performance and handling. With three new-generation products that mirror its product DNA in market by the end of 2003, Mazda expects a rapid proliferation of vehicles along its core lines with a succession of new models that consistently demonstrate the scope of its brand vision. As the company's product line expands, Mazda anticipates ultimately driving sales growth by offering more choices for customers who seek stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles in all parts of the world.

The MX Sportif presents the design direction for a new, global compact vehicle from Mazda. But as with all new Mazda products of late, the MX Sportif has been developed to blur the lines of traditional vehicle segmentation, offering customers far more in terms of exterior styling, overall vehicle roominess and enjoyable driving dynamics.

The MX Sportif's power is sourced from an MZR 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, a member of Mazda's new-generation of engines. The engine features a reversed intake-exhaust layout (with the exhaust system fitted at the rear), a variable intake system (VIS), a tumble swirl control valve (TSCV) and a high-flow port head. Thus equipped, the engine produces a linear delivery of a substantial amount of torque at all engine speeds, assuring an exhilarating driving experience.

Maximum output is estimated at 150 hp at 6000 rpm and maximum torque is estimated at 140 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. In terms of environmental performance, the MZR engine in the MX Sportif aims to meet the PZEV (partial zero emission vehicle) standard in the United States. The engine in mated to a close-ratio, short-throw five-speed manual transmission.

The MX Sportif features the latest evolution of the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System body, dual stage opening Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) front airbags, as well as SRS side curtains and seat mounted front side airbags. This level of passive safety equipment - matched to the active safety that is inherent in any vehicle with exceptional driving dynamics - gives MX Sportif a reassuring level of safety that is expected in all automobiles. Active safety is pushed to the highest levels with the inclusion of Mazda's sophisticated anti-lock brake system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), boosting the MX Sportif's overall handling stability and braking performance beyond their basic potential.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

MX Sportif Specifications

• Dimensions Overall Length 171.3 in. (4350mm) Overall Width 62.3 in. (1760mm)

• Overall Height 57.1 in. (1450mm) Wheelbase 103.9 in. (2640mm) Tread, front/rear 60.4/60.2 in. (1535/1530mm)

• Seating capacity 5 persons

• Engine Type MZR 2.0L inline four-cylinder

• Output (SAE net) 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)

• Torque (SAE net) 140 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (estimated)

• Transmission Type Five-speed manual

• Suspension Suspension system, front/rear MacPherson strut/multi-link

• Brakes front/rear Ventilated disc/disc Tires 225/45R-18

(April 17, 2003)