4th gen ND Mazda MX-5 Miata

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by TyperRspec789

This.

My gf wants to buy the new miata when she graduates. This motherfucker better not look like this. Make the miata a tad more masculine so that I'll feel comfortable having it parked in front of my condo... VW did it with the Beetle, I'm sure Mazda knows that most Miata drivers are male.

I don't think the problem is looking feminine. I think the problem is that the smiley face and bug eyes are just straight up ugly as hell. I swear Mazda would sell a ton more cars if they got rid of the smiley faces, and even more if they made normal looking light assemblies like everyone else.

In fact, Acura has a similar (probably even worse) problem. I see more Lexus ES350 (rebadged Camry yea?) and old Acuras than new Acuras. Get rid of the chrome beak already.

[Rampage]

That is an old article. I am sure the styling will not be as dated looking as that. If it is, then you can always take a look at the Alfa version. More importantly, if they manage to keep the weight under 2200 Lbs and give the engine 160+hp then the car will be a great ridge runner, autoxer, track car and competitor for the "fun to drive" crown that the FR-S/BRZ currently owns.

[Shagaliscious]

Originally Posted by whaap

Motor Trend is a little slow. That picture has been around for a long time. I forget when I first saw it but it was over a year ago.

Well...the article is dated over a year ago, so that might explain it.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Rampage

That is an old article. I am sure the styling will not be as dated looking as that. If it is, then you can always take a look at the Alfa version. More importantly, if they manage to keep the weight under 2200 Lbs and give the engine 160+hp then the car will be a great ridge runner, autoxer, track car and competitor for the "fun to drive" crown that the FR-S/BRZ currently owns.

Rampage I think you're a bit spoiled by your 2ZZ Spyder...2200lbs and 160+ hp is not happening :P Mazda is going ultra long strokes on all their engines, so specific output is guaranteed to suck.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Would prefer:

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by Kimsey47

Kei car anyone?! Not a big fan of the render; however, until I see it in the flesh I won't judge too much.

far from a kei car

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by Hanakuso

far from a kei car

The render reminded me of the Honda Beat.

[ryansb]

http://gtchannel.com/blog/all-new-mazda-mx-5



Mazda's 4th generation of the "Miata" roadster—the lightweight, rear-drive purist's paradise which resurrected the genre back in 1989—has begun development on an all-new model, slated for fall of 2014.
Badged the MX-5 once again, same as the current car, the recipe for sound mechanicals built on a lithe, compact chassis, cloaked in a stylish body that somehow appeals to both men and women alike, will remain intact. In fact, after 23 years of the model’s existence these attributes seem to be gaining favor with more drivers. The evidence is not only on display in the dealer lots of some of Mazda's competitors who are putting out their own versions of an affordable rear-drive sports car (anyone say Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ?) but contained in our intel which says that Mazda itself has applied a project mission and working title of "Downsizing and Less Weight" to the new car's synthesis.
They know that a good number of customers still drive, and treasure, the original Miata whose light tossable nature made it a favorite among purists. Though not a quick car by today's standards, that first-gen roadster was well-balanced and tidy, measuring 155.4, 65.9, and 48.2 inches in length, width, and height, respectively, and weighing only 2182 lb. It came with a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine making 116 bhp. Flash forward to the current 3rd generation model, introduced in 2005 powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4, and measuring 157.1, 67.7, 49 in. (length, width, height, respectively) and weighing in at 2498 lbs., and one can see that it has grown over the years.
From our sources, we hear the new roadster will come powered by a SkyActiv 1.5-liter inline-4, with a 1.8-liter engine as optional. The 1.5 will make about 125 bhp, and the 1.8 version approximately 140. Fuel economy for the new chassis/powertrain combinations is expected to be much improved, and there is also talk of the U.S. getting a 2.0-liter engine making 150 bhp. With an overall width of 69 in., and a curb weight trimmed to less than 2000 lbs., the car’s stance will be sportier, and it will certainly be a lot lighter with a much better power-to-weight ratio to boot.
Mazda wants to keep the price around $20,000 or less. The Japanese yen has fallen to 82 yen/dollar this week, but if it can get back up to 85 or perhaps 90 to the dollar—since virtually all Mazdas are built in Japan, and a strong yen has hurt business here in America—then things will look good for the Hiroshima-based company, and even better for MX-5 buyers. It's important that this platform be economical, as well as a driver’s delight, because, it will also serve as the basis for the next Alfa Romeo Spyder! Although the structure and powertrain will be shared, Alfa will be building their own unique body, so its version should look quite different from the edgy BMW Z4-like styling shown in our digital illustration. The Alpha Spyder is likely to launch 6 months to a year after the MX-5.
We eagerly await both, although the Spyder may not make it to our shores.

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by ryansb

http://gtchannel.com/blog/all-new-mazda-mx-5

My guess is that the new MX-5 will look similar to the picture above. The reason I say that is because it seems to be the direction they are headed with their styling. If you look at the new Mazda 6, it looks very similar in its styling theme.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by ryansb

http://gtchannel.com/blog/all-new-mazda-mx-5



From our sources, we hear the new roadster will come powered by a SkyActiv 1.5-liter inline-4, with a 1.8-liter engine as optional. The 1.5 will make about 125 bhp, and the 1.8 version approximately 140. Fuel economy for the new chassis/powertrain combinations is expected to be much improved, and there is also talk of the U.S. getting a 2.0-liter engine making 150 bhp. With an overall width of 69 in., and a curb weight trimmed to less than 2000 lbs., the car’s stance will be sportier, and it will certainly be a lot lighter with a much better power-to-weight ratio to boot.
Mazda wants to keep the price around $20,000 or less.

If it looks like that picture, weighs that much and costs that little.

Goodbye FRS, hellooooooooooo MX-5!!! Lightweight cars FTW!

Seriously... I doubt they can get it that light without expensive materials because the 20 government mandated airbags are heavy! (exaggeration to prove a point).

[Frost]

http://wot.motortrend.com/1401_2015_...v_engines.html

And here we go! Good time to be a mini sports car buyer! So many good things coming down the pipelines. Rumoured 240Z and now confirmation of the next gen MX5 (confirmed because Alfa Romeo said they would unveil their 'equivalent' Spider in 2015 as well).

I swear if this keeps up, I will shed a tear.

[dem00n]

Good.

Though i'm more excited for the Spider...

[airjonny]

Wow this is great news! I wasn't expecting anything from Mazda for awhile. Both Mazda and Alfa have been dragging their feet with their projects (Especially Alfa).

[strat61caster]

Article now states that unveiling will be at NEXT years auto show circuit.

Not sure how they can fix flagging sales of the NC unless they create something unworldly or outrageously awesome, all early indication is that this is a minor step, shed a couple hundred pounds, more advanced engine maintaining current power outputs with increased fuel economy.

yawn

I'm sure it'll be a great car, I hope to drive one someday but it's not going to set the world on fire.