According to an attendee at a recent Mazda dealer meeting, we'll be seeing a refreshed version of the MX-5 late next year as a 2010 model. After catching a brief glimpse of the new MX-5, a forum member at Miata.net posted that the 2010 model will be sporting headlamps and taillights similar to those found on the redesigned Mazda6, and will benefit from a few other improvements including a slight increase in power. While we can't confirm any of this, we've heard similar rumblings in the not-so-distant past, and with the redesigned Mazda3 right around the corner, Mazda might be trying to lend a bit more stylistic cohesion to its lineup before full revamps take place after the turn of the decade.
However, one piece is missing from the Miata puzzle. What about the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5? It's been assumed that Mazda would release a boosted version of its iconic roadster before the next model debuts. If the facelifted version is indeed bound for the 2010 model year, that could be an indication that a Mazdaspeed MX-5 is on its way. Here's hoping.
[Source: Miata.net]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SPG @ Apr 25th 2008 7:28AM
My first thought was that this is a good move.
My second thought was actually not quite as good.
The MX-5 has it's own iconic shape, I'm hesitant to think this will be a good move.
Chris @ Apr 25th 2008 7:32AM
I owned a Miata from 2000 to 2005. Great car. Reliable and very useful even for a small convertible. I still laugh when I see people buy the GM twins, useless little cars that will have to wait for the second generation to be anything but. Styling is one thing but that top and its operation in the GM camp is laughable.
Lets see, Mazda's little Miata's top can be put up or down with one hand while sitting in the car and you have a useful trunk not impacted by the state of the top. Better yet it has a folding hard top version that works too!
Dude @ Apr 25th 2008 8:39AM
Some people judge a sports car by how it handles instead of how quickly you can raise and lower the roof. Unless you're a complete moron, the Solstice top is a cinch to raise and lower.
The Solstice runs circles around the MX-5 on the track and on the street. It's not GMs fault that the MX-5 looks like Pikachu.
Rob @ Apr 25th 2008 9:17AM
since when does the Solstice run circles around the MX-5? That is the most ridiculous statement I've ever heard.
Unkown @ Apr 25th 2008 9:27AM
Anyone who lauds the handling of the Sol/Sky has never driven the MX-5 immediately after.
The extra 400lb chunkiness of the GM twins becomes painfully obvious, and the Ecotec engine isn't nearly as smooth and nice as the Mazda.
And don't even START on the transmission. Absolutely no comparison there.
And of course, as a real-world car, the MX-5 wins hands-down in practically every way; higher quality interior, a USEABLE trunk/storage, unbeatable top design in both hard and softtop that DOESN'T impact trunk space, tighter handling, better reliability, the list just goes on and on...
Dude @ Apr 25th 2008 9:39AM
@Rob
2006 SCCA National Championship: C Stock Open
2006 SCCA National Championship: C Stock Ladies
2007 SCCA National Championship: C Stock Ladies
2007 SCCA National Championship: A Stock Ladies
2007 SCCA National Championship: B Stock
2007 SCCA National Championship: Touring 2
Zane @ Apr 25th 2008 10:14AM
Dude, please do your homework before posting such ignorant comments on AB. It's painfully obvious that you have never test driven a Miata or Solsky, let alone taken one to the track.
Dude @ Apr 25th 2008 11:16AM
Posting the fact that the Solstice wins at the track is ignorant?
rav3 @ Apr 25th 2008 11:36AM
The Solstice and MX-5 are both supposed to be nice cars - haven't driven either of the GM twins though. Would be surprised if either has a shifter nearly as nice as the Mazda's. It was quite perfect. And the interior quality and comfort of the Mazda is superior.
But whatever floats thy boat...
Ian @ Apr 25th 2008 1:25PM
The Solstice cleans up in club racing because it's allowed to run the GM Performance Division Z0K package in the SCCA's "stock" classes.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=124963
RG @ Apr 25th 2008 7:49AM
Hmmm, this is a little disappointing. The Miata is one of those rare automobiles that is a part of a lineup yet can completely stand on its own. People dont say they own a Mazda Miata, all they have to say is Miata and people understand. It shares this resemblance with the Corvette and needless to say I would be quite disappointed if an article says that the next Corvette will have some Malibu cues.
chris @ Apr 25th 2008 8:00AM
Yeah I think this is pretty disappointing as well. The MX-5 is seperate from all other Mazda's, it has an iconic look to to it, and trying to fit it in with all the family cars is a crazy idea. Especially when you're talking about the perfect oval tail lights being replaced by those hideous things from the 6 (the worst part of that car's looks by far).
f650 @ Apr 25th 2008 8:41AM
I guess I'm the only one looking forward to a re-design. I love the miata/mx-5, but the current gen bar-of-soap just does not suit my fancy. I realize it's paying homage to the original in '89, but it still feels like they went a step backwards for my personal taste. In any case, we at least know that this car will be a fantastic drive regardless of what it looks like :)
Scott @ Apr 25th 2008 10:06AM
Agree about the bar-of-soap look, but I fear the bird-beak look of the rest of the Mazda lineup will be even worse on a car this small.
mk @ Apr 25th 2008 10:23AM
As an NB 1999 Miata owner, I can't stand the look of the NC miata.
The interior is roomier, but unfortunately uses hard, coarse plastics.
The top is nicer, and folds top side up, without tonneau. that is the BIGGEST nice thing.
But the styling is completely soft, not dramatic, not alluring, and generally boring. The headlights and tail lights are technical looking, but otherwise kinda ugly.
I am interested to see what they do with the next revision, but I am not holding my breath.
If there somehow could be a 2004-2005 Mazdaspeed Miata with a better turbo arrangment (which can be done aftermarket anyway) that had the NC's interior room but the NB's design and materials, and the NC's folding top that doesn't need a cover... It would just about be perfect. The '01-05' NB miatas were the best looking anyway.
All that being said, I would almost prefer that they concentrate on building a very good Kabura coupe, rather than futzing with the Miata's styling, other than bringing back the NB Miata's FD-RX7-inspired coke-bottle curves.
steve clark @ Apr 25th 2008 9:07AM
Let's at least WAIT UNTIL WE SEE THE DESIGN. Jeez.... We're condemning something we haven't even seen yet.
Considering some of the designs and concepts Mazda has done in the last four years, I predict no one will be disappointed. I think their design dept will knock our collective socks off.
mr.ed @ Apr 25th 2008 9:11AM
I really like my '06, but could use more low end grunt, wider seats with more lumbar support, and shaving off the drivers side cupholder to make a smoother door panel.
Switching off the traction control makes for a really fun afternoon. Yeehaw!
h8rain @ Apr 25th 2008 9:12AM
I am agreeing with f650 on the design. As a former owner of a 1st gen (94 Laguna Blue R-Package) and a 2nd gen (03 Splash Green), I was pumped when they were going to redesign. When I saw the final design, I was really disappointed. When the local Mazda dealer got one in stock (the Red special edition), I took it for a drive. While the interior was nice, power was good, handling was great, and the new top design was great, I just could not get over the "toliet bowl" front end. Even with the addition of the power hardtop, the styling just isn't doing it for me.
If I buy another Miata, sadly it will doubtfully be a 3rd gen. My personal favorite (even though it has had mechanical problems) is the 99 10th Anv. Edition. That blue with blue/black seats was great. 2nd fav would have to be a 1st gen Laguna Blue. 3rd fav would be the Yellow speical edition from 03 I believe.
Here is hoping for a better and more aggressive looking exterior (which I am really digging the styling of the Sky)
CJ @ Apr 25th 2008 9:14AM
Not impressed Mazda... One thing I liked about Mazda was it's ability to make each of it's cars somewhat unique but still recognizable as Mazda. Don't get all Ford on us by slapping a family look on everyone of your cars.
N @ Apr 25th 2008 9:36AM
Get ready for the 2010 Mazda "SLK" MX-5