The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept

The Mazda MX-5 GT concept is an attractive new car that is a head turner for car enthusiasts everywhere. Not only is it a fast edition to Mazda's lineup, but it is a gorgeous example of what Mazda can do when they put their minds to it.

Mazda is already developing an all-new MX-5, but before they let go of the current generation they’re milking it for all it’s worth. Here’s another concept version of the car, made for the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, inspired by their fairly successful MX-5 GT race car and powered by a 205bhp normally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol engine. Mazda wants to see people’s reaction to a high performance super Miata.

So does that mean we’re going to get a performance version of the current MX-5? Only time will reveal the answer to that question. This GT Concept also gets an uprated suspension system with adjustable settings for track use, a carbon aero package with a front splitter, fender flares and a rear diffuser as well as a bootlid spoiler, plus a sport exhaust system with central pipe, which looks and sounds better than the standard setup.

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The Kia Soul: A Top Coolest Car Under $18k

The Kia Soul was named one of the Top Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 by Kelly Blue Book! The Soul, which has gained its fame from its unique style and design, was named among the to ten coolest cars of the year for practicality, high-value appeal, and its "funky" style.

The 2012 Kia Soul has "shuffled" its way onto the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Kia's iconic hatchback was honored for its unique combination of style and affordability in a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicle. 

"Our intention with Soul was to design a vehicle that is both fun and economical, and its recognition by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as a 'cool' vehicle is further indication that we hit the mark," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Everything about Soul, from the viral sensation 'Share Some Soul' campaign featuring LMFAO's hit single 'Party Rock Anthem,' to performance improvements and a strong list of standard technology and safety features, has contributed to its appeal among young buyers and those who are young at heart." 

The annual "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list published by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com features vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and, most critically, possess the decidedly subjective "cool factor." Editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price, which reflects vehicle transaction prices paid by consumers and is updated weekly to reflect changing market conditions.

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Mazda Planning on Hydrogen Cars

Mazda has announced its plans for new hydrogen fuel cells to be used in future lines of cars. This means a green, powerful upgrade to the already high-performing vehicles, a move that might be mirrored by many other auto makers.

The auto industry has become enamored by hydrogen fuel cells. Automakers from around the world have adopted the energy system as the power source for many of their new vehicles. Some car manufacturers have proven resilient to the charms of hydrogen fuel cells, while others have been aggressive in their adoption of the technology. As fuel cell technology becomes more advanced, the number of automakers announcing the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles is growing. Japanese automaker Mazda has become the latest company to unveil its plans for hydrogen fuel cells. 

The company is no stranger to hydrogen fuel cells, but the new RX-8 will be the first all-hydrogen vehicle Mazda has produced. In 2009, the automaker introduced the Mazda5, a hydrogen-battery hybrid. The vehicle garnered acclaim for its ability to travel 130 miles before needing to refuel. Before this, the company had plans to introduce an all-hydrogen version of its RX-8 sports car. Though this plan was scrapped in favor of the Mazda5, the automaker’s plans concerning hydrogen fuel cells do not stop there. 

Mazda has announced that it is developing a new electric motor that will be equipped with a hydrogen-powered generator. The generator contains a hydrogen fuel cell, which will be used to produce surplus electricity for the company’s future vehicles. The generator is being billed as a “range extender,” allowing its electric vehicles to travel further before needing to recharge. The company believes that this system will provide consumers with an economically viable alternative energy vehicle and help the public ease into the concept of hydrogen fuel cells.

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Kia Optima and Sorento Named Best Family Cars

The 2012 Kia Optima and Sorento were named as Best Family Cars of 20112 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. This award is given out to cars that are safe reliable, affordable, and all over winners of several categories. If you are looking for that vehicle that is jsut perfect for the family, come on by the dealership and we will introduce you to one.

Parents magazine and Edmunds.com have named the 2012 Kia Optima midsize sedan and Kia Sorento crossover utility to the publications' "Best Family Cars of 2012" list. The accolade recognizes vehicles focusing on reliability, safety and affordability as top priorities, with the Optima and Sorento's "Top Safety Pick" designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) playing a key factor in being named as two of only 15 vehicles to the coveted list. Other criteria the judges considered were performance, interior quality, exterior design, family-friendly features and technology.  

 "As bold design and value are no longer mutually exclusive, the Optima and Sorento have changed the way many consumers look at what family cars can and should be," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "This recognition from leading family and automotive resources Parents magazine and Edmunds.com reinforces why these two Kia vehicles are among our top-selling products and why more families are considering Kia for the first time."  

 This is the fifth year editors from Parents magazine and auto experts at Edmunds.com have collaborated on naming the "Best Family Cars." Hundreds of vehicles are evaluated throughout the judging process, and owners who drive these cars are also consulted prior to naming the winners.

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