Future Cars: Revitalizing Mazda’s Next-Gen 2016 MX-5 Roadster

Mazda’s long serving MX-5 Miata is what you would call a true, pure drivers car; an affordable rear-drive, front-engined roadster with a fun value dialed to max. It’s still one of the bestselling roadsters on the market today and retains a strong, loyal following.

Nevertheless, the Japanese carmaker and Alfa Romeo are co-developing a successor to the MX-5 that stays true to the original formula (the Italian manufacturer will get their own distinctive Spider version). So with that in mind, it was decided to digitally envisage how the next MX-5 could look.

Design:

First of all, I’ll make no secret that the design of the original MX-5 never quite appealed in my mind. Sure, it looked like a cute British roadster; yet it was too feminine, barbie-like to seriously consider for my driveway. Successive generations have improve the appeal somewhat, with more gender-neutral styling gracing the current two-seater.

This design study is heavily influenced by Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language, with the aim of making it more masculine whilst retaining those classic sports-car proportions.

So starting at the business end; the long, dynamic hood sweeps down into the bumper. Below this is Mazda’s new corporate grille flanked by headlights that pay homage to prior generation MX-5’s with their smooth, rounded edges. Further down, a heavily flanked lower bumper extension skirts around the sides, helping emphasize the car’s planted stance.

Sharp creases dominate the front fenders as they sweep backwards into the doors - mimicking the effect seen on the Mazda Takeri concept. While the first three generations of MX-5 have had rather upright windscreens, this proposal takes on more of an speedster approach with its heavily raked frontal glass.

One area where the MX-5 has disappointed in the past is in the hindquarters - drab is a word that comes to mind. Anything with a strong frontal presence should equally look great from the rear too; while not illustrated here, the taillights sit neatly into the crisp rear fenders, separated by an aggressive duck-tailed trunk lid.

Interior:

Mazda has been advancing well with its interiors in recent years. Compared with what they were pumping out in the late 1990’s, most of their lineup now boasts premium switchgear, materials and build quality.

However, there is always room for improvement - the MX5 needs to push the envelope further with striking design and sublime detailing. Think about what’s currently found in the Jaguar F-Type, Audi TT and BMW Z4 (but on a budget); such a cabin should make the driver feel special - not the opposite.

Don’t expect cabin real estate be vast; but rather incremental improvements to comfortably seat its occupants with improved hip and legroom. For those rain-doused fast get-aways, a quicker folding ragtop mechanism should help stop upper-body moisture and dampness issues.

What Could Power It:

Of course, a Rotary should - what else? However, back on earth, the next MX5 could use a new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter fours in ‘Skyactiv-G 2’ configuration. Say what? This is an extended development of current Skyactiv premise that brings Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) to the table. Along with improvements in cooling (which is a challenge with HCCI engines), this second-generation setup brings diesel-like efficiency to the petrol engine without having to utilize hybrid technology.

Platform & Handling:

This conceptual study rides on the same base that underpins the Alfa Romeo’s upcoming Spider, so you can bet on one hell of a driver's package. Power will still be fed to the rear wheels via six speed manual or six speed automatic transmissions.

Usually car manufacturers like to get a good balance between ride and handling; for the MX-5, this means additional wheelbase length to help with stability whilst maintaining acceptable ride quality. The Skyactiv philosophy will also target weight reduction in the aim of improving nimbleness for an more engaging drive.

While its Alfa Romeo platform-sibling should provide equal amounts of driving fun, direct competition is expected to arrive in Toyota/Scion GT-86 format. However, until those gas torches finally tackle the GT-86’s roof, Mazda has a relatively clear playing field (unless MX-5 pricing skyrockets).

In summary:

The design proposition may appear as a departure from MX5’s of yesteryear, yet I’d ague that change was needed to captivate a broader audience. What emerges once Mazda rips the covers off its next roadster could be an interesting surprise - that 2015 Chicago Auto Show can’t come soon enough.

Mazda Confirms Unveiling of All-New MX-5 Roadster

 

Mazda made an official announcement about its upcoming all-new MX-5 roadster. We knew the car was supposed to be revealed this year, but we didn’t know when and where; now we do. The Japanese automaker will be showing it off for the very first time on 3-4 September, in Barcelona, Spain. Other similar venues will follow in Japan and the US. In regards to the upcoming event, that’s also meant to commemorate 25 years since the first Miata came out, Mazda’s European president and CEO said:

“The MX-5 is the product that best epitomizes Mazda’s convention-defying spirit and our love of driving. It has been grabbing people’s attention for 25 years, and with the new-generation model we’re aiming to share this passion with yet another generation of drivers.”

Looking at how much sporty flair Mazda’s been able to imbue its more mundane offerings with, the naturally sporty MX-5 will probably come out really desirable, if they stick to the same approach, and they probably will…

It’s definitely one of the most important model launches of the year.

Marchionne States that Roadster Produced with Mazda May Not Necessarily Wear Alfa's Badge

We told you about the rumors regarding the Fiat Group having second thoughts on placing an Alfa Romeo badge on the roadster that Fiat and Mazda are jointly developing, with Mazda’s version to be badged as the next-generation MX-5. Now, we have the official word on the matter from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne.

“The brand that we use will be chosen in due time. I don’t believe there was an irrevocable obligation to use an Alfa architecture,” Marchionne said at a press conference at the Geneva auto show. “Maybe we will, maybe we won’t. The important thing is that industrially the project is moving forward,” the executive added.

This latest statement seems to support an earlier declaration from September 2013, when Marchionne said there won’t be any Alfa Romeos built outside of Italy as long as he is boss.

Under the initial January 2013 announcement, the Alfa Romeo roadster was supposed to be built together with the next-gen MX-5 at Mazda’s plant in Hiroshima, Japan, with each car to sport different styling and engines. However, a report from Automotive News Europe said Fiat may consider giving the roadster to the Fiat brand or Abarth performance sub-brand.

Despite uncertainty regarding the brand Fiat will choose to put on the roadster, Marchionne said the Italian carmaker will go forward with the project and that it is currently in discussions with Mazda. “We remain committed to using that architecture with our powertrains,” the executive said.

BBR Mazda MX-5 Turbo or TRD-Tuned Toyota GT86?

Both the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S) suffer from having too little power, whichever one you go for. This is apparent whatever sporty car you climb out of before driving either of them, but as the EVO video posted below tries to illustrate, there’s no harm in trying to improve these cars to really make the best of their chassis.

First off, the Toyota can be had with a list of factory updates, in the form of a TRD kit. However, that does nothing to up the power and torque of the GT86, the car’s two main quibbles. It does address the grip problem brought about by the use of 17-inch Prius tires in the basic car by swapping them out for larger 18-inch forged rims with much better rubber.

Still not fast enough, but that’s where the MX-5, tuned by BBR, comes in with 70 hp more than the stock GT86, courtesy of a turbo kit. It’s a car that has been slightly neglected ever since the Toyobaru came out, but as the folloowing comparison illustrates, in this slightly-tuned guise, it’s actually a better choice (for the money).

2015 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition Comes to NY, Only 100 Cars Slated for U.S.

We kidded about Mazda bringing the next generation 2016 MX-5 to the New York Auto Show on April 1, and in some sense, it did, as the Japanese firm showed the car's completed transmission and suspension systems. The other big news for the MX-5 in New York is the presentation of a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the current model, with only 100 cars slated for sale in the States.

Available for order later this spring, the 2015 MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition's key gains a handful of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, beginning with a fine-tune of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit that gains new components such as pistons, connecting rods and flywheel.

Mazda claims that its engineers selected "the best balanced premium parts for inclusion in the engine" and as a result, the inline four now "revs even more freely, delivering an extraordinary response, precision acceleration and a deeply satisfying engine note".

Buyers can choose from an automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox, the latter also featuring Bilstein dampers.

It is offered exclusively in a Soul Red Metallic coat with contrasting black Brilliant Black A-pillars, windshield surround, outside mirrors and Power-Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), and rides on 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE05A 205/45R17-84W tires.

On the inside, you get standard Almond leather seats and door trim, a liquid metal-like satin chrome finish on louver rings, gauge cluster meter rings and inner door handles, special badges and Piano Black trimmings.

Mazda Reveals MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition and 2016 Model's Chassis in NY

Mazda has lifted the veils off the MX-5 25 Anniversary Edition at the New York Auto Show, a model that marks a quarter of a century since the debut of the world’s most popular roadster. With more than 940,000 units produced over three generations, the MX-5 (sold as the Miata in the U.S.) holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling two-seater sports car.

Based on the 2.0-liter 160PS (158PS) retractable hard top model with six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition is available exclusively with a Soul Red Metallic exterior accented with a Brilliant Black roof, A-pillars and side mirrors. The contrasting interior comes in off-white leather upholstery and door trim along with a hand-finished decorative panel in Piano Black. The anniversary model rides on 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels and features Bilstein shock absorbers.

Mazda says it paid meticulous attention to the weight and balance of the engine’s moving parts, with components such as the pistons, connecting rods and flywheel being preferably lightweight with low inertia, and the original tolerance of these components being set extremely fine. Engineers chose the lightest, best balanced parts for inclusion in the engine, with the result being an engine that revs even more freely, “delivering extraordinary response and acceleration as well as a deeply satisfying engine note,” according to Mazda.

 

 

Alongside the special edition model, Mazda will also debut the newly developed Skyactiv-Chassis that will underpin the next-generation MX-5. On display together with the engine, it will be the first adaptation of Skyactiv Technology in a front mid-ship engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The fourth-generation MX-5 will feature a lower center of gravity, with the engine located closer to the center of the car, resulting in the most compact configuration yet for the MX-5. Mazda also says overall weight will be reduced by more than 100kg (220 lbs) compared to the current model, while at the same time rigidity and crash-worthiness will be enhanced.

Modified Mazda MX-5 Electrocutes Tesla Model S in Drag Race

You know something is up with this dark green Mazda Miata / MX-5 by taking a single look at its massive rear tires. What’s even more frightening about it is the ease with which it can initiate a burnout, in spite of the tires’ width and soft drag racing compound. However, it can still put its power down and scare a Tesla Model S in a quarter mile drag sprint.

The battery-powered Mazda is known as being able to run in the low 9s consistently, or a full three and a half seconds faster than the Model S.

Tesla’s sedan is still pretty quick off the line, as you’ll see in the video posted below, and it would have probably nudged ahead for the first few yards had it been put up against a conventional methanol-burning dragster of comparable power to that of the electric Miata.

UK Gets 750 out of 1,000 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Limited Editions

Whereas U.S. consumers were scrambling to secure one out of 100 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary editions, in the UK, the Japanese firm will offer 750 out of a global total of 1,000 individually numbered examples units, beginning from August 1, with pricing to be announced soon.

The UK-bound 25th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 gets the same upgrades as the to the U.S.-specification car plus a unique 6.1-inch touch screen Mazda Navigation System exclusively engineered for the Japanese brand by Alpine. The system features 46 European country maps, 29 different languages, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, an integrated CD, radio and DVD player with a 50:50 split screen.

Based on the retractable hardtop model with the 2.0-liter engine, the limited edition comes with an assortment of additional exterior and interior features that are otherwise unavailable on other MX-5s, and most importantly, new engine components such as pistons, connecting rods and flywheel.

The only color available is the unique Soul Red Metallic paint finish, complemented by Brilliant Black door mirrors, A pillars and power-operated hardtop, 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear diffuser and chrome exhaust trim.

Inside, the cabin is dressed in Light Stone leather trimmed upholstery with contrasting red stitching, hand-painted Dark Red dashboard decoration panel, Brilliant Black roll-over bar covers, alloy pedal set and 25th Anniversary stainless steel scuff plates.

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Sold Out in 10 Minutes in the U.S.

At the New York Auto Show last month, Mazda launched the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition and announced that only 100 units would be available in the States. Those were obviously not enough for the big fan base that the little roadster has in the country, as the limited run was sold out in just 10 minutes.

“It is no secret the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition is a specially-crafted ‘Thank you’ to every MX-5 fan – former, current and hopefully future,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

“The enthusiasm surrounding the MX-5 since its debut in 1989 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we sincerely appreciate every single person that has experienced the absolute joy of driving in an MX-5 – whether behind the wheel or as a passenger. Since day one, this vehicle has been a true driver’s car and we hope to continue to build upon its dynamic legacy for generations to come,” he added.

250 registrants accessed the 25th anniversary pre-order microsite, only the first 100 of which were given the opportunity to pre-order an anniversary model. The MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition will arrive in dealerships beginning late summer, as will the rest of the 2015 model-year lineup.

Pricing for the limited edition model starts at $32,205 (excluding a $795 destination charge) for vehicles equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Automatic models start at $32,655. All anniversary models are equipped with a Power-Retractable Hard Top and owners will each receive a custom-crafted Tourneau watch and display winder box with MX-5 and 25th Anniversary logos.

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Priced from $32,205*, Only 100 will be Made

The pre-order program for the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition that was unveiled at the New York Auto Show last month will commence on May 20, with Mazda to open a new microsite on its U.S. page for those interested in placing their name to purchase one of the 100 special edition roadsters.

Prices for the anniversary model that is available exclusively with the retractable hardtop start at $32,205 MSRP, not including a $795 (*) destination and handling charge.

According to a Mazda statement: "The pre-order program will run through 11:25 AM PDT, May 31, 2014, or when 250 customers have registered, whichever comes first. All 100 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition buyers will go through an exclusive pre-order process for their vehicle. Registered customers will be contacted directly by MNAO to confirm purchase intent. Upon verification, the customer's information will be forwarded to the dealership of their choosing to finalize the transaction."

If you're interested, two things you need to keep in mind is that Mazda is preparing an all-new generation MX-5 for next year, and that, at this price point, your options widen considerably and include cars like the 332hp V6 Nissan 370Z ($29,990 MSRP for the base model and $33,020 for the Sport Package edition).

The 25th Anniversary Edition of the MX-5 comes in a deep Soul Red Metallic exterior coating with gloss black details, and gets 17-inch gunmetal alloys shod in Bridgestone Potenza RE05A 205/45R17-84W tires, Almond-color leather seats and other bespoke interior trim accents and finishes. Under the hood, Mazda says it refined the 2.0-liter unit with "hand-selected pistons, connecting rods and flywheel".

Besides the styling and mechanical upgrades, all buyers of the special edition will receive a custom-crafted Tourneau watch and display winder box.

Mazda also released pricing for the rest of the 2015 MX-5 range with the soft-top version starting at $23,970 (plus handling) and the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) model from $28,665 (plus handling).

Mazda to Celebrate 25 Years of MX-5 Miata with a Historic Display at NY Show

It may have been more appropriate to celebrate the MX-5 Miata's 25th anniversary at the Chicago Auto Show this year, since the original model did debut in The Windy City on February 9, 1989, but Mazda chose the more popular New York International Auto Show to host what it calls, "the biggest birthday party yet for the storied two-seat roadster".

This party will see Mazda placing on display 15 MX-5 vehicles, ranging from motor show concepts to racers and production models.

The Japanese firm did not reveal any details about the cars it will bring to the Big Apple, but if you'd like to speculate on which MX-5s it should show, go ahead and tell us in the comments after you take a look at the gallery we've assembled below.

Speaking about the NY happening, Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) commented:

“MX-5 Miata is the quintessential Mazda. And after 25 years, every vehicle in the lineup continues to feature some characteristic of MX-5: a fluid shifter, lightness on its feet, quickness around a corner, a fun-to-drive DNA. With all the whiz-bang technology and comfort amenities increasingly added to modern vehicles, MX-5’s direct connection between car and driver still remains the standard feature that puts smiles on drivers’ faces.”

The word on the street is that Mazda may show the next MX-5's platform in NY, with the actual car to debut at next year's Chicago Auto Show.