Next Generation Mazda MX-5 to be Downsized!

tha_W · 11-02-2009, 10:23 AM

Motor Trend has learned that Mazda will be downsizing its famed softtop and shedding precious pounds off its next-generation MX-5 Miata, currently under development at the company's Hiroshima headquarters in Japan. A source close to Mazda confirmed that the R&D team, now under the leadership of chief engineer Shuko Yamamoto, will be going back to basics to redefine the MX-5 for its proposed 2011 launch.

The goal? Getting size and weight down to where they were 20 years ago. "The current model is just too heavy," says our source. The original 1989 MX-5 weighed just 2100 lbs. and was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. That is where Mazda wants to take the fourth-generation coupe, a car that today, in third-generation guise, tips the scales at a hefty 2460 lbs. According to a source inside Mazda, the R&D team will be targeting a curb weight of around 1000 kgs. or 2200 lbs. But shedding more than 250 lbs. while maintaining the current car's safety levels and spacious cockpit won't be easy.

...

Our source says that getting weight down will enable the incorporation of a smaller, lighter engine, crucial in lowering emissions and improving fuel economy. "We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8 liter engines, which undercut our current 2.0 liter unit, but deliver the same 160-170 hp power range," informs our insider. "Obviously we are giving priority to the 1.6-liter, but who knows?"

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/...ans/index.html

DC · 11-02-2009, 10:24 AM

Nice move. A lot of cars just keep getting fatter with each iteration.

Replica · 11-02-2009, 10:24 AM

The current Miata kicks all sorts of SCCA ass.

Odd move Mazda.

al · 11-02-2009, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Replica

The current Miata kicks all sorts of SCCA ass.

Odd move Mazda.

it's so far removed from the original, they has to.

Suzuki needs to bring over their Cappuccino

Replica · 11-02-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by al

it's so far removed from the original, they has to.

Suzuki needs to bring over their Cappuccino

If revisited the Miata, and intended to DD it, I'd go NC (06+). Fantastic cars.

RACER X · 11-02-2009, 10:49 AM

NICE!

Flores · 11-02-2009, 11:38 AM

NC feels too disconnected from the road. It's a nice car, and handles just as well as the NB, but ...

leaves me luke-warm...

I could be tempted with a 240HP version, though...

Pitlab77 · 11-02-2009, 06:22 PM

i've owned an NA, NB, and driven even race prepped NC's

NB is the best of the 3.

Good move if they go back NA weight with nc power

tha_W · 11-03-2009, 10:45 PM

this was the original concept before the NC was released. i totally believe mazda can pull it off.

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11-02-2009, 10:24 AM	#2
DC Freeze, turkeys!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: SSA Land Posts: 18,692 Car: 06 RSX-S Turbo; 08 TL	Nice move. A lot of cars just keep getting fatter with each iteration.

11-02-2009, 10:24 AM	#3
Replica Art Vandelay Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 35,848 Car: Some Fords	The current Miata kicks all sorts of SCCA ass. Odd move Mazda.

11-02-2009, 10:49 AM	#6
RACER X what R you lookin' at? Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Richmond, TX Posts: 11,304 Car: 08-'BUSA, 08 Ody Touring	NICE!

11-02-2009, 11:38 AM	#7
Flores The Stig's Mexican Cousin Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Sugarland Posts: 11,897 Car: 2004 Mazda Roadster Turbo Blog Entries: 9	NC feels too disconnected from the road. It's a nice car, and handles just as well as the NB, but ... leaves me luke-warm... I could be tempted with a 240HP version, though...

11-02-2009, 06:22 PM	#8
Pitlab77 Zoom-Zoom Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: SW houston (alief/ftbend) Posts: 3,005 Car: Miata	i've owned an NA, NB, and driven even race prepped NC's NB is the best of the 3. Good move if they go back NA weight with nc power

11-03-2009, 10:45 PM	#9
tha_W becoming a regular here! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,566 Car: 08 Honda Accord EX	this was the original concept before the NC was released. i totally believe mazda can pull it off.

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