Posts tagged mazda
Mazda2 B-Spec Racecar Build
Mar 6th
Phase 3: The Roll Cage and Wrap
With spring closing in, the Mazda 2 is making speedy progress to its completion. With all the performance modifications done and the interior completely removed we are ready to move onto phase three, the wrap and cage.
Designing and installing a roll cage is not a very simple task. To save us time and one massive headache we left it to the experts at S-Box Engineering to design the Mazda 2′s roll cage.
S-Box Engineering’s parent company (Miata Cage) has been building roll cages for spec Miata’s for over 10 years. With their expertise and knowledge of roll cages and Mazda’s it made for a smooth process with the ordering and installation. After spending a few days at AutoEdge Racing in Mahtomedi for installation and assembly of the cage, it was ready for paint. Our own Michael Ashby spent some time after hours sprucing it up.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Extended Test Drive – Southern California Style
Dec 31st
A recent trip to the LA Auto show to see the unveiling of the all-new 2014 Mazda6, amongst many other exciting cars, triggered a trifecta of firsts for me. This was my first trip to a major auto show, my first (and second) time to an In-N-Out Burger and the first time I’ve driven a Mazda MX-5 Miata more than 100 yards. The latter came complements of Mazda USA, who graciously provided me and a colleague with a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition to drive during our stay in SoCal. The MX-5 proved to be a great car to drive up and down Pacific Coast Highway.
Perhaps it was the pre-trip excitement, a bad frame of reference or poor planning, but it wasn’t until we arrived at Mazda HQ in Irvine, California, that we realized that our car would be challenged in the cargo carrying department. You see, in addition to our regular luggage and briefcases, we were also hauling a full load of camera gear to get footage at the show. In a prior life I spent many years working for company that sold two-seat roadsters, that shall remain unnamed, offering substantial trunk space in a front and rear trunk. It was not until we had our rendezvous with the MX-5 in Mazda’s parking lot that it finally clicked that not all convertibles are adept at swallowing large pieces of luggage. Despite its Spartan trunk space, some creative packing allowed us to fit everything quite snugly in the car. So snug, in fact, that when it came time grab the camera to snap a picture of our packing prowess, I realized it was in the bottom of the trunk. So, you will have to envision a trunk overflowing with luggage and equipment.
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90 Days of Giving with Morrie’s CV Mazda
Dec 13th
Tis’ the season to give thanks for what we have. We all love the opportunity to pay it forward. It just feels good. Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda we has partnered with Gordy’s County Market to bring you 90 Days of Giving.
Every month for the next 90 days Morrie’s will give one car away along with $500.00 worth of gas or groceries. That’s 3 cars and $1500 worth of gas in 90 days! The Metropolis Resort and Waterpark also jumped on board and put together a great package to pair up with each car give away.
There will be three give-a-ways, happening on December 22nd, January 31st, and February 20th. If you know someone in need this holiday season, nominate them for the cause. All you have to do is submit the name of the person or non-profit organization that you think deserves the car. E-mail us and tell us who you nominated and why at 90daysofgiving@morries.com. This is one opportunity to really help a family in need. Do something great, help out a friend and give back this season with 90 Days of Giving from Morrie’s. We want to thank The Metropolis Resort and our friends at Gordy’s County Market for their contributions. For more information and official rules click here.
Mazda2 B-Spec Racecar Build
Nov 26th
With America’s B-Segment booming, subcompact cars are becoming the fastest growing market in the United States today. Some attribute this to rising fuel costs or a down economy, but maybe today’s American car buyer is realizing Europe’s little secret: You don’t have to drive an SUV to haul your family of three.
One possibility may be more and more manufactures are going with the “less is more” motto. Today’s subcompact cars are safer, roomier, and offer the same technological capabilities as their bigger brothers. They have twice as much horsepower as their 1980′s counterparts, while still providing outstanding fuel economy. And lets not forget how devilishly handsome they have become. However, not everyone shares this perspective. If you strip down most subcompacts, they’re small, cheap, and underpowered. Sounds a bit degrading, unless you’re building a racecar. In that case, it actually sounds a bit enticing.
A few years ago, the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) developed a B Spec (subcompact) class that falls within the showroom stock category. Technical jargon aside, it was developed to create a class possessing the smallest, cheapest cars in a manufacturer’s line-up, while restricting engine modifications creating an even playing field. It seems they’ve created a class which caters to small, inexpensive, underpowered cars. Perfect for those on a tight budget or those looking for a new challenge. You could say SCCA took the “less is more” motto and ran with it.
Earlier this year, Twin Cities Luxury Auto was approached by a loyal client who was interested in building a new racecar. The client, a motorsports enthusiast, was drawn in by the principles of the B-Spec class: challenging, affordable and fun. So we sat down with the client and TCLA’s Michael Ashby, an experienced motorsports driver with Mazda, to discuss the ins and outs. After months of collaboration, the idea of building a spec series racecar became a reality.
With joint efforts of both Morrie’s Minnetonka Mazda and Twin Cities Luxury Auto, our Mazda 2 B-spec racecar build is underway. Please follow us on this journey and continue to check our progress here on the blog.
Wonderland Parade in Chippewa Falls, WI
Nov 19th
Morrie’s Chippewa Valley Mazda is getting in the spirit of Christmas early this year. Our float assembly has started for the Bridge to Wonderland Parade on December 1st, downtown Chippewa Falls. Each year over 50 floats light up the historic downtown area. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Circus.” See Santa and Mrs. Clause on the final float & sip on hot chocolate while you enjoy this Chippewa Falls tradition. Our float is sure to please parade goers of all ages with our “Circus Vendor” theme. After the parade the community is invited to take a stroll through the Christmas Village in Irvine Park. The Chippewa Falls Christmas Village is an impressive display of life-size Christmas scenes reminiscent of the Victorian era and local historical replicas, along with a dazzling display of over 60,000 lights.
Morrie’s is very excited to participate again this year and we will be sure to bring our complimentary hot cocoa from the dealership for all our friends and family that are volunteering their time to represent the Morrie’s CV Mazda parade float. We invite anyone to the dealership to share a cup of hot cocoa and talk about the community, weather, vehicles, service or any topic you would like. We would love to know what you thought of the parade and our float.
Morrie’s Partners with the Minnesota Zoo
Jun 8th
Morrie’s Automotive Group has been involved in our local communities since Morrie Wagener opened his first store in Wayzata, MN over 50 years ago. Giving back to the community has always been a core value for Morrie’s, and we are grateful to be able to support the local communities that we live and do business in, leading us to establish our Buy Happy Giving program in 2011.
We are pleased to announce that last month we donated a Mazda CX-5 to the Minnesota Zoo. Since 1978 the Minnesota Zoo has been connecting people, animals, and the natural world through cutting edge exhibits and education programs.
2012 Mazda3 to Debut New SKYACTIV Technology
Feb 22nd
While most automakers are focusing their fuel-efficiency efforts on hybrid technology, Mazda is looking inward at its everyday gasoline-powered engines. Mazda announced last week that the 2012 Mazda3 will make its debut at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow sporting their SKYACTIV Technology. This will be the first production vehicle to offer the new technology.
The SKYACTIV-G engine that will be available under the hood of the 2012 Mazda3 boasts the world’s highest compression ratio of any stock gasoline powered engine at a whopping 14.0:1 with More >
