Rendered Speculation: 2012 Mazda MX-5 could go lighter and smaller
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Mazda MX-5 (or Miata) has shown remarkable resilience to the bloating trends of age. While other automakers tend to make new cars bigger and fatter with each successive generation, notwithstanding the optional retractable hardtop version, the Mazda roadster has remained relatively compact and light on its feet. But while the MX-5 Superlight concept due to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show takes the current Miata into ever lighter territory, reports suggest that the next-generation model could prove even lighter.With a compact four-cylinder engine and lightweight chassis, the replacement for the current MX-5 is reportedly being prepared for its debut in 2012. What this would mean, however, for the fate of the reputed MX-2 – a speculated sub-Miata roadster – remains to be seen.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MachinaDC5 10:01AM (8/18/2009)
With any other car this would be good news, with the MX-5 it's like "What?! How?!"
Reply
Big Mola 10:47AM (8/18/2009)
Hopefully the price doesn't go up, or better yet, it will be cheaper. $30K+ for the current top-of-line Miata is a little much, considering that the interior quality doesn't match the price.
naggs 3:00PM (8/18/2009)
start by going back to a 1.6, the 2.0 feels like a tractor motor compared to the old 1.6
the lower power will allow the engineers to save significant weight in the powertrain and brakes, smaller brakes allow for 15 in wheels and tires and improves ride, handling and economy
that is maybe 200 lbs of weight accounted for, and we havent even made the car smaller yet, ultra high strength steel construction could shave more weight
next gen mx5 should get 30/35 mpg
Derek 10:02AM (8/18/2009)
Huh. The smiley face actually works with that rendering.
I suppose it's because this MX-5 is much more angular than the curvaceous cars currently in the Mazda line-up.
Either way, I kind of like it.
Reply
speedball3 11:53AM (8/18/2009)
Agreed. It sort of looks like what could have been a nice next-gen S2000. It's nicely proportioned, appropriately aggressive and sporty looking. I'm guessing the sharp front point will be smoothed out (pedestrian safety??), but if they keep the overall proportions, that will be a GOOD looking car.
Olivier Parent 10:07AM (8/18/2009)
Smaller it doesn't need to get, it already a very girlie car. However, lighter is never bad thing.
Reply
Nateb123 4:01PM (8/18/2009)
You've clearly never seen an MX-5 dropped to the ground, stripped out with a huge roll bar dominating your vision.
Avinash machado 10:12AM (8/18/2009)
With the Solstice\Sky departing shortly,the Miata will have the segment to itself again.
Reply
ASEVENSEE4 10:12AM (8/18/2009)
Hopefully it happens this time, although the structure is lighter on the MZ3, it gained some love handles and a gut.
Reply
leunamme 10:14AM (8/18/2009)
a car smaller than that like the proposed MX-2 would be a kei car like the cappuccino and hence not have enough room for a relatively powerful engine (150hp+) unless it came from a liter bike. smaller it need not get. lighter is fine
Reply
leunamme 10:15AM (8/18/2009)
that rendering is very sexy btw
beats today's bubbly MX-5 by a million
Reply
BoneHeadOtto 10:22AM (8/18/2009)
Seriously this is the best example of mazdas new design language i have seen. Please make the car look exactly like that.... And make a mazdaspeed version already!!!!!
Reply
Adam Marcello 10:22AM (8/18/2009)
Its sad the only way to shave weight is to lighten the drivetrain. To much safety bloat. I guess they could go to all aluminum frame but then the cost spikes. Has anyone ever offered an aluminum chassis roadster for the mainstream?
Reply
Rick C. 10:34AM (8/18/2009)
Most of the bulk on today's cars isn't safety related. It's generational bloat and options related. Get out your old Road & Tracks. Go back 20-25 years and research any model still in production. Each successive generation has become a pig (both size and weight) compared to the prior. Then there's the extras: Power this, power that, power sunroof, heated mirrors, DVD entertainment system, air conditioned glove box, etc. None of that comes free when you need the space to package it and consider the weight it adds. Autoextremist.com covered this topic a couple of weeks ago. It's archived.
Yan 10:46AM (8/18/2009)
If they can make it look even close to that rendering it will be a very sexy car. Its the first "mazda grin" that doesnt look completely dopey (Im looking at you Mazda3...).
Reply
BoxerFanatic 10:42AM (8/18/2009)
Not a fan of the NC, but that is a good looking little sports car.
With a top that folds top-side-up, and without losing what room it has, and gaining some good looking bodywork... that could actually finally replace our NB Miata.
The NC miata isn't it.
And, Mazda... build it to be compatible with the DISI turbo engine... thanks. :D
Oh, and one more thing.... A COUPE VERSION, PLEASE!!!!
Reply
zigzagz94 4:11PM (8/18/2009)
"Oh, and one more thing.... A COUPE VERSION, PLEASE!!!!"
Hell yes! Once again you and I, my friend, are on the same page. 20 years of begging for a coupe hopefully this generation our prayers will be answered.
why not the LS2LS7? 10:51AM (8/18/2009)
The Miata has packed on so much weight over the years (going from 2100lbs to 2400lbs in the base models). But the problem is most if it is in areas where Mazda simply isn't going to back off on. Like the change from 14" wheels to the current ridiculously oversized 17" wheels.
I'm sure Mazda will change a couple crossmembers to aluminum or whatever and it'll be a tiny bit lighter. But I can't really see it returning to the roots in postwar British sports cars that it once represented.
Reply
Jay Evans 12:26PM (8/18/2009)
Uhhh, have you tried to buy a good summer compound tire in 14" or 15" (Miata size) lately? Next to none available. Many brands only start at 17" size. Tire manufactures drove up the rim size, not Mazda.
Rich 4:42PM (8/18/2009)
This is exactly the reason I'm looking for 15" or 16" wheels for my old Jetta. I'll save money in the long run; not to mention saving weight.