Houston woman warns motorists of speed trap with sign, gets thrown in jail

 

This story is irritating on so many levels. It involves a dreaded police speed trap, a good samaritan warning motorists of the potential fine and a 12-hour stint in a Texas jail cell.

Houston-area resident Natalie Plummer, who was riding her bike on the way home from the grocery store, noticed that cops were pulling over speeders with what looked like a speed trap, so she decided to turn her bag into a make-shift warning sign. That sort of action seems to be covered by the Constitution, but Plummer was still arrested for allegedly standing in the street when there was a sidewalk present. For the record, Plummer tells KRTK that she never left the sidewalk, and she claims that the arresting offer threatened her with an arrest for obstructing justice, which is a felony offense.

Come in and drive the 2013 CX-5, Highest MPG SUV in the Nation

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Come in to John Hine for the new Mazda CX-5 and Hyrbid versions. These get the best gas mileage over any SUV in America and we have many to choose from. This vehicle has an award-winning interior and superior-handling abilites. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Mazda Takeri Review

"I have never been so happy buying a car let alone driving one"

"Im writing this review as a testament to my experience with this dealership. I bought a brand new 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv from them. Bill Brumbaugh is a very nice person i cannot say anything bad about him he is a great guy with great personality. He understands his buyer's perspective of customer service because he also cares a lot about how he is treated by others customer service. He salvaged my relationship with Mazda and im so thankful for that because i have never been so happy buying a car let alone driving one. I have found my car in Mazda thanks to Bill. My first time experience was not so good but let me tell you, Bill Brumbaugh called me and everything took off like a sky rocket. He made things happen and he stood behind his Mazda. I have personally experienced the rough roads and high waters with this dealership. He was there with me all the way. Everything that he promised me, he made to happen and he did everything in his power to make me happy. He did not just satisfy me he went above and beyond to make sure that i am happy with my new car.

I have been to many dealership before finally getting a car here, and i can tell you one thing from this experience, every dealership can say they are #1 but Bill Brumbaugh's dealership was tested and he proved to me that they are the BEST.

The person who helped me was Giovanni "Gio" Loche, He is also a nice guy everything went smooth. When you go to the store ask for Gio. He is the best sales person working there. He is very patient and helpful." - H.E.

Skyactiv at work

MAZDA MX-5 GT CONCEPT TO DEBUT AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

 

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept to run at Goodwood Festival Speed
Mazda seeks customer reaction to 205bhp Mazda MX-5 GT Concept
Mazda Takeri sedan concept and all-new CX-5 feature on the Mazda stand

Mazda will debut its road legal 205bhp MX-5 GT Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 28 June – 1 July. The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept will be on display throughout the festival on Mazda's stand, as well as taking part in the hillclimb in the 'First Glance' category.

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept has been inspired by Mazda's podium winning MX-5 GT race programme and its debut at Goodwood is to test customer reaction to a high performance version of the iconic sportscar. Built by race specialists Jota Sport, the MX-5 GT Concept produces 205bhp from a normally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol engine which is mated to the car's standard manual gearbox. Suspension has been uprated to improve handling and is adjustable for different track conditions, aerodynamic assistance comes from a carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler. The exhaust note has been enhanced with a sports exhaust system with a central tailpipe. Recaro seats enhance the driver stability and the interior features a number of carbon enhancements that help reduce weight. For customers who want to acquire the car for track use, it comes equipped with road slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.

Joining the MX-5 GT Concept on the stand will be the Mazda Takeri sedan concept, a close indication of the design direction of the future Mazda6, along with the recently launched all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, the first car to adopt Mazda's revolutionary SKYACTIV technology which improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment.

Mazda has also entered the World's fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the Goodwood hillclimb. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Jota Aviation, Total Lubricants and Mazda Financial Services, the Jota Sport Mazda MX-5 GT4 is currently contesting the 2012 British GT Championship and took third in class at Brands Hatch this weekend. Competing against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Ferrari racecars, the MX-5 GT boasts a top speed of 160mph and a 0-60 time of just three seconds, making this a very special MX-5.

Drivers for the Goodwood Festival of Speed are regular Mazda racers Mark Ticehurst and Owen Mildenhall and kart racer Jade Paveley, who at just 19 years-old, is one of the youngest drivers at the festival.

"This year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed we have a number of significant cars on the stand and contesting the hillclimb," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK. "The MX-5 has been our best known car for 22 years and with the GT4 and GT Concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience.

"The Mazda Takeri gives a clear guide as to how the next Mazda6 will look. It will be the second car to use Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology following on from the Mazda CX-5 which we launched in May. SKYACTIV technology reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel consumption and reduces CO2, it takes our cars into the realm of environmentally friendly emissions but with no compromise on the fun to drive attributes that are typical of our brand.

"So come over and say hello during the weekend, we are also giving away a limited number of Le Mans books to visitors to the stand each day – so visit early."

People getting paid not to speed?

 

Parents know that sometimes the chance for reward is a more powerful child obedience method than the threat of penalty. "Clean your room or your grounded" can be less effective than, "Clean your room and we'll go get ice cream."

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study shows that when the stick is combined with the carrot, drivers behave much better. The study placed GPS trackers to measure speed in eight cars loaned to 50 different drivers for a week each. The drivers were told that, at the end of their week, if they kept their speed within the posted limits, they would be paid $25 each. Every time a driver went over the speed limit by five to eight mph, he would lose three cents. If the driver's speed exceeded nine or more ticks above the posted limit, he lost six cents.

If the drivers were caught speeding by the cops they got speeding tickets as usual.

Each time the car's ignition was switched off, drivers got a report showing how much their lead feet had reduced their rewards.

The results were promising, with one driver saying he had made a game out of trying to keep his $25. NHTSA officials involved in the study say insurance companies might be very interested in implementing the program for their customers.

"We found that the incentive system was incredibly effective in getting drivers to reduce their speeding," Ian Reagan, a traffic safety researcher at NHTSA tells NPR. "Egregious speed limit violations were almost eliminated – that's driving nine or more [miles per hour] over the speed limit."

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Mazda to race SKYACTIV-D diesel engines at Le Mans

• Mazda to supply clean diesel power to Dempsey Racing for 2013 Le Mans entry
• Race-tuned SKYACTIV-D diesel engines for teams across the USA next year
• In UK, MX-5 GT challenges supercar brands in 2012 British GT Championship
• Lightweight MX-5 GT race car is the world's fastest, most powerful MX-5

(16 June 2012) -- Mazda Motorsports has announced that it will supply its new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel race-tuned engine to teams competing in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class of international motorsport. The engine is scheduled to make its Le Mans 24 Hours debut with Dempsey Racing in 2013. Mazda remains the only Asian car maker to have won the world's toughest endurance race, in 1991.

As part of Mazda's expanding global motorsports activity, Mazda Motorsports is developing a version of the race-tuned new 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine for teams contesting the new Advanced Technology GX Class of the 2013 GRAND-AM championship, and in the UK, Mazda's iconic roadster, the MX-5, is taking on the might of the supercar brands in the British GT Championship this year.

"Today we reopen our love affair with Le Mans and mark the beginning of a whole new chapter in motor racing for Mazda," said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "We've won international races with rotary engine technology at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring. Now we're looking to return to the winner's circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen.

"We'll do it in true Mazda style as the SKYACTIV technology will allow Mazda to chart its own path in racing, showcasing the latest developments in fuel-efficient, powerful and clean powertrains. Our new SKYACTIV-D race engines will be available to European and US customers competing in the LMP2 class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and to teams entering the national GRAND-AM championship," added Amestoy.

The SKYACTIV-D race engines are being developed jointly by the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, Mazda North American Operations and Florida-based SpeedSource Engineering. Dyno testing of prototype engines has already begun and on-track testing is scheduled for late 2012.

Mr Masahiro Moro, Executive Officer in charge of global sales and marketing of Mazda Motor Corporation, commented, "Mazda has always fostered the culture of 'never stop challenging.' And it was this spirit that drove us through 18 consecutive years of racing at Le Mans, until we triumphed in 1991. It is this same spirit that laid the foundation for our SKYACTIV Technologies, pushing us forwards to make technical breakthroughs. I am pleased that we will be supporting our customers who are taking up the Le Mans challenge by supplying them with race-tuned SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engines."

Dempsey Racing planning to be first SKYACTIV-D customer
Currently, Dempsey Racing (co-owned by racer/actor Patrick Dempsey) is making preparations to become the first team to use Mazda's SKYACTIV-D racing powerplant in LMP2 next year.

Patrick and his business partner/co-driver Joe Foster have both competed at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the GT category, and are eager to return in 2013 contesting the LMP2 class with Mazda clean diesel-power. The team expanded its operations this year to include running in the American Le Mans Series, competing in both the Prototype Challenge (LMPC) and Prototype 2 (LMP2) classes as they prepare for their 2013 Le Mans effort.

"Our long-term partnership with Mazda has been fantastic, and we look forward to mutual success as we prepare for 2013," comments Patrick Dempsey. "We are already focused on that preparation which is why we are currently testing our LMP2 car in the US in preparation for the next ALMS event. Our team and partners are excited to be associated with SKYACTIV-D technology and the cutting-edge green technology it represents."

Dempsey Racing has been campaigning Mazda RX-8s in the GRAND-AM GT class since 2007, scoring a remarkable podium finish at the 2011 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. The team has steadily improved its performance in the series, and was a key contributor to Mazda winning the 2010 GRAND-AM GT Manufacturers Championship.
Taking on the supercar brands in Britain

In Britain, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT4 has been extensively developed to become the fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the World. Weighing just 1,000kg (including 150kg of ballast), it is powered by a highly tuned 2.0-litre MZR petrol engine which generates a maximum 315ps - a remarkable 157ps-per-litre. Power is taken to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed Hewland gearbox operated with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Acceleration to 60mph takes only three seconds and the racer's top speed is 160mph.

Battling against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan rivals, Mazda drivers Mark Ticehurst and Owen Mildenhall have already achieved two Top-5 finishes in class. The duo is looking forward to the next round of the British GT Championship at Brands Hatch on 24 June.

"Exploiting the MX-5 GT's outstanding handling and high levels of stability under all loads is always great fun," commented Ticehurst. "The Mazda is easy to handle and really responsive and rewarding to race - important factors for ensuring success in endurance racing. We are excited and optimistic about this year's championship and fully expect the MX-5 to upset some of the established marques as the season unfolds."

For its 2012 racing programme, the Mazda MX-5 GT is sponsored by Total Lubricants, SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation.

This weekend is all about Dad? Here's 5 of the top Father's Day activities. Can you guess which is the most popular?

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"I did a lot of research on the new skyactive technology and shopped on the Internet to competitor brands. My overall experience with Hine Mazda was the best I've ever had with a dealership. Carlene was very informative and helpful and she made the car shopping experience for my wife and I very painless and quick. The final details were worked out with Katie, the finance manager, and she was very friendly and knowledgeable and made us feel confident in what we were purchasing. This dealership knows how to treat people. If you are looking for a car, stop looking and go see the great people in temecula"

Enter to win a $250 Best Buy Gift Card!

 

Head to our Facebook page so you can enter to win a $250 Best Buy gift card. Think of the cool stuff you can buy with that! CLICK HERE to head to our FB page to enter TODAY!

The Mazda MX-5 is learning to fly

 

2.0-liter gasoline engine with supercharging delivers 241 horsepower
Clutches and shorter final drive ratio for enhanced dynamics
Modified radical suspension and wheel-tire combination

More radical still was not a MX-5: A prototype "Yusho" (Japanese for "victory"), the Mazda Roadster its sporty talents may now live on the streets unchecked. A supercharger kit for the American MX-5 Tuning specialists "Flyin 'Miata" increases the power of the free-revving 2.0-liter MZR petrol engine to 177 kW/241 hp and drives the roadster to legend about 240 km / h speed.

The compressor including intercooler gives the four-cylinder over the entire rpm band as an equally powerful homogeneous power and torque delivery. At 5400rpm with peak torque of 274 Nm available. In addition, the engine with a modified engine management system, new fuel injectors and metal sport catalysts has been fitted. Special Cosworth pistons and connecting rods provide excellent stability of the motor. The exhaust gases are released through an individually designed muffler with large cross sections and centrally positioned double tailpipes, which can be adjusted by control valve in its acoustics.

The six-speed manual transmission with special sports clutch and the usual crisp gearshifts, the best power transfer to the rear wheels safe, while the shorter final drive ratio to 4.1 increases the driving dynamics and improving sprint qualities in all gears. The suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, sport, larger stabilizer bars and lowering springs from Eibach is aligned to the model compared to the standard even higher dynamic requirements. The power transmission benefits from a semi-slick tires the manufacturer Toyo mounted on anthracite gray alloy wheels size 8Jx17 is.

Even the look sets the MX-5 "Yusho" civilized street from his brothers: the matt-white film wrapping and an equally dull white foiled rear spoiler are available in an appealing contrast to a specially developed rear diffuser in carbon fiber-optics and the dark wheels. The interior is enhanced with a suede-trimmed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats with leather and Alcantara ® covers the dynamic requirements of the prototype.

Come in and drive the Mazda 6

 

 

Come in and drive the Mazda6. Great gas mileage and tons of room. Click link for the special offer http://bit.ly/zdL94J

 

We have some great used specials that get 30+MPG

 

In addition to our huge selection of new Mazdas', we also have a great selection of moderately priced used vehicles. Our used inventory is updated daily and includes plenty of models that get over 30MPG. These cars are in great condition and are priced for nearly any budget. Come in or visit us online HERE to check out our full line of new Mazdas and used specials.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Named A 10 Best Road Trip Car By Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata today was named a 10 Best Road Trip Car in this year's convertible-themed list by the editors of Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information. Also, earlier in the year, MX-5 was the recipient of another Kelley Blue Book distinction – the inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Award in the Sports Car category – as the vehicle was calculated to have the lowest average costs in the first five years of ownership.
According to editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, MX-5 earned a spot on the short list, now in its ninth year, because "whether tracing sinuous back roads or circling simple freeway on-ramps, few cars can better transform those arcs into pure joy than the Mazda MX-5 Miata." This is MX-5's second appearance on the 10 Best list, previously being named in 2007.
"Time and time again, the MX-5 Miata proves why it is the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world and Mazda is proud to receive this recent honor from kbb.com," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Not only can the vehicle handle the Point A-to-Point B needs of a daily driver yet still offer the performance and athleticism demands to be a road racing champion, but all drivers can enjoy getting behind the wheel of a genuine sports convertible that is safe, dynamic, luxurious and attainable."
Available in four trims, the MX-5 is a lightweight, low-slung, rear-wheel-drive sports car with happiness-inducing handling, features and pricing. With a slender starting curb weight of 2,447 pounds, all MX-5s are equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and produce 167 horsepower (158 horsepower for automatic transmission-equipped models) and 140 lb-ft of torque. The roadster starts at $23,470[1] MSRP with a soft top and at $27,540 when outfitted with the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT).
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website, www.kbb.com. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as government agencies. For more information on kbb.com's 10 Best Road Trip Cars of 2012 list, including full editorial commentary and rankings, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-best-road-trip-convertibles-2012/.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.
[1] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1cAYu)

The absolute best! The CX-5

Are you driving a boring crossover? Does your crossover get terrible mileage? The CX-5 is the IIHS top-saftey pick, voted best interior, amazingly fun to drive, and with Skyactiv technology great gas mileage. Come in and drive one today.

 

Mazda to run Skyactiv-D diesel engine in 2013 Grand Am GX class

Mazda to Make New SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel Engines Available for GRAND-AM's New Advanced Technology Racing Class June 1, 2012 (DETROIT) Mazda Motorsports today announced that it will supply racing versions of its new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engines to customer teams competing in GRAND-AM's new GX Class for advanced/clean technologies, beginning with the 2013 season.

"This opens a new chapter in racing for us," said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda Motorsports, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "We've won with rotary technology, and now we're looking to again put our customers in the winner's circle with what we believe will be the most advanced and cleanest production-based powerplant the sport has ever seen."

The engines will be stock-block Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder, dual-stage turbocharged powerplants that, according to John Doonan, MNAO's Director of Mazda Motorsports, "will deliver outstanding performance and fuel economy coupled with the kind of quality, durability and reliability needed to produce great street cars and win endurance races."

Mazda remains the only Asian auto maker committed to bringing modern clean-diesel technology to the United States. The production Mazda SKYACTIV-D features include:

14:1 low compression ratio
New two-stage turbocharger
A 5,200 rpm redline
Compared to Mazda's current-production 2.2L MZR-CD diesel engine:
Up to 20% reduction in fuel consumption
20% reduction in internal engine friction
10% reduction in weight

Mazda Motorsports is noted for many things, including grassroots dominance in road racing, and being the only Asian car company with an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its David and Goliath approach -- supported by unique powertrains, devoted teams and drivers, and sales of parts to all who wish to compete -- has made Mazda one of the most successful brands in motorsports.

Since 2007, Mazda has been competing with great success in the GRAND-AM GT class with the rotary-powered RX-8. Mazda racers have secured manufacturers, team and drivers championships, along with 2008 and 2010 GT-class wins by the SpeedSource RX-8 in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. With the RX-8 no longer in production for the U.S. market, Mazda needed a new challenge.

SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY will allow Mazda to chart its own path in racing, showcasing the latest in fuel-efficient, powerful and clean powertrains.

The engines are being developed jointly by Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda North American Operations and SpeedSource Engineering. Dyno testing has already begun and on-track testing begins in late 2012. Engine pricing and terms will be announced at a later date.

The actual Mazda model in which the SKYACTIV-D racing engine will be installed will be announced after the conclusion of the 2012 GRAND-AM racing season.

The Newest Version of the MX-5

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Which do you prefer? Red, Black, White?

The new MX-5 Senshu was revealed at the at the 2012 Auto Mobil International show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany. The special edition model gets its name from a Japanese word meaning "player", according to Mazda.

The Senshu is based on the soft-top Sports Line specification with the 158hp (160PS) 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine linked exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

There are three available exterior colors, black, red and white, all of which are combined with a black cloth top, 17-inch dark alloy wheels shod in tires size 205/45 R17, a matte black rear diffuser, twin chrome tail pipes, a black surround for the front grille and unique racing stripes on the car's profile.

Inside, the Senshu edition sports aluminum pedals, two-tone black and grey leather seats and door panels with red stitching, aluminum trim décor and red surrounds for the air vents.

Other features already standard on the Sports Line model include a lowered Bilstein sports suspension, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, cruise control and a Bose audio system.

Pricing in Germany starts at €29,190 with Mazda said to produce only 200 examples of the special edition version.

The only question is when are they going to come out with an awesome version for the American Market?