Mazda today announced that it's developing an electric vehicle based on the Demio subcompact – known as the Mazda2 in Europe and North America –, which will be available for lease in Japan starting from spring 2012.

Details about the upcoming zero-emissions model are limited right now, with the official press release only stating that the car's driving range is expected to be around 200 km (124 miles) and that it will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

Mazda’s foray into the EV segment focuses on developing electric cars suitable for customers with short city commutes. Through the aforementioned lease program, the Japanese maker hopes to gain valuable information about usage requirements and electric drive technologies.

The acquired experience will also be used to improve the base technologies of the brand, as announced in the Building Block Strategy. Certain systems sourced from EVs such as regenerative braking tech, will make their way into conventional models, which will also benefit from the firm's SKYACTIV technologies, announced at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

For now, the company’s core values are going to be centered around the internal combustion engine, but in the long run, customers can expect to find an increasing number of eco-friendly technologies fitted to Mazda models.

By Csaba Daradics

*Note: Standard Mazda2 / Demio featured in photos

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In order to take full advantage of the aftermarket fanboys trolling around SEMA, Mazda released more than a few examples of the paths tuners could take when modifying its MX-5 roadster, Mazda2, and Mazda3 models.

The Mazda2s seen here are designed with two different goals in mind: looking slick on the street, or tearing it up at the track.

The Mazda2 Street keeps it simple by getting lowered on a set of 15x9s and adding some lower-body graphics, while the Mazda2 Evil Track gets the same rims, more aggressive vinyl, and enough safety/racing gear to meet NASA and SCCA standards. The "Evil Track" also wears a Mazda Design body kit and rides on H&R coilovers.

Next are two Mazda3s, a Turbo 4-door and the "Redline Time Attack". The Redline model is said to put down over 500 horsepower through 18-inch Volk wheels thanks to a fully built 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The sedan, however, keeps the output more modest. Instead, the turbo'd four-door gets a power bump to "well over 250 horsepower", a sporty black-out treatment, front brakes from a Mazdaspeed3 (rears from a Mazda5), and 19-inch RX-8 R3 wheels. The sedan also sits on a KW coilover setup and gets a new rear sway bar.

The Grand-Am GT RX-8, as you can see, is a race car. Built by SpeedSource and Riley Technologies, it has a tube frame skeleton, a 3-rotor 20B Mazda racing engine, and has been doing well in the Grand-Am GT series by taking six of twelve races.

Last are the two MX-5s. The MX-5 Cup, targeted at racers, has been put on a diet and gotten a little juiced; it now weighs under 2,600 lbs and its engine puts out 195 horses. For more on the Cup, scroll on down for the specs.

The other MX-5 is an anniversary model called the Super20 in celebration of the car's 20th American anniversary. The hardtop Super20 gets its fenders expanded around the 16-inch Enkeis, a stripped-down interior with roll-bar and suede (those two go hand-in-hand), and a supercharged Cosworth mill. Other mods include an improved brake system (lines, rotors, pads, ducts) and performance-oriented suspension tuning (hollow sway bars, shock tower brace, Mazdaspeed coilovers).

Mazda North America design director says, "The versatility of Mazda vehicles is extraordinary. With just minor modifications to a stock Mazda, it can be ready for the track or a car show. Our SEMA cars demonstrate this ability; taking a vehicle from the dealership and making it a truly unique piece."

Clearly Mazda knows how to do the small sporty thing; now, if they can be as successful moving upscale as they have been with cheap, fun racing, there are more than a few companies out there that should be concerned.

By Phil Alex

MX-5 Cup Car

Engine Modifications: A MAZDASPEED cold air intake system is required.
Chassis Modifications: The only modification is the addition of the 3-piece front strut tower brace that comes with the sport package.

Transmission/Final Drive Modifications: The stock six-speed gearbox is used by all cars.
Suspension/Steering Modifications: The MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MX-5 Cup kit is comprised of double adjustable shocks, specified springs and threaded-perch coil-overs. All cars also run identical anti-roll bars and end links.

Brake System Modifications: Brakes must maintain stock brake rotor specifications.
Wheels: All cars run their choice of the stock alloy 17x7" wheels available on MX-5 Miatas.
Tires: The series spec tire is the BFGoodrich g-Force R1, size: 225/45/17.
Body Modifications: None
Safety Modifications: All MX-5 Cup cars run with full safety equipment, including an eight-point rollcage that must be welded into the car. Other safety equipment includes a racing seat, head/neck restraint, an electrical shut-off switch and an incorporated fire-extinguishing system.

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The subtly updated Mazda2 was given its European premiere in Paris today. The Fiesta's brethren enters the 2011 model year with a new face featuring a revised front grille and a re-sculptured front bumper. A fresh choice of exterior colors and alloy wheel designs complete the look.

On the inside, Mazda claims to have improved quality and feel with new materials, seat fabrics and colours, plus some other upgrades such as a new meter design with black background and a closed-type glove compartment.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the Japanese automaker has made changes to the chassis and suspension to provide a more comfortable and smooth ride. Completing the facelift package is the engine line-up that has been updated to comply with Euro 5 regulations.

There are three petrol engines including two 1.3-litre derivatives producing 75 PS and 84 PS, and a 1.5-litre with 102 PS, plus a revised 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine with 95 PS (+5 PS over the previous engine) and 205 Nm. Aside from being more powerful, the diesel unit is also more fuel efficient using 4.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (56 mpg US), while producing 110 grams of CO2per 100 km combined.