Troutman

The first teaser image of Mazda's fourth-generation MX-5 has surfaced three weeks ahead of its official global reveal early next month. Although it's draped by a thin veil, the rear side angle seen in the image reveals key design details for the first time, including the familiar long-bonnet silhouette that's been synonymous with the world's top-selling two-seat sports car since its inception in 1989. However, adding weight to recent comments by senior Mazda executives that the Mk4 MX-5 "will look nothing like" the model it replaces is the appearance of far more muscular sheet metal. http://www.carsales.com.au/news/sports/mazda/mx-5/mazda-teases-new-mx-5-45303

Mazda has recalled 15,000 cars globally to address a flaw which could result in a fire under the passenger seat. The brand has suspended deliveries of its medium-sized 6 because of a faulty part inside an electrical converter that “may cause overheating and in a worse case scenario, a fire”. Mazda says two cars have caught fire, one in Europe and one in Australia. The cars were with dealers at the time, and the problems are understood to have occurred in the last week. More than 1500 Australian owners will be affected by the recall. Mazda says it will provide them with alternative transport while repairs are performed. The component is part of Mazda’s i-ELOOP system that recovers energy to help reduce fuel use. http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/...0325-2gouv.html

I have a question for the Good Lord or anyone else similarly blessed with knowledge in this field. There are a couple of situations when one might have a wet car, either because it has been rained on or when it has just been washed. I find drying properly to be extremely important, especially on a black car where any dried droplets completely ruin the finish. I've not been into chamois in some time because I found that they reduce the size of water droplets without truly drying. I've been using a large, soft towel which works OK but I have concerns about it doing harm to the paintwork. Is there any commentary about the best way to dry a wet car?

There has been much speculation in recent seasons about the revival of the famous rear-drive, rotary coupe that ended life in 2002 and was replaced by the unconvincing RX-8 four-seater with rear-hinged rear suicide doors. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0...5010760,00.html

This is a classic mini-car released in 1990 which was well known in Australia, often nicknamed a bubble on wheels etc. Its predecessor was more of a box on wheels, and ironically so was its replacement (called 121 Metro here). As a result of the tall design, interior headroom was outstanding (in contrast to the 929!). The car was powered by an efficient 1.3 litre four cylinder. A 1994 update, around the time of general cost cutting and neglect throughout the Mazda range, saw serious penny-pinching in response to exchange rate issues. The base model now had nasty grey bumpers, no wheel covers, even reduced sound deadening. However, a larger 1.5 litre engine became available at extra cost at this time. The uninspiring end around 1997 leaves a similar taste to the Eunos range, the 929 and other classics. But the 121 in particular may well have had a Mini-style cult following to continue to this day if only it had been given true successors.