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Mazda Unveils 2001 B-Series Truck at New York Auto Show

19 April 2000

Mazda Unveils 2001 B-Series Truck at New York Auto Show; - Two New Engines Boost Performance in Expanded B-Series Line -

    NEW YORK, April 19 Whether at work or at play, compact
pickup truck owners demand a lot of their vehicles.  Mazda's 2001 B-Series
truck line-up is equally well equipped for big jobs and big fun, thanks to two
new, more powerful engines.  And with freshened front-end looks and the
addition of a new 4x2, raised-suspension Dual Sport model, the B-Series will
do it all in style.  The 2001 B-Series pickup truck debuts at the New York
International Auto Show, at the Jacob Javits Center April 22-30.
    Mazda offers three engine choices with the 2001 B-Series line.  The
top-of-the-line B4000 becomes one of the most powerful compact 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 V6.
    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.
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has over 750 dealerships
nationwide.