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Overview
Mazda unveiled its
2001 B-Series truck line-up at the New York Auto Show with little fanfare.
The '01 B-Series
adds two new, more powerful engines, sports freshened sheetmetal up front
and the addition of a new 4x2, raised-suspension Dual Sport model. The
B-Series is taking its cues from its American cousin the Ford Ranger.
Mazda offers three
engine choices with the 2001 B-Series line. The top-of-the-line B4000
becomes one of the most powerful compact pickup trucks on the market,
thanks to a new 205 horsepower, 4.0-liter SOHC V6, which replaces the
previous 160 horsepower OHV V6. With almost 28 percent more horsepower,
a standard limited-slip differential, trailer hitch, and the only available
five-speed automatic transmission in the import-brand compact class, the
B4000 boasts a towing capacity of nearly 5,900 lbs.
Mazda offers more
power to entry level truck buyers, too, with the new B2300, which will
bow this fall. Powered by a new 134-horsepower, 2.3-liter four cylinder,
the B2300 will replace the previous B2500 model, with its 119-horsepower,
2.5-liter engine. The B3000 will continue to be powered by a 150-horsepower
3.0-liter engine.
The new 4x2 Dual
Sport model features body-colored front and rear bumpers, fender flares,
front grille surround and lower front fascia, as well as a raised suspension,
for the look and ground clearance of a 4x4. Like the rest of the B-Series
line, the Dual Sport is available in three cab configurations: regular
cab, two-door extended Cab Plus and four-door extended Cab Plus 4.
Ladder-frame construction,
with fully boxed frame rails from the front end to the back of the cab,
produces a rugged platform for the B-Series, which rides on an independent,
double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a live-axle
rear suspension with leaf springs. All B-Series models come with four-wheel
anti-lock brakes and dual de-powered air bags standard. Mazda also was
the first import brand truck to offer a key-operated passenger-side air
bag deactivation switch, which allows the driver to disconnect the air
bag when transporting children.
2001 Troy Lee Edition
The Mazda B3000 Troy
Lee Edition offers the aggressive "take no prisoners" look and ground
clearance of four-wheel drive in a 4x2. With a raised suspension, fog
lights, fender flares, 16-inch wheels designed by Troy Lee and extra large
tires, the Troy Lee edition B3000 handles rough terrain like a motocross
bike.
Troy Lee is a leading-edge
graphic designer with a passion for extreme sports. His company, Troy
Lee Designs, has created painted helmets, speed equipment, and other apparel
for extreme sports enthusiasts for more than 17 years.
Troy Lee Edition
models feature optional reflective body-side flame graphics, "Dual Sport"
tailgate logo and the Troy Lee Designs signature logo and carbon fiber-look
trim on the instrument panel and door panels.
For those enthusiasts
who get the urge to leave the road for rugged terrain or rocky backcountry
in style, there is the top of the line B4000 Troy Lee Edition Cab Plus
4x4. This model receives leather seats, four-wheel-drive, skid plates,
custom 16-inch wheels, fog lights, and a trailer hitch with 6,000 lbs.
of towing capacity (A/T) - more than the competition.
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2000 New York Auto
Show
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Other Links
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