Autoblog

Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST

Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Mazda MX-5 made its U.S. debut in 1989, and back then, the Miata was a lithe little roadster that immediately drew praise for its superior handling and a fun-to-drive nature. Each generation that followed packed on more pounds and additional amenities, slightly blunting the car's appeal as a simple roadster at an affordable price. But the next MX-5 - due to arrive in 2012 - Mazda has set a target weight of 2,200 pounds and returning it to its former glory.

At just over a ton, the next-gen MX-5 will tip the scales slightly more than the original 1989 model, but it will still retain its 50/50 weight distribution that makes the roadster a wonderfully balanced machine. To keep weight in check, Mazda will employ one of its newly-developed, SKY-G gasoline engines which the company claims will boost efficiency by 15 percent while also increasing power over previous engine designs. Mazda predicts that its next-gen MX-5 could touch 50 miles per gallon, a remarkable achievement for the quintessential roadster.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Mazda sets lightweight target of 2,200 pounds for next-gen MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mazda

Quite a few automakers have had success with certified pre-owned used car programs, and now Mazda is jumping on board by offering a CPO plan of its own. After all, used vehicles that have passed a rigorous inspection are more attractive to potential buyers, even though certified cars commonly carry a heavier price tag than their non-inspected lot mates.

Mazda is offering its CPO program on all 2006 to 2010 model year vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. Depending on the auto's age, certified used cars will offer the remaining balance of Mazda's warranty, or will be sold with an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as additional seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. What's more, Mazda offers roadside assistance on its CPO vehicles.

Expect the certified pre-owned program to make its way across the vast majority of Mazda dealers in the United States in the coming months. For the full details, hit the jump to read the release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda launches certified pre-owned program

Mazda launches certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda, UK

Mazda is pulling out all the stops for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the company will show off a number of its more exciting models from the past, including the ever wicked 787B edition MX-5 and the more recent MX-5 Superlight Concept, the biggest news is that the display will feature a life-size Scalextric track. Yep. Mazda will build an automated track with real-life cars in an interpretation of every hoon's favorite childhood toy. Mazda has chosen a handful of cars to celebrate the 20-year history of the MX-5, including a 1990 Miata, a 2000 10th anniversary edition and a California Special Edition.

If that's not enough to get your eyebrows up, visitors will be able to drive the actual hill climb course in a new MX-5 or ride shotgun in a special-built racer. Not that we needed any more of a reason to want to be in West Sussex this weekend, but these Mazda goodies sound like a good time. The event kicks off on the first of July and runs through the fourth. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Mazda to create life-size Scalextric track at Goodwood Festival of Speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Mazda, UK

UK-edition Mazda MX-5 Miyako - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has been electromagnetic when it comes to special editions, nearly as powerful at attracting check-this-option-box versions as the Ford Mustang. The next one to be rung up is the MX-5 Miyako for those roadster-loving Brits. Part of the year-long celebration of 20 years of Miata production, the "summer special edition" Miyako gets the requisite leather interior upgrade with highlighted stitching and badging, unique colors and 17-inch wheels.

It is the first special edition that you can have in both ragtop and folding tin-top forms, with 500 each available to the consuming public. It goes on sale July 1, priced from £18,385 ($27,722 U.S.) on-the-road. Have a read on all the specs after the jump, and check the fun you're meant to have in it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Miyako Edition for the UK

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market

Mazda whips the sheets off of MX-5 Miata Miyako for UK market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pete Brock and John Morton announce new BRE Mazda MX-5 Miata

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda, Nissan, Sunday Drive, Racing

BRE Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above to enlarge

Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the red, white and blue Datsuns of the BRE team were a common sight on American racetracks, competing in Sports Car Club of America events. The brainchild of Pete Brock and driven by John Morton, the BRE Datsun 510s and 240Zs were a winning combination.

BRE came to an end at the end of the 1972 season, but Brock and Morton are now back with a new car. Pete Brock is the honored guest at this year's Walter Mitty challenge at Road Atlanta. To honor him, Mazda has teamed up with Brock and Morton to run an MX-5 wearing the classic BRE livery during the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup series race that's part of the Mitty weekend slate.

The Walter Mitty Challenge takes place April 29 - May 2, 2010 in Braselton, GA.

[Source: Mazda]

Pete Brock and John Morton announce new BRE Mazda MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We make no effort to hide the fact that we love the Mazda Miata just the way it is. In fact, it's always been just about perfect in our eyes, as evidenced by our most recent road test of the sporty little Japanese runabout. But if bright schoolbus yellow just isn't your bag, baby, may we suggest something a little more subtle?

Mazda has just rolled out the MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition at the 21st annual Salon du Cabriolet, Coupé & SUV in Paris. Ostensibly to celebrate the Miata's 20th birthday in France, we kinda think Mazda just wanted to prove that its sportscar looks pretty darn good in the automotive equivalent of the little black dress. And boy, does it ever.

There's nothing special underhood, so the 2.0-liter four still puts out an adequate 167 horsepower. We can't say that we see them in the photos ourselves (fortunately), but design label LK by Laure Kczekotowska Paris has reportedly decked the MX-5 out in rhinestones, gems, and crystals. Ah well, nothing can be perfect. See for yourself in the image gallery below.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition

[Source: Mazda via Le Blog Auto]

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe

Drew Phillips — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition - Click above for high-res gallery

It's hard to imagine that the MX-5 (Miata) has been around for 20 years, but time flies when you're carving up canyon roads in a nimble two-door sports car. Mazda has made quite a hoopla about the car's 20th anniversary, bringing out some of the best concept and specialty versions at the Chicago Auto Show, throwing a huge party for owners in Japan, and creating an anniversary edition for both the Japanese and the Brits. Here at the Geneva Motor Show, Mazda announced yet another 20th anniversary edition MX-5, this time available for all of Europe.

The European MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition can be picked out by its chrome trim, silver-look fog lamps, unique 17-inch wheels and 20th anniversary logos. The only performance upgrade is a strut tower brace in the engine bay, and customers can choose from True Red, Crystal White Pearl or Aurora Blue. Follow the jump for the brief press release from Mazda or browse through our live photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe

Geneva 2010: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition blows out its candles in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda to launch special 20th Anniversary MX-5 Miata in Geneva

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Japan, Mazda

Twenty years of motoring goodness - click above for high-res image

Twenty years. Can you believe it's been two decades since we first heard the Japanese phrase Jinba ittai (meaning "rider and the horse are one")? To catch you up, way back in 1976, some Mazda engineers asked American auto journalist Bob Hall what they should build next. Mr Hall, who later wound up working for Mazda, mentioned the bugs-in-the-teeth British roadsters that every gearhead both loved and loathed. Their reputation as great driver's cars was only preceded by their rep for breaking down and stranding you on the side of the road.

If Mazda could engineer a tight, compact, great-handling roadster that didn't dump all its fluids every other Wednesday, they'd surely have a hit. Back at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the world met the MX-5, much, much better known as the Miata. Since then, nearly 1,000,000 Miatas have been built, with just under 400,000 of them getting snatched up by American consumers. In other words, the Miata gambit worked.

To commemorate twenty years of building such great sports cars, Mazda will be introducing a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition MX-5 Miata at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Pay special attention to the "Limited" part of the name, as only 2,000 anniversary cars will be built, and they'll only be available in Europe. One reason for the latter might be that the 20th Anniversary cars are based on the smaller displacement 1.8-liter car, a version of the Miata not sold in the States, or it could be that we may get our own commemorative edition to be announced at a later date.

Like most anniversary packages (see the big four-oh Nissan Z), nothing too exciting is happening to this Miata. There is, of course, the requisite numbered plaque. There's a chrome grille surround, chrome door-handles and chrome headlight surrounds. You also get "silver-look" fog light surrounds, plus special 17-inch wheels with "20th Anniversary" logos. The 20th Anniversary cars are available only in red, white or a new Aurora Blue, which we find rather sharp looking. And lest you think Mazda's not tossing a bone to performance enthusiasts, the car comes with a strut-tower brace.

Gallery: 20th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata

[Source: Mazda]

Mazda to launch special 20th Anniversary MX-5 Miata in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata to get SKY-G power, 50+ mpg?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

Mazda MX-5 Miata Superlight Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Are big changes ahead for the Miata? As a blog that's gone on record as adoring the current iteration (and all previous - Ed.) of Mazda's quintessential sportscar, that notion is a bit worrisome. Still, it sounds as if the company is going in the right direction. According to Inside Line, the 2011 MX-5 Miata will shrink in size a bit with an expected curb weight of just 2,200 pounds. That low weight should pay big dynamic dividends as well as boost efficiency, but the big news on that front will be an all-new engine.

Powering the next-gen Miata will reportedly be either a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter version of the four-cylinder SKY-G engine (G as in gasoline) that Mazda showed off earlier this year at the Tokyo Motor Show. With an expected power rating near 150 horsepower, the current model's power-to-weight ratio would remain intact (the 2009 model boasts 167 hp), and Mazda reportedly predicts the downsized mill will return in excess of 50 miles per gallon in the little sportscar. Consider our interest piqued.

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata to get SKY-G power, 50+ mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

Turbo Rotary Mazda MX-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you get the impression things are all high gloss and dubs in Vegas, you wouldn't be far off. But walk around the SEMA compound long enough and you come across something cool that that speaks to the gearhead, track rat in each of us.

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of details about this red NA Mazda MX-5, but we do know it's been worked over by Mike Burlas Designs from Rialto, California, and it has a turbocharged 13B rotary underhood. Further, it has been kitted out with an adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes and what appears to be a fiberglass (or Kevlar) blistered fender kit.

But the crowning jewel is the carbon fiber fastback roof which the company is selling in fiberglass form for $1,800. It's not quite as cool as the MX-5 coupe concept from way-back-when, but it's nice to see the Miata getting some S2000-style fixed roof love in Sin City.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Turbo Rotary Mazda MX5/Miata

SEMA 2009: Turbo rotary Mazda MX-5 begs to be flogged originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams

Chris Paukert — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mazda, New Car Reviews

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when you were a diapered enthusiast-to-be and you weren't allowed to venture beyond the end of your family's tree lawn? The sum total of your 'driving' experience was probably a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. If you were like us, your toddler self was all big dreams, bustling feet and arms akimbo, twirling around those front caster wheels, savoring your first taste of automotive freedom.

Mazda created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989.

Small wonder, then, that Little Tikes' now 30-year-old bauble of rotation-molded plastic was last year's best-selling car - it's timeless. Combine classic styling, unburstable robustness, an inexpensive sticker price and the fact that it remains just quick enough for its target audience, and you've got a recipe for lasting success. The CC's whimsical, animated face; rounded, friendly styling; unfussed interior; nimble handling and general affordability has meant that despite a decidedly casual model update schedule, the folks at Little Tikes still have the whole fun-to-drive thing knocked. Sound like anyone else we know?

Oh, it may have taken them a decade longer to cotton on to the idea, but Mazda's designers eventually stumbled upon the same secret sauce as those wondrous toymakers from Hudson, Ohio. Perhaps inadvertently, they, too, created a timeless masterwork upon minting the very first MX-5 Miata back in 1989. All these years later, just like the Cozy Coupe, you can't help but smile a little when you see one. Just like the Cozy Coupe, you have to adopt the same mildly vulnerable, elbows-out-the-window driving position because of the cabin's pronounced narrowness. Just like the Cozy Coupe, both cars have more than their fair share of plastic in their interior. Just like the Cozy Coupe, road imperfections are transmitted directly through the modestly sized wheels into the driver's hands and back pocket - and in both cases, it's part of the fun. Most importantly, just like that Cozy Coupe of your youth, Mazda's minimalist masterwork will help you rediscover your inner enthusiast's childlike heart.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams

Review: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still the drive of our childhood dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda Miata owners gather in Japan for 20th anniversary celebration

Drew Phillips — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata 20th Anniversary Meet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda celebrated the 20th anniversary of its MX-5 Miata this year at the Chicago Auto Show by bringing out various concepts and special edition models to display on the show floor. But that handful of cars was nothing compared to the event put on by Mazda last weekend that brought out 2,600 owners and 1,600 cars to celebrate the best selling roadster of all time at the Miyoshi Proving Ground in western Japan.

The day's festivities included introductions for the various clubs, an MX-5 quiz, and a 20th anniversary car that all of the attendees could sign. Bringing the event to a close was a massive parade around the track that has to have broken some sort of record. You can read the brief press release after the jump or check out the high-res gallery courtesy of Mazda below.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Meet

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda Miata owners gather in Japan for 20th anniversary celebration

Mazda Miata owners gather in Japan for 20th anniversary celebration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.

Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and us in the process), but the Superlight goes to show what an inventive mind and a skilled hand or two can do with the iconic Mazda roadster. Characterized by its windshield-less shape, the Superlight also features an exquisitely crafted cockpit of brushed aluminum and saddle brown leather, aluminum and carbon-fiber rolls hoops with integrated brake LEDs, an aluminum rearview mirror mounted on the hood, a wider track, dropped suspension and upgraded brakes.

While the engine essentially carries over from the stock 1.8-liter, 126hp four, the Mazdaspeed intake and exhaust, coupled with the reduced 2,194-pound curb weight, bring the 0-60 run down to 8.9 seconds. Which may not sound like breakneck acceleration, but with the wind rushing at your face, we're guessing this junior Veritas is a real thrill ride. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight makes us wonder how we'd spend our other two wishes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Specialty

Mazda MX-5 Superlight - Click above for high-res image gallery

With an endless string of concepts cars peppered across these pages, we often find ourselves saying, "Yeah, I'd drive that." But with the Frankfurt-bound Mazda Superlight concept, we're saying "Hey - I wanna build that!"

Conceived and created as a way to celebrate the MX-5 Miata's 20th anniversary - along with showcasing Mazda's focus on lightweight performance - the Superlight's new profile and 2,194-pound curb weight is the brainchild of the automaker's European R&D center in Oberursel, Germany.

Based off the recently facelifted roadster, the most obvious change to the Superlight is its speedster profile, which involved removing the windshield, retractable roof and frame. From there, Mazda's European team extended the aluminum hood towards the cabin and mounted an aluminum, wide-angle rear-view mirror, along with a set of roll-over hoops fitted with LED brake lights.

The passenger compartment benefits from a thorough stripping, with the removal of the sound insulation, carpeting and air conditioning unit. In their place goes a set of carbon fiber racing buckets coated in the same brown leather as the steering wheel, armrests and aluminum shifter and hand brake. The dash is a custom fiberglass and plastic unit, with the stock MX-5's gauges joining an engine-start button bringing to life the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder (putting out 126 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque) and equipped with a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and exhaust. But with the diet and minimal engine mods, the run from 0-to-60 MPH comes in at 8.9 seconds.

The track has been increased by 50mm all around to accommodate the larger four-piston calipers and slotted discs, with the whole package dropped by 30mm courtesy of a Bilstein B16 coil-overs. Eibach anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear, and the Superlight rolls on stock 17-inch wheels coated in 205/45 rubber.

According to Mazda Motor Europe's Chief Designer, Peter Birtwhistle, "I've dreamed of building a Mazda MX-5 with this kind of radical form for a long time. Now that weight reduction has become a dominant factor in automotive development, the time is ripe for it." Ripe indeed, and color us inspired. Now if we can just find the right donor car...

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Mazda via Carscoop]

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt

Mazda MX-5 Superlight leaked ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Mazda

The Smoking Tire's Matt Farah inspects a first generation Miata - Click above to view the video after the jump

Remember Garage 419? Good show, right? Buncha car guys talking about cars with occasional outbursts of hoonage -- quite the winning formula (full disclosure, they had us on as a guest). Sadly, Garage 419 went off the "air" a while ago. But despair not gearhead video fans. Host Matt Farah is back with a brand new show called The Smoking Tire and after watching the first episode, it looks to be everything you liked about Garage 419 minus all the Brandon and the Frog ads.

In the debut episode, Farah and crew head to the Newburgh, New York home of Orange County Choppers to a Mazda parking lot gathering and ~~hassle~~ interview Miata and 'Speed3 owners about their respective zoom-zoomy rides. Then Farah squeezes all 6'3", 245 pounds of himself into a 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and takes it for a spin up Bear Mountain, explaining why he recommends the nimble roadster to every 16-year-old that asks what car to buy. Obviously, comparisons to Garage 419 are inevitable, but if anything, Farah seems more relaxed and personable than before. We even smiled during the commercial. Check out the first episode after the jump.

[Source: The Smoking Tire]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York

VIDEO: The Smoking Tire launches, plays with Mazda enthusiasts in New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Mazda MX-5 could go lighter and smaller

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda

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]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Mazda MX-5 could go lighter and smaller originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata Superlight Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

A few days ago, Mazda announced a special-edition MX-5 Miata in Crystal White Pearl Mica to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the car that restored the roadster. They should have been making a splash about this car instead, a concept MX-5 Superlight speedster that is due in Frankfurt next month.

Mazda has only let a couple of beans spill about the car: it's extra light weight improves handling, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions. That's all we know. But we can guess that a Miata that's missing a windshield, door handles, roof, and any interior comforts beyond seats would be a racer's dream.

Oh, but do notice that while there's no radio or speakers, the car does include a curved center console that supports the increasingly common iPhone. We'll be at Frankfurt next month making a beeline for this one. In the meantime, you can check out the images below or check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mazda Superlight Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED]

Super(light) Hero - Mazda bringing bantamweight MX-5 Miata concept to Frankfurt [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

20th Anniversary Mazda Miata -- Click above for high-res image

Japan gets to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Mazda MX-5/Miata with a special edition for JDM buyers only. The Crystal White Pearl Mica roadster comes in two varieties: an RS soft-top with a 6-speed manual, and a VS hardtop with a 6-speed automatic. Both cars get red-and-black heated Recaros, extra cabin padding, clear front fog lights, a strut tower brace, and (of course) the requisite splash of 20th anniversary badging. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, and check out a high-res photo by clicking the image above.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: Mazda preparing sub-Miata MX-2?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

We've seen it happen a million times: a small car is successful, then the automaker ruins it by making it larger and heavier to satisfy what it thinks the average buyer is after. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case with the Mazda MX-5, which - retractable hardtop option notwithstanding - the Japanese automaker has always been careful not to spoil the core elements of the MX-5. So we'll take reports that Mazda is preparing an even smaller MX-2 with a grain of salt. But a small one.

According to the speculation, a future MX-2 would come in noticeably smaller than the full-size Miata, and therefore require smaller engines. Something between 700cc and 1.6-liter engines are reportedly in store, with a turbo at the top end delivering 160 horsepower. No word on layout, but we'd grudgingly expect a front-drive set-up when the purported MX-2 is unveiled as early as 2012.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda preparing sub-Miata MX-2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mazda, Event Alert

Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right. The roadster known as the Miata and MX-5 at different times and places around the world is 20 years old and to celebrate, Mazda has invited 200 examples and their owners from across Europe to a party in France next month at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

Over the course of two decades and three generations, Mazda has sold over 850,000 MX-5s and it remains one of the most entertaining roadsters available. While it's never been the most powerful sports car and some dismiss it as a secretary's chosen chariot, the compact, lightweight roadster has won over even the most insecure alpha males with taut handling, a balanced drivetrain and one of the simplest convertible mechanisms known to man.

European MX-5 owners who want to participate in the party should contact their national MX-5 club or Mazda France. The 200 attendees will watch the race from the Mazda camp alongside the circuit and a best in show will be awarded, along with plenty of goodies.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Le Mans

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans

Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments