2016 Mazda Ice Academy
Test vehicles at the ready.
Wintery conditions provided a real-world test of AWD capabilities.
Briefing on the Bridgestone Blizzak winter tire capabilties.
Far left isTetsushi Marutani, assistant manager, Drivetrain and Powertrain Engineering. He was one of the leads on the i-ACTIV AWD development.
A great opportunity to hone skills in negotiating under- and over-steering driving situtations in an MX-5.
The temperature was -6F without windchill the morning of test day.
Starting a daylong test of the i-ACTIV AWD system, which featured multiple demonstration modules.
Testing hill ascent from a dead stop mid-way up a hill.
Cresting the top of hill after a successful hill ascent.
The event included an urban driving loop thorugh Crested Butte.
The town of Crested Butte was the venue for an evening reception and dinner.
Drifting in the snow in an MX-5 convertible with the top down was a huge thrill.