Some Interesting News from Mazda in Tokyo Auto Show
 

Production models debuting at Tokyo include the new MPV minivan, on sale in Japan this month. Mazda says it has the roominess of a conventional minivan but with “taut, athletic lines.”

The new MPV is powered by Mazda’s direct-injection MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, the same mill employed in the new Mazdaspeed6 performance sedan.

The new 2.3L’s performance is similar to that of a 3.5L-4L V-6 engine, says Mazda, and features innovations, such as a smart idling stop system, which eliminates an electric starter motor for “quicker, quieter and more reliable starts.”

The Tribute Hybrid, Mazda’s version of Ford Motor Co.’s Escape Hybrid small SUV, will be another production model debuting at Tokyo.

The RX-8 Hydrogen RE is set to make its world premiere at the show, as well. Mazda plans to lease the vehicle on a commercial basis in the future.

whoa damn.

Yeah....All 3 were bombshells to me

The Long awaited Mazdaspeed 6's engine going in a frickin Minivan ??

Ford originally had said the specifically, the Tribute would not get a hybrid version

And I didnt even realize the Hydrogen Renesis was ready for commercial application...Somehow I see this as being one of those california-only deals though

I heard that the hydrogen rx8 was adifficult build because the storage tank weas so large it took up the ENTIRE trunk...not only do you get acramped backseat but NO trunk?? This is a rotary miata on hydrogen.