It all adds up: Mazda3 makes an impact with its fuel economy

Some numbers mean more than others. They're magic numbers. Electoral votes? 270. Black jack? 21. A compact car's miles per gallon? 40.
Welcome to the club, Mazda.
The 2012 Mazda3 reaches the benchmark, thanks to its new SkyActiv engine. Although the model offers four engines in all, it's the rookie, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, that hits the target.
The SkyActiv engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission has Environmental Protection Agency mileage ratings of 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. They represent an increase of 7 mpg highway and 3 mpg city over the numbers produced by the base 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which did not have the SkyActiv engine.
Mazda has taken advantage of the car's lightweight materials. The Mazda3 checks in at 2,896 pounds, so the fresh technology results in a net gain.
Mazda3s come in sedan and hatchback, and all are front-wheel drive





Ref:  http://www.statesman.com/life/cars/it-all-adds-up-mazda3-makes-an-impact-2329213.html?cxtype=rss_life-cars

What gets up to 35 MPG, comfortably seats five, and will be on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live show tonight? Hint: it’s not Guillermo.

Tune in tonight (12|11C) to find out!

Ref: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151559936235363&set=a.429757820362.372429.337363685362&type=1

Jeep unveils Wrangler Unlimited Altitude

In March, Jeep showed off its blacked-out Altitude edition Compass, Grand Cherokee and Patriot. Now it's Wrangler's turn get the monochromatic package.

The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude package includes everything the traditional Unlimited Sahara gets, including a body color hardtop and various interior gadgetry. But the Altitude exterior gets either all-black paint or all-black trim on Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White or Bright Silver Metallic paint. Unique 18-inch wheels with painted black spokes round out the exterior highlights.

Inside, the seats get black leather with contrasting red stitching as well as black trim on the dashboard and black berber floor mats.

Only 4,500 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude editions will be sold beginning in May with an MSRP of $33,740. That's more than the Patriot and Compass Altitudes and just shy of the $35,595 price tag on the Grand Cherokee Altitude.












Ref: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/jeep-unveils-wrangler-unlimited-altitude/

Earth Day 2012: How You Can Help Save Our Planet's Resources

It's the Earth's Day today, but it's our moment to look around, breathe our air in a little deeper and hug our trees a little tighter.
It's a day for us to appreciate the unbelievable resources we have and to pledge to do our best to protect the incredible offerings that nature unfailingly provides us.
What will you do to celebrate Earth Day?
Consider partaking in one (or all!) of the five nature-centric activities below that will give you the opportunity to thank the Earth for all that she gives us.
Have a Picnic
To celebrate the Earth's "deliciousness," The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation nonprofit, is hosting the largest picnic ever by setting up "Picnics for the Planet" events throughout the world.

Plant a Tree
Help Green World Campaign restore indigenous ecologies and lessen the climate crisis in environmentally-damaged locations, by planting trees in the communities that desperately need them.

Pledge an Act of Green
The Earth Day Network is encouraging its supporters to pledge 1 billion acts of green. Whether your plan is to plant a tree, clean up a park or commit to another noble green act, let the world know!
 Teach About the Earth
Determined to educate the next generation about the importance of protecting the Earth, The Water Planet Challenge gives educators and leaders the tools they need to teach, specifically, about water conservation and gives grants to educators who want to keep inspiring their students long after Earth Day.
Volunteer!
Roll up your sleeves and join Earth-enthusiasts determined to save the planet, by getting involved with an environmental nonprofit in your area.



Ref:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/22/earth-day-2012-get-involved_n_1441641.html?ref=tw

Fox News Reviews The All New 2013 Mazda CX-5

Big thanks to Fox News for publishing one of the most recent - and most flattering - reviews of our all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5. From their words:

"Painful cliché alert: The CX-5 is the Miata of crossovers." "Settle into a curvy two-lane and the CX-5 melds with the road, creating an out of five-door body experience for the driver."

"The engine ... operates at a racecar-like 13 to 1 compression ratio." "Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it’s good in front-wheel-drive versions for 35 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg combined. Those are far and away the best numbers in the segment."



Ref:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151547403495363&set=a.429757820362.372429.337363685362&type=1

2013 MAZDA CX-5 NAMED TO WARD’S “10 BEST INTERIORS” LIST

All-New Compact Crossover SUV Earns Mazda its Third "Interiors" Award

IRVINE, Calif. (April 16, 2012) - The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors.  A newcomer to the compact crossover SUV segment, at 35 miles per gallon (mpg), CX-5 boasts the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America - including hybrids - thanks to SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's innovative engineering philosophy on fuel-saving technologies.

"To separate itself from the competition, the 2013 CX-5 had to offer not just the same features and options as other compact crossover SUVs, but be better, stronger and smarter than those other offerings," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  "For CX-5 to be honored with such a distinct award is a testament to Mazda's passionate attention to every detail - from dynamics and engineering to safety and design."

All new or significantly changed production vehicles are eligible for review by the editors of WardsAuto.  Interiors are rated based on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, touch points/comfort, fit and finish as well as aesthetics/design harmony.  There is no price cap for vehicle entries.  The 2013 CX-5 Grand Touring was entered this year.

Previously known as "Auto Interiors of the Year" as part of the Automotive Interiors Show held annually in Detroit, WardsAuto became the title sponsor in 2005, renaming the awards to Ward's 10 Best Interiors in 2011.  The Mazda5 and MAZDASPEED3 were selected for the prestigious list in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

The 2013 CX-5 starts at $20,695[2] and features high-level standard interior equipment such as a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto open/close, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.

As tested, the CX-5 Grand Touring adds standard luxury cabin amenities in the form of a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor with rearview camera, a power moonroof, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a Bose® Surround Sound System, HD Radio^TM Technology and Sirius Satellite Radio. 

A Technology Package is available for the Grand Touring model and includes an in-dash TomTom-based navigation system, bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

CX-5 Grand Touring models start at $27,045.  The CX-5 Touring mid-level model starts at $23,895.

Recently named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all

CX-5 models boast best-in-class fuel economy.   Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with SKYACTIV-MT are EPA-rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined.  When equipped with SKYACTIV-Drive, FWD models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined.  SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

Ref:http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/2013-mazda-cx-5-named-ward%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9C10-best-interiors%E2%80%9D-list

"Mazda CX-9 Vs. Toyota Highlander"

The Car Connection recently published a "Mazda CX-9 Vs. Toyota Highlander" comparative article we really like. SPOILER ALERT: Some of our favorite excerpts are below.

"The CX-9’s suspension is noticeably firmer, but never objectionably so ... It's the suspension tuning that makes the Mazda feel more like a sedan than an SUV."

"Under the hood, the Mazda CX-9 gets a 3.7-liter V-6, good for 273 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission."

"The inside of the Mazda is just a nicer place to spend time than the [competition] ..."

Ref:   http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151503284480363&set=a.429757820362.372429.337363685362&type=1

Mazda's new CX-5 crossover breaks from the pack

Introduced as a 2013 model, the CX-5 found 3,629 buyers in March, its first month on the market. That helped Mazda achieve its best total month of sales since March 2008.
With prices beginning at $20,695, the CX-5 is sold in Sport, Touring or Grand Touring trim. With all-wheel drive, the fully loaded Grand Touring model tops out at $28,295.
The key to success in this class is producing enough power to please the driver without wasting fuel on excessive performance. The CX-5 features an approach to performance and fuel economy that Mazda calls "Skyactiv Technology."
With a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, Mazda claims the highest compression ratio for mass-produced car. The engine features redesigned pistons and 10 percent lighter components, producing 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. With redline at 6,500 rpm, this is designed as a high-revving engine.
A curb weight of 3,208 pounds makes the CX-5 one of the lightest members of the class. With an average fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, the CX-5 sport should cost you $1,850 for a year of fill-ups. Over five years, that should save you $2,400 over the average new vehicle, according to Mazda.
Equipped with a stick, the CX-5 feels reasonably responsive but hardly lusty. It would be interesting to see what kind of results engineers could achieve with a turbocharger for more enthusiastic drivers.
A six-speed automatic transmission adds $1,400 to the price, but it's an option that most drivers will likely prefer.
Sport trim includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff and body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps.
Cloth upholstery is offered in black or beige. Interior equipment includes push-button start, power windows, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system and USB connection ports.
All-wheel-drive, offered only with automatic transmission, raises the price to $23,345. A Bluetooth audio package is available for $400 and includes hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch in-dash color information touch-screen monitor and HD radio technology.
The Touring trim adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera, an upgraded six-speaker audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Touring models, priced at $23,895 with front drive, also have a blind-spot monitoring system.
Touring options include a $1,130 package that adds a moon roof and a 225-watt Bose Centerpoint nine-speaker Surround Sound System.
Grand Touring models come with 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moon roof. Interior amenities include leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control and the premium Bose sound system.
.




Ref:http://www.scrippsnews.com/content/autos-mazdas-new-crossover-breaks-pack

Chrysler introducing industry's first* wireless charging mat in Dodge Dart

Chrysler has announced it will offer wireless charging in its new 2013 Dodge Dart. The charging bin will work with MP3 players and iPhone, Blackberry and Android mobile phones, provided those devices are fitted with a special case.

The Pentastar says that this $199.99 Mopar accessory is an "industry first," but we'll take the liberty of assigning an asterisk* to that claim, as wireless charging has been offered as a third-party solution for some time now (even at new car dealers). This is just the first such offering from an official branch of an OEM. The wireless charging hardware isn't a factory option, it's actually a dealer-installed accessory, which means that buyers will have to pay for installation or do it themselves.

Either way, wireless charging is a very cool piece of technology, and Chrysler does deserve credit for being the first automaker to officially offer it throughout its dealers nationwide - asterisk or otherwise.

Ref:  http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.autoblog.com%2Fcategory%2Fdodge%2Frss.xml

2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is black, white and red all over

Dodge has used the New York Auto Show to show off its new Challenger Rallye Redline, which was announced at The Spring Festival, a small-scale event held in Southern California for Mopar LX fans and owners. Besides being seen by those select few, this is the coupe's first public showing.

Powered by the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet torque as the base model, this machine gets a performance boost via an upgraded suspension package called the Super Sport Group. Updates include firmer front and rear shocks, larger front and rear sway bars, wider P245/45R20 Firestone Firehawk tires and steering that's 25-percent quicker.

As you can see, there are also a bunch of exterior tweaks, including the big red stripe down the center, red-striped 20-inch wheels with a Pitch Black treatment and a body-color rear spoiler. Inside, the exclusive availability of heated front performance seats in Radar Red leather is the biggest news, but Dark Slate Grey is also available. The optional Exterior hues are Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright White and Pitch Black.
 





Ref:  http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2012-dodge-challenger-rallye-redline-new-york-2012/

2013 SRT Viper

It’s been almost two years since Dodge built a Viper. Production of the last-gen car—which was nearly the last in the “final” sense of the word—ceased in summer of 2010, but it’s again time to give thanks to the gods of internal-combustion barbarism: The new Viper is debuting at the New York auto show.







Ref:  http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Fcaranddriver%2Fblog

People Helping People Golf Tournament

Classic of  Denton is Proud to Be One of The Sponsors of The:

22nd Annual PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE Golf Tournament

Please join us for the 22nd Annual PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE Golf Tournament to benefit the United Way of Denton County on June 18, 2012. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Denton Country Club in Argyle, TX. The event will include a 4-person scramble, box lunch and 19th hole celebration and awards ceremony. Register now and remember to invite your friends to play.









Ref:    http://www.golfdigestplanner.com/20184-CopyofFontColorYellow21stAnnualP/