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British Prime Minister Ushers 2 Millionth MINI off the Assembly Line

Ten years after the first MINI Cooper rolled off the assembly line, British Prime Minister David Cameron drove the two-millionth MINI out of its Oxford, UK production plant late last month. Smiling from inside the specially painted and outfitted MINI Cooper Convertible, Cameron helped MINI celebrate the growth of a brand that, along with other companies under the BMW Group name, helps support over 46,000 total jobs in the UK.

The special-edition MINI convertible will be given to a lucky winner chosen from a special Facebook "wall" comprised of the faces of 2 million MINI Facebook fans. MINI's "2 Million MINI - 2 Million Faces" campaign will conclude on September 30 with the drawing of a winner at random.

The plant that produced the two-millionth MINI vehicle produces the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Convertible, MINI Clubman and the all-new MINI Coupe. MINI delivers to over 90 countries worldwide - which means that you can test drive and pick up your favorite MINI model from a Connecticut MINI dealership instead of traversing the Atlantic. The Oxford assembly line will add the MINI Roadster to its production repertoire later this yearon its way to an annual production capacity of 260,000 units in the next few years.

Acura Turbocharging Technology

Power Without Penalties

Acura's small SUV, the RDX, is a popular choice for those looking to cruise the open road with the power of a finely tuned V6 and the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Boston Acura owners have found the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine in the RDX to be a willing partner when it comes to doling out fun without penalizing at the pump, and Acura's turbocharging technology is what makes it all possible.

The Acura RDX is the automaker's first turbocharged vehicle in North America - producing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, no small feat for an engine displacing just 2.3-liter. In comparison, the 3-liter six-cylinder engine in the BMW X3 xDrive28i produces 230 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

What makes Acura's turbocharging technology so special? It's variable. Most turbochargers can't change the way they operate, but the variable flow turbocharger on the Acura RDX can reduce its intake duct at low rpm, which means the turbo can keep spinning and will instantly respond when you need more power. There's no waiting with Acura's turbocharging - the power is there whenever you need it, like say when you're finding a hole in Boston traffic.

Acura's turbocharged RDX can be sampled at any Greater Boston Acura dealership, where helpful sales people can show you the ins and outs of a new Acura and give you a chance to see how a turbocharged Acura can improve your driving experience.

Minivans can be cool too

Need a minivan but don't want to play the stereotypical soccer mom part? Look to the Toyota Sienna, a vehicle marketed more toward stay-at-home fathers than anyone else. Winner of the Motor Trend Minivan Comparison Test, the Toyota Sienna had the most power, the best handling, and the best steering according to Motor Trend.

The Toyota Sienna, available at any New York Toyota dealer, has a 2.7-liter 4-cyldiner engine that gets up to 187 horsepower - enough to make carting around up to six kids (the Sienna can seat seven comfortably) kind of fun. Its six-speed automatic transmission makes driving a breeze, and front-wheel drive ensures that you won't have to worry about traction while you drive in the snowy New York streets this winter. And with a 20-gallon fuel tank, you can spend more time on the road and less time at the pump.

Range Rover Evoque Styling is Edgy, Modern

Everyone loves luxury, and the Range Rover Evoque was designed to suit a wide audience. Beautiful in all of its forms, the Evoque is available as either a three- or five-door model (both the same length), and comes in three trims: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. Exterior styling of the Evoque is cutting-edge but not off the cliff; it's less like Lady Gaga and more like a Spice Girl, which should come as no surprise as Victoria Beckham, known fashion-forward style icon and former pop star, had a hand in designing the Evoque. Its angular roofline is classic without being stale, and the body showcases modern, alluring lines.

Being desirable doesn't mean being fragile however, as the Evoque is a Range Rover through and through. The available Dynamic trim especially emphasizes the vehicle's aggressive potential with a black grille, black side vents, rear spoiler extension, side mirror caps and sport exhaust pipe. All models offer an optional panoramic glass roof or classic British contrasting colored roof.

The Range Rover Evoque is available in solid white as well as a variety of metallic colors including Sumatra Black, and comes standard with privacy glass for improved security, UV protection and climate control.

Help Quirk Subaru Share the Love

You know I love charity work and here's a local dealership that's doing its part. Some call it social responsibility - I call it the right thing to do!

Subaru, already a hit with the 18-27 "Generation Y" demographic, is asking its social media family on Facebook to help choose an eligible charity for its fourth annual Share the Love event. With Generation Y car buyers making up 18.9 percent of the Subaru Impreza's sales in 2010, it's easy to see why raising awareness in the Gen Y online playground can be so effective.

During its Share the Love event, which will run from November 19, 2011 to January 3, 2012, Subaru will donate $250 for every new car sold or leased. The charity that receives the most votes on Subaru's Facebook page will receive Subaru's donation. The eligible "People's Choice" organizations are Teach for America, The American Red Cross, The Children's Miracle Network, and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To help choose a charity, visit Subaru's official Facebook page and cast your vote. To help increase donations while also scoring an impressive new car like the Subaru Impreza, head down to Quirk Subaru to buy or lease during the Share the Love event.

NHTSA Looking at Emergency Stop Button

Caution: Rant Ahead

If you're looking for government agencies accomplishing real and meaningful progress look elsewhere - the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) is investigating emergency stop buttons for vehicles with push-button starts, or rather a shorter amount of time needed pushing the existing button to shut the vehicle down. After the rash of out-of-control vehicles in 2010, unintended acceleration is now tops on the minds of a number of our leaders, and common sense appears to be getting thrown out the window.

In the future, vehicles at your local New York Toyota dealer, like the Prius and other vehicles with keyless ignitions could have a panic stop button, because most owners don't understand that you have to push and hold the start button for three seconds. But that's only part of the problem here.

When you shut off the engine you no longer have power assisted brakes, which would seem like a pretty important feature to have when you're suffering from a bout of unintended acceleration, not to mention that most cars still use hydraulic power-steering, which like the brakes would lose their boost once the engine is shut down. But let's not let facts get in the way of panic buttons; we can always deal with the details later.

Used Vehicles Prices Rise in November

After five months of declining prices, Autonews reports that used car prices rose in November, which means Boston used car buyers can expect to pay more on a pre-owned automobile right at a time when many would prefer to pay less.
What's spurring the price increase? It's the economy. When the depression started in 2008, people bought fewer new cars, which means fewer trade-ins over the next couple years and thus, fewer used cars available for purchase. Like any free market, decreased supply with steady demand means increased prices, and there are some instances now where buying a new car is scarcely more expensive than buying a certified pre-owned model. Oh what weird times we live in.
My advice to all the used car shoppers out there is to buy sooner rather than later, because supply is going to increase anytime soon.

Buick Powerplant Earns Ward's Auto Accolades

Buicks are known for comfortable interiors, refined ride and sedate styling but a recent nod from Ward's Auto shows the American luxury automaker can also do engines. Ward's Auto chose the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine from the Buick Regal GS, available at New Hampshire Buick dealerships, for its Best Engines list, noting the small-displacement engine punches well above its weight.

Thanks to direct-injection and turbocharging technology, the GS pumps out 270 horsepower, giving it 135 horsepower-per-liter, and turning the Regal GS into a true sleeper. Horsepower may grab the headline, but the GS's torque, 290 pound-feet of torque that launch this car from a standstill to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Ward's Auto editors also praised the 2.0-liter engine for its refinement, which is impressive for the amount of power it produces.

Though it may be played out, this isn't your grandpa's Buick, unless his last name in Andretti anyway.

BMW X4 Will be Built in America

Just when you thought BMW couldn't come up with another vehicle to add to the lineup here comes the BMW X4, and you guessed it - it's a crossover. BMW will build the compact crossover at its U.S. assembly plant in Spartanburg, Virginia, which will make it the best thing I've seen come out of that state in a while. I joke.

Adding another car to the production schedule at the Spartanburg plant will require yet another addition, and shows BMW is committed to building vehicles where they are sold - a smart move that eliminates some of the problems with fluctuating currencies. The plant currently employs more than 7,000 people, and produces vehicles like the Z4, X5, X6 and X3 already available at New York BMW dealer lots.
Adding another production line has required a $900 million investment in the plant, bringing amount spent on the plant to nearly six billion dollars since 1994. Now that's a chunk of change.

TrueCar.com Reveals List of Cars Suited to Seniors

It's no secret that the older generation likes to drive big, loose handling, comfortable cars, but never before have I seen a list that lays out just where Senior citizens are putting their money. TrueCar.com released a list of cars purchased by seniors over the past two years, and the results are somewhat surprising.

Each car on the list is followed by the percentage of totals sales thanks to senior citizens, shedding a great deal of light on where those pension funds are going.

1. Lincoln Town Car, 90 percent
2. Buick Lucerne, 87 percent
3. Cadillac DTS, 85 percent
4. Cadillac CTS, 74 percent
5. Cadillac STS, 71 percent
6. Hyundai Azera, 25 percent
7. Chevrolet Impala, 51 percent
8. Buick LaCrosse, 59 percent
9. Lincoln MKZ, 54 percent
10. Toyota Avalon, 54 percent

If there was ever any question why Buick would be trying to improve its position with younger buyers at New Hampshire Buick, this list should be the answer.

GMC Acadia May Debut a Fresh Face in Chicago

The Chicago Auto Show is right around the corner, and rumor has it (from Autoblog) that an updated version of the GMC Acadia will make an appearance. If you're a New Hampshire GMC fan, you'll want to keep your eyes glued on the Windy City if you're at all curious about what a mid-year model refresh means to future Acadia drivers. The Acadia first stepped onto the scene in 2006, so it's about due to receive a fresh face. Details are as of yet unreleased, but we would personally love to see it receive some new styling tweaks.

Currently the Acadia crossover competes with models like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander for market share, so a mid-year refresh could make it a top contender. As of now GMC offers 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque in the Acadia's four-wheel-drive SL trim model, built with a 3.6-liter V6. That's already more than the Pilot's 250 horses and the Highlander's 187, though the Highlander comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine. All come with four-wheel ABS and four-wheel disc brakes. Given the choice, what would you pick?

Lexus Surprises Detroit with LF-LC concept

Lexus showed off its sexy new concept car, the LF-LC, at the Detroit Auto Show this month, and it's proved to be one of the more impressive entries, both at the Lexus booth and at the show in general. The hybrid sport coupe was named best concept car in the show's annual EyesOnDesign awards, and a quick look at promotional photos make it easy to see why.
Bold lines, a sleek profile and Lexus' new spindle grille to give the car an aggressive tilt. An ergonomically designed control panel, a racing-style steering wheel and a mix of wood and metal trim, show that the inside of the car is as serious about driving as the outside suggests. And expansive use of glass over roof offers increased visibility for the driver (and, as certain buyers eager to show off their flashy purchase will hope, increased visibility of the driver). It should certainly ease the decision on whether to go for an optional sunroof.
If it comes to fruition, the LF-LC should give the LFA some company as another sporty member of the Lexus family, and it should be another feather in the cap of any New York Lexus dealer.

Five Tips for New Off-Roaders

We know all too well that after a visit to your local Massachusetts Jeep dealer, the temptation to immediately leave the highway and head off-road is strong. But even though off-roading can be tons of fun, it can also be dangerous. That's why we're bringing you a beginner's list of off-road driving tips, courtesy of the off-roading experts at ORE.

1. As with any vehicle, read your owners' manual first! Whether your adventures take you off-road or on, be sure you're familiar with all of your vehicle's capabilities and limitations.

2. Never go off-roading alone. You never know what you'll face on any given day, so don't just rely on your cell phone!

3. Prep your vehicle before leaving, and make sure you properly maintain it between off-roading outings.

4. Know the dimensions of your vehicle. This includes height, width, approach angle, departure angle and minimum ground clearance.

5. Always keep an eye on the weather, and pay close attention to any changes. Head for higher ground during heavy rains, and never attempt to cross a body of water you couldn't swim in.

Find the full list of off-roading tips here: http://www.offroadexperience.com/offroadguide1.htm

Nissan Invests $2 Billion to Expand North American Presence

Nissan is expanding its North American presence, and the company is taking its efforts to Aguascalientes, Mexico as its next step. With plans to increase both North and South American sales, Nissan announced its plan to invest $2 billion to build a plant in Aguascalientes, where a variety of B platform subcompact cars will be assembled. The B platform is the basis for cars like the Versa, available at Massachusetts Nissan dealership locations, and the March, available in Mexico.

Already in control of 25 percent of the Mexican market, Nissan is one of a number of automakers, like Honda and Mazda, who have recently announced plans to expand their presence in the country. Nissan currently manufactures 600,000 vehicles in Mexico at two assembly plants. The Aguascalientes assembly plant will increase this number by 175,000 annually when it opens in late 2013, but Nissan hopes for the plant to eventually have an annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles. That would bring Nissan's total production capacity in Mexico to around 1 million vehicles.

Ford Stays On Trend with New Slogan

Much like a shirt from last season, Ford will be tossing its old "Drive One" and "Feel the Difference" slogans, opting for its new "Go Further" slogan instead, the automaker recently announced. According to Autoblog, Ford's "Go Further" slogan was inspired by the successful slogans of McDonalds ("I'm Lovin' It") and Nike ("Just Do It").

Ford originally adopted its "Drive One" and "Feel the Difference" slogans as a call for buyers to put faith in the automaker after a bankruptcy scare years ago. After producing six years of strong sales numbers and a confidence-inspiring line of new and redesigned vehicles, however, Ford has found itself to be in a very different place. The company says its new "Go Further" slogan is meant to inspire the rejection of complacency and help Ford push the boundaries of possibility. And Ford is indeed "going further," as Automotive News reported: the company will begin paying a dividend for the first time in six years.

We know it's inevitable that Ford's new slogan will begin popping up in commercials and around New Hampshire Ford dealership lots. We just wonder when it will appear for the first time.

Mazda Brings Host of Production Vehicles to Chicago Auto Show

Like many automakers, Mazda plans to bring its best eye candy to the Chicago Auto Show this year. The automaker's lineup, chock full of production vehicles you can find in your local New Hampshire Mazda dealership showroom, is sure to excite a swell of Mazda fans lucky enough to be in the Windy City.

First up will be the ever-popular Mazda3 with fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, a vehicle that saw a 2010 redesign and hasn't looked back since. Mazda's SKYACTIV technology helps drivers achieve up to 40 mpg, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Mazda3 one of its Top Safety Picks for 2012.

Also in attendance will be the Mazda2, a sub-compact that offers many commuters the perfect balance of performance, reliability and fuel economy. If you want a vehicle that's really eye-catching, the Mazda2 is a strong choice thanks to vibrant paint colors like Spirited Green, Aquatic Blue and True Red. Then again, if you're in the market for a Mazda, you're probably not looking for anything stodgy-looking to begin with.

The Mazda CX-7, CX-9, 5 6 and MX-5 Miata will also make appearances at the Chicago Auto Show. For more information, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

Jeep Wrangler Wins Cost of Ownership and Resale Value Awards

Jeep owners are an outdoorsy bunch, especially Wrangler owners. Off-roading seems to be in the blood of many people who buy used Jeeps in NH too - if you know where the trails are around here, chances are you'll find at least one Jeep owner taking advantage of them on any given day. Even though off-roading is a big part of Jeep ownership however, so is financial responsibility. Luckily for Wrangler owners the 2012 Jeep Wrangler has recently won two awards that prove it's not just a fun decision to buy a Jeep, but also a smart financial decision for many people.

Kelley Blue Book named the 2012 Wrangler one of the best vehicles to own in terms of Total Cost of Ownership in the Mid-Size Sport Utility category. It beat out the Toyota FJ Cruiser because it offers more long-term advantages in terms of insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. Meanwhile, Kiplinger's Personal Finance gave the Wrangler Sport the Best Resale Value award in its Truck-Based SUV category. Partly because of the Wrangler's best-in-class non-hybrid fuel economy, it is expected to maintain 61 percent of its value after three years and 46 percent of its value after five. Two more reasons that make the Wrangler not only a fun choice, but a smart one.

VW Debuts Beetle TDI at Chicago Auto Show

We all knew it was coming so the debut of the diesel-powered Beetle TDI at the Chicago Auto Show came as no surprise. In fact, there are relatively few things to really reveal about the car - we already know just about everything there is to know about it thanks to Volkswagen's formula of taking one platform and stretching it across five different markets, i.e. Jetta, Golf, Beetle, Jetta SportWagen and CC.
Still, it's a good looking car and a massive improvement over the previous "new" Beetle. We'll call this one Beetle TDI nueva, since the Beetle is Hecho in Mexico.

Underneath the now familiar bodywork is Volkswagen's venerable 2.0-liter TDI engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque in typical diesel manner - low revs that run out quickly necessitating a gear change. Volkswagen says the new oil burner will net 39 mpg on the highway, which I think is pretty poor given the rest of the world's automakers are getting 40 mpg from gasoline burning models in the same market, but I digress.

Still, the little torque beast should be a little more fun than those other fuel misers, and Volkswagen has always put a premium on personality, which is why Boston Volkswagen drivers are so prevalent. Look for the diesel Beetle to arrive at dealerships soon.

Popular Science Analyzes the BMW ActiveE

The BMW ActiveE has arrived, and as predicted, this isn't just your typical BMW (if any BMW really could be called typical). PopSci, the online version of Popular Science Magazine, has given the all-electric BMW ActiveE a once-over and written up a to-the-point analysis. If you've considered gunning for one of those coveted Electronaut spots, you might want to read more about what you're getting yourself into before you head to your local BMW ActiveE dealer.

PopSci really liked the ActiveE's redesigned regenerative braking, which showed a big improvement over the obtrusive braking of an earlier electric BMW, the MINI E. However, PopSci didn't like the ActiveE's 100-mile range which, while decent for an all-electric car, still falls short of the needs of the average American driver. PopSci also didn't like the fact that driving fundamentals are different, since regenerative braking means the traditional "gas" pedal works as both an accelerator and a brake. We say it's something that comes with the territory. When you manufacture cars to move differently, you'll probably need to learn how to drive differently. The environmental payoff of driving an all-electric car can be immense, though, so we think it's worth it.

No B Pillar? No Problem for Ford

Many of the concept cars we find at automotive shows lack the B pillar, that pesky middle section that hinders enter/exit mobility but ultimately is kept in place for safety's sake when the production model debuts. It's a dream of many Ford fans to see the B pillar get out and stay out - you know, provided crash test ratings don't take a dive. That's where, hopefully, the Ford B-Max will step in.

It's a feature you won't yet find on cars at your MA used Ford dealer, because the B-Max concept and its easy access doors are just that - a concept. However, B-Max's lack of B pillars will translate into reality for at least one other production model, according to Ford. The upcoming Fiesta-based minivan will reportedly lack B pillars, and we can't wait to see how that pans out. Until then, Ford fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the B-Max when it debuts in Geneva next month, and then when it goes on sale in Europe later in the year. The concept B-Max concept allows for a 1.5-meter stretch of open space where the B pillar used to be. Here's to hoping every centimeter of that space will translate into the production model.

Volt Named European Car of the Year

If you had to guess which vehicle took the 2012 European Car of the Year Award, what would you choose? Whatever's on your mind it's probably not the Chevy Volt, which has had bad press day after bad press day over here in the States. That's just the car that did win, however, alongside the European Opel Ampera.

So who decided to name the Volt, of all cars, a European Car of the Year? It was a panel of 59 judges, who voted in the Volt and Ampera way ahead of the second-place Volkswagen Up and third-place Ford Focus. Criteria the judges considered included innovative technologies and efficiency, two things that the Volt certainly bests the competition in. One thing we think the Ampera excels in above the Volt, though, is style - we'd love to see more of that sporty styling in other fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, including the Volt.

The Volt has previously won a 2011 North American Car of the Year Award and awards from MotorTrend and Automobile magazines. All those awards, however, haven't seemed to help sales on this side of the pond too much - Chevy recently announced it will halt Volt production for five weeks to reduce inventory just sitting on Chevy dealership lots, likely including at your local Massachusetts Chevy dealer.

Is a Hybrid Pickup Truck for You?

Hybrids and pickup trucks seem to be polar opposites of each other. One is designed for maximum fuel-efficiency and the other is designed for maximum capability. So a having a hybrid pickup just doesn't make sense, right? Not according to General Motors, who offers both the Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid and the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid. And according to automotive reporting website Torque News, the Sierra and Silverado hybrids are two hybrid work trucks no real man can be without.

The trucks offer an average fuel-economy boost of around 20 percent when compared to their gasoline-only variations, according to Torque News. Whether you choose the two- or four-wheel-drive option, you'll be getting around 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway assuming you're not towing or hauling anything. It may be difficult to find one of these trucks sitting on the lot at your local Massachusetts GMC dealer simply because the chances of anyone buying one are so low - less than one percent of overall truck sales are hybrid pickups. However, GM is the only manufacturer to offer hybrid trucks so you definitely won't find options at local Ford dealerships.

Acura Begins RDX Production in Ohio

East Liberty, Ohio is getting a bit livelier these days. Honda's manufacturing plant there recently officially started production of the 2013 Acura RDX , the factory's second major new model in just three months. It's the only plant manufacturing the new RDX, which will go on sale nationwide and overseas when it drops. Boston Acura fans can expect to see the luxury crossover roll into local dealerships in April.

Parts for the RDX will be made in Ohio as well, with more than 80 suppliers in the state alone. Its engine and transmission will be manufactured at the Honda of America engine plant in Anna and at Honda Transmission Manufacturing in Russells Point.

Currently, the 2012 Acura RDX features a turbocharged 2.3-liter i-VTEC engine under the hood, supplying 240 horsepower to all four wheels or just the front two depending on your chosen configuration. The crossover receives a boost of performance power for the 2013 model year, however. The 2.3-liter is replaced by a standard 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 273 horsepower, and also boosts highway fuel efficiency by 4 miles per gallon in front-wheel-drive models.

New Buick Initiative Promotes Younger, More Luxurious Image

When you think of luxury cars, automakers like BMW, Lexus and Audi probably come to mind first. Buick wants its share of that pie, though, and for a while has been calling itself a "luxury" automaker - but calling yourself something does not necessarily make you that thing. To build a better foundation for its hopeful luxury reputation and lure in members of the younger generation, Buick has started its new Experience Buick special lease program. If you're already a Buick fan, you might want to head to your local Massachusetts Buick dealer to check it out.

The Experience Buick program will include two years of all-inclusive services. Vehicle maintenance, OnStar services and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are all included, which would be nice, but the catch is that for two years you're relegated to driving a Buick. And with lease programs hovering around $399 per month for qualified lessees, we're hoping Buick isn't trying to target the fresh-out-of-college crowd, especially in this economy. However, this could work out great for older folks with a steady paycheck who can't be bothered comparison shopping for auto maintenance. We'll pass for now, but let us know if this works for you.

Car Drives Blind Man to Taco Bell

If you had a fully autonomous car that could drive you anywhere you wanted to go, where would you have it take you? Out of state? Across the country? One man did have that choice - and he decided to take a trip through the Taco Bell drive-thru. And then to the dry cleaner's.

Sitting in the driver's seat of a fully autonomous Toyota Prius owned by Google was Steve Mahan, who over years has lost 95 percent of his vision and is now legally blind. Unable to operate a car on his own, Steve was able to once again run his own errands thanks to the Google car. They're the kind of things many people take for granted, those small errands and spontaneous fast food trips. And while on most days we're staunchly against having our cars do the driving for us, sometimes we forget that not everybody has that choice.

If you're a Boston used car shopper, don't count on being able to find a pre-owned and fully-autonomous Prius at your used car dealership anytime soon. However, we're hoping this technology becomes available within the decade so more people like Mahan can drive to Taco Bell, the dry cleaner's, or wherever they want.

See video of Mahan on his trip here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgQpa1pUUE&feature=player_embedded

Mazda Sticks by Its Rotary Engine

Mazda is essentially the king of the rotary engine these days, and according to Car and Driver, the automaker has no plans to end that reign any time soon. In an interview with the magazine, Mazda's senior VP of U.S. operations Robert Davis said that the company's new fuel-saving SKYACTIV tech will be applied to the rotary engine soon enough. And even though Mazda has resisted jumping on the hybrid drivetrain bandwagon thus far - look at the 2012 Mazda3's advertising portfolio, which promotes the fact that it can achieve up to 40 mpg with its gasoline engine alone - there may be plans for a future Mazda EV. Davis says Mazda is looking at ways to pair the rotary engine with an electric motor, using the engine to charge the EV's batteries. Now that would be something.

So what shouldn't we expect from Mazda? According to Davis, the answer to that is a SKYACTIV V6. While you'll find four-cylinder variants at any local Mazda dealer in Maine, a V6 is out of the question since the automaker wants to focus on keeping things lightweight. As long as the fuel efficiency and power is there, we're okay with that.

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