Mazda’s SKYACTIV diesel covered 2,826 miles in the Rolex 24

With two prototype SKYACTIV racers, Mazda has demonstrated that their diesel engine has come a long way since its debut at last year’s Rolex 24.

On Saturday, January 25^th, Mazda unleashed a duo of clean diesel powered prototype racers that saw years of research culminate into an impressive demonstration of endurance and engineering at Daytona International Speedway at the 52^nd Rolex 24.

Just like last year, Mazda was unable to complete the race but unlike last year, the engine was not a factor in an early retirement.

The number 07 car last the duration of the race up until the final hour when an oil-pump belt failure caused a loss of oil pressure and a forced retirement. The number 70 car also faced an accessory related failure when the radiator became clogged causing the car to overheat and forcing it to retire after completing just over 1,300 miles of continuous high speed racing. Combined, both cars lasted a total of 2,826 miles!

John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports, said that within the short amount of time the SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel prototype “we are very satisfied with the progress our team has achieved. That said, this is a multi-year development program and we won’t be happy until we start winning.”

The SKYACTIV-D is performing stronger than it has in previous endurance races and is a sign that Mazda is close to perfecting their diesel engine.

For more information about Mazda vehicles including technical specifications, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

2014 Mazda6 awarded the 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus

Safety should always be a number one concern for all new car buyers when looking for a new vehicle, especially those with families. At DonMealey’s Sport Mazda, shoppers that visit our new Mazda dealer showroom have expressed their concerns when regarding selecting the safest vehicle for their family. We are proud to say that the all-new 2014 Mazda6 that released earlier this year has been awarded the 2013 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick Plus award, a first ever for Mazda! While Mazda is no stranger to the IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, it’s the first time receiving the Plus award since the introduction of overlap tests that focused on what happens in the event of a collision happening to the front corners of a vehicle.

The 2014 Mazda6 truly embodies the philosophy behind SKYACTIV technology. With excellent fuel economy unlike any other car in its class, a lighter stronger body, and now officially recognized outstanding safety ratings, the 2014 Mazda6 is just Mazda raising and setting standards for future models down the road. For more information about the Mazda6 and its styling options, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com. Schedule a test drive with a Mazda Expert to learn firsthand what makes this a driving experience unlike any other.

Mazda5 Named Among the “Best Family Cars of 2012” By Edmunds

Voted among the top 15 best family vehicles of 2012 by Edmunds, the Mazda5 represents the value, safety, and family accommodations. Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda in Orlando, Florida is a new Mazda dealership in Central Florida that understands the sacred nature of the family budget. When in a position to make a smart budgeted choice for a new auto for your family, Sport Mazda recommends the 2012 Mazda5 due to its family friendly features. Edmunds.com weighed these features, safety, performance, interior and exterior styling, reliability, and price to compile their list of 15 top family cars of the year.

Listed in the Crossover/Compact Minivan category, the Mazda5 is the only Mazda to grace the list this year. The affordable, starting at just over $19,500, Mazda5 can fit 6 passengers comfortably in 3 rows of seats. Getting your family to and from where it needs to go is extremely important and Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations says “safety and reliability are top concerns for all car buyers, as passengers are by far the most previous ‘cargo’ that any vehicle will ever carry.” To learn more about the 2012 Mazda5 and how you can schedule a test drive, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com today! The Mazda Experts at Sport Mazda are knowledgeable resources of everything Mazda and can help answer your questions or concerns by contacting them online.

Mazda’s North American Debut For 2014 Line Up In Los Angeles

Debuting this week at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, Mazda’s North American line up for 2013 will reveal for the first time in the United States the 2014 Mazda6, 2014 CX-5, and an updated 2013 CX-9. As a new Mazda dealership in Orlando, Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda has witnessed the demand for these latest iterations, specifically the 2014 Mazda6. The year 2013 will be another milestone year for Skyactiv with the introduction of the new Skyactiv-D diesel engine making it's first appearance in a North American model with the 2014 Mazda6. Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, agrees that “it’s definitely an exciting time for the Zoom-Zoom brand.” Expect a full announcement about the North American launch of these new autos and details about the updated design tweaks mid-cycle for the 2013 CX-9 which is currently available without the newest modifications being shown in Los Angeles this week from Mazda's press conference.

For more information about the latest updates to Mazda’s line of autos, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com and find out how a Mazda Expert can help you with any questions or concerns regarding Mazda vehicles, parts and accessories.

Edmunds Evaluates the New 2014 Mazda6

More 2014 Mazda6 impressions are hitting the internet after last month’s demonstration in France. As a new Mazda dealership in Orlando, the Mazda Experts at Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda are already receiving many inquiries into the latest Mazda6. Equipped with a full suite of Skyactiv innovations, Edmunds’ Inside Line publication gives further insight into how Mazda’s branded technologies impact the driving experience and performance of the vehicle in their first behind the wheel experience with the new fuel efficient sedan.

One of the Skyactiv features that stand out is the new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. Edmunds reports “Mazda says that a full capacitor can run the entire car, including air-conditioning, for a full minute.” The performance of the capacitor in the 2014 Mazda6 i-ELOOP helps relieve the engine powered alternator by taking the energy produced by braking to charge and distribute the power to run electronic components during a stop. For more information on the new 2014 Mazda6 and future Skyactiv vehicles, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5 Finalist For 2013 Green Car of the Year!

Green Car Journal has announced their 5 finalists for 2013 Green Car of the Year and showing up on the list is the 2013 Mazda Skyactiv CX-5. As a Mazda dealership in Orlando, Florida, Don Mealey’s Sport Mazda has seen the demand first hand for the fuel efficient environmentally improved Skyactiv CX-5. Normally, people do not associate “green” and “sport utility vehicle” together, but Green Car Journal has recognized the engineering feat that Mazda has achieved with their crossover SUV which is the only type of car in its class that is nominated.

The Skyacitv CX-5 is the most efficient SUV available in the US with an EPA rating of 35 miles per gallon and has a shot at the title when you look at past winners like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV which won the title in 2008 even with only a gas mileage of 22 mpg which clearly gives hope for a Mazda win this year. We’ll find out who wins the title when the winner is announced next month at the LA Auto Show. For more information about the Mazda CX-5 or Skyactiv vehicles, visit SportMazdaOrlando.com.

Mazda CX-9 Kodo Infused Design Unveiled In Style

Kicking off the 2013 Australian Motor Show, Mazda has released a new video touting the newly redesigned Mazda CX-9. With updated features and sporting Mazda’s new Kodo design hallmark, the Japanese automaker is bringing new life into the CX-9 lineage. Information has been trickling out for the past few months on the updated SUV including a variation with the inclusion of the Skyactiv-D diesel engine but we won’t have the official North American release facts until Mazda releases them in the near future. Check out the video above and keep checking back for future updates on the all new Mazda CX-9. Visit SportMazdaOrlando.com to find out how you can be notified when the all new Mazda CX-9 becomes available or to test drive any Mazda today!