'bout fuckin' time :D

I've always liked the NB more than the NC and if the ND is going to go to 2400-2500lbs, this is definitely a throwback to the NB.

Exciting times!

I dunno about the cheapest - maybe in the US?

In Canada, the NC is easily 35k to 45k depending on trim levels. It's stupid how expensive it is here.

To put that in perspective, that's WRX and near STI Canada money.

Well, I would wait and see what the final product is. It might weigh 150lbs less than the current gen or it could end up weighing 150lbs more.

Base model NC starts at $23.7k, more expensive than a base Mustang ($22.5k) or Camaro ($23.5k) but cheaper than the Toyobaru ($25.4k) and every other RWD coupe I can think of. All heavier, but the only RWD car lighter is Lotus I believe.

Mazda has to do something seriously interesting to recapture the market, NC sales are very low. I doubt it'll be the cheapest sports car available with a shiny new SkyActiv engine and brand new unique chassis. I'll be impressed if they maintain sub 2600 lbs and <$25k. Something has to give.

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2011/01...s-figures.html

Yep. Here in the US, the NC Miata costs a bit more than the FR-S when similarly equipped, but doesn't come anywhere near STI pricing.

- FR-S is $24.6k USD
- Miata club spec trim (with LSD, 6-spd manual, 17" wheels, cruise, keyless entry, etc.) is $26.9k USD
- STI is $34.5k USD

The news on the weight gain on the ND is definitely disappointing. Hopefully they can meet this revised target and won't push it any higher.

I do too. I was extremely close to buying a Mazdaspeed Miata but when I sat in it and my knees hit the dash board, and with a whole lot of reconfiguring seating position I still kept hitting the steering wheel, I knew it was a no-go. I just hope they leave a little bit of extra room for us taller drivers.

Next Mazda MX-5 Miata to Debut at 2015 Chicago Auto Show
 

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 is currently scheduled to make its debut at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, where the original MX-5 was launched in 1989.


Rumor has it that the next-gen MX-5 will be “very clean and simple,” with some of the company’s veteran insiders calling it the “best-looking car ever” from Mazda. And though it’ll feature the brand’s “Kodo” design language, the MX-5 will have its own interpretation of it meaning that it won’t be like the Mazda3 or Mazda6.


Powering the MX-5 will likely be variants of the Japanese automaker’s SkyActiv engines with likely 1.5- and 2.0-liter variants available at the vehicle’s launch. Though earlier reports suggested that Mazda could turn to turbocharged powerplants, it is believed now that the MX-5 will stick to naturally aspirated engines. Expect the sports car to weigh around 2,425 lbs and will be built to support either a folding metal top or a conventional soft top.

Oops, thanks

new miata chassis doesnt look too bad
 

Looks like double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear, nice! Would like to have seen a more slanted layout for the engine, but Mazda claims this will have the lowest CG height of any Miata, so that may be a moot point.

If Mazda hits all its goals for this car (220 lbs. weight reduction, lower CG height, increased safety), I will be very impressed. And if they released a coupe, I might actually have to buy one.

Possibly on my list to replace the BRZ pending final product.

Big questions remain, the skyactiv is still a question mark when it comes to performance, the Miata has always used a workhorse engine, nothing terribly exciting, but the reliability was such that owners have been flogging them relentlessly for 25 years now.

The second question is the kodo design, Mazda's designs usually elicit two responses as of late: "Ew" or "I could live with that" depending on who you talk to.

Edit: I'm really optimistic, seems to be the biggest jump in technology the Miata has ever had, glad to hear that there's still optimism of weight loss.