Autoblog

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.

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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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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New automaker V-Vehicle Co. sets up shop in idled Louisiana GM plant, hires Miata designer

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing

Wither natural gas? T. Boone Pickens was last heard strongly supporting using the abundant North American fossil fuel as a means of moving the U.S. away from foreign oil. Today, though, the Texas oil man (and almost wind man) was revealed as an investor in a new automotive company called V-Vehicle Co. Based in San Diego, VVC has announced that it will move into an ex-GM plant in Monroe, Louisiana that has been idle since 2007 to build "environmentally friendly" vehicles.

About all we know of the vehicles is the teaser image above and that the company says it will be a "fuel-efficient car for the U.S. market," but we can guess at the style because former Mazda design chief Tom Matano, the man behind the MX-5 Miata, has been hired as VVC's design director. Matano said that more details on the car would be released later.

As we mentioned earlier, the state hopes that the plant will create about 1,400 new jobs with an average salary of $40,000. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was at the announcement ceremony today and says that the state offered VVC an incentive package worth $67 million, and local governments will put up a further $15 million. Thanks again to Mart for the tip!

[Sources: CNBC, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

New automaker V-Vehicle Co. sets up shop in idled Louisiana GM plant, hires Miata designer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Mazda Miata to be lighter; get smaller engines and electric power steering?

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Green, Technology, Mazda, Rumormill

Click above for a high-res gallery of 20 years of the Mazda Miata/MX-5

Low weight and greater efficiency might not be the sexiest of selling points for a sports car unless you're a devotee of Lotus founder Colin Chapman's "add lightness" philosophy. Thankfully for those less-is-more enthusiasts, however, Mazda has steadily adhered to that formula with its MX-5 Miata - and now, word from the crew at GoAuto is that company engineers are working even harder to adhere to that design philosophy, with thoughts of smaller, force-fed engines and lighter curb weights dominating discussions for the next iteration of the iconic roadster.

There have long been rumors of a rotary-powered MX-5, but that's probably not in the cards. A modern take on the RX-7 is supposedly being worked up to take a new version of Felix Wankel's whirling dervish of an engine zipping into the future, with the MX-5 getting a newly developed line of four cylinders with direct injection and forced induction (finally!). A heavy-breathing Miata, packing the muscle of a MazdaSpeed3, for instance, might move the neo-MGB into a new realm at the top of its range.

Three words that tend to generate a half-frown on enthusiasts faces are being thrown about in the same sentence as the new Miata: "Electric power steering." We can see the push for the greater energy efficiency that EPS offers, but hopefully Mazda can make the Miata's helm joyously alive instead of Toyota Corolla-style numbness, all shot up with Novocaine (as most such systems tend to be).

Chassis details are also in the realm of conjecture at this point, but with words like "lighter" being shoved at us, we expect some significant re-engineering going on under the skin. That skin, by the way, will likely be more expressive than the rather safe MX-5 we have now, with Mazda's design chief Laurens van den Acker on record as saying the plan is for the car to "be more dramatic and give it some balls."

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Twenty Years of the Mazda Miata

[Source: GoAuto]

Next Mazda Miata to be lighter; get smaller engines and electric power steering? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retroforza gives Mazda Miata a Ferrari complex

Dan Roth — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Performance, Mazda

Click above for a gallery of the RetroForza Italia

If you've got an obsession with boomer culture, but don't have the budget to spring for a period-specific Ferrari, never fear, RetroForza makes it possible to be a nostalgic poseur. Sporting lines reminiscent of Ferrari's 275, RetroForza is claiming that its Italia bodywork kit for the Mazda MX-5 takes inspiration from vintage Lotus, Alfa, Jaguar and Cobra models. While It's not horrible, the proportions don't exactly work. There's too much front overhang, leading to a fierce underbite, but it avoids looking as stubby as it might on the MX-5's short wheelbase. The Mazda mechanicals mean that it'll be reliable and fun to drive, and with a coupe version supposedly available, there are worse ways to rebody your Miata.

Gallery: RetroForza Italia

[Source: RetroForza]

Retroforza gives Mazda Miata a Ferrari complex originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: 20 years of the Mazda Miata/MX-5

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of 20 years of the Mazda Miata/MX-5

Twenty years ago, Mazda took the wraps off the first generation Miata/MX-5 in Chicago. Over the next two decades the lightweight roadster solidified its place in the enthusiast hierarchy and evolved with larger engines, more gears and extra amenities. Amazingly, it never lost its edge.

Mazda wanted to commemorate the Miata's milestone at this year's Chicago Auto Show, but rather than trot out a 20th Anniversary Edition with a few badges and a custom color, Mazda dusted off a handful of concepts, one-offs and notable MX-5s that defined the roadster and help create the Cult of Miata that a few Autoblog staffers continue to worship at to this day.

Check the gallery below for some of our favorite models, including a hardtop coupe concept that resulted in a JDM-only fixed-roof Miata and the Mono-Posto Roadster that had us seriously contemplating a late-night attack on our NA with a sawzall and some bondo.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Twenty Years of the Mazda Miata

Chicago 2009: 20 years of the Mazda Miata/MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster

What Mazda has called a "refresh" is actually a seriously thorough tweaking of the MX-5's mechanics and aesthetics. Outside the rag top, known as the Roadster in Japan where it's just gone on sale, gets a smaller version of the smile we've seen on the Mazda3, new alloy wheels, a stronger character line and three new colors. Inside it gets new gauges, more supportive seats and a new MX-5-specific BOSE system. And underneath the hood, the engine gets a higher redline, the automatic transmission gets a couple of new modes, and manual gearbox just gets more refined and the front end has been lowered. And those changes represent just the tips of many icebergs. One thing we can all be thankful Mazda hasn't changed about the MX-5 is its Jinba Ittai. That's Japanese for "rider and horse as one." Who knew? Follow the jump for the exhaustive press release and check out the high-res gallery of Mazda's new Roadster below.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster

Continue reading Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan

Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mazda

CAR magazine has gotten an opportunity to try out the refresh of the MX-5, which has left them impressed enough to say it's "still the best car Mazda makes." There's nothing revelatory coming for 2009, just more consistent refinement of a winning formula. The biggest change is a bit of rhinoplasty that adds more of the family nose to the MX-5's visage. The headlamps have taken on a shape that echoes the car's siblings the 3 and the 6. Grille openings, and the shape of the front airdam, call to mind the RX-8, and new sill extensions stretch between the wheels. The tweaking adds a whiff more aggression to the convertible's look, which some have found effeminate in the past.

Rather than get caught up in the recent massive horsepower war, Mazda's been careful to maintain the MX-5's stellar chassis manners that allow drivers to make the most of the horsepower with the car's penchant for serving up handling enjoyment. There have been refinements to the hardware: the transmission now has shorter throws, and the engine gets a forged crank connected to new pistons, and a new valvetrain also helps orchestrate a power peak 300 rpm higher, now at 7,000, and redline bumps out to 7,500. For those that don't want to shift themselves, there's a six speed automatic, and the front suspension has been revised to improve steering feel and action. The MX-5 has evolved from an MGB throwback to a classic in its own right. Now, if they'd just make a proper fixed-head version. Thanks for the tip, Nguyen Ta!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

[Source: CAR]

CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see.

This is one of those instances where the press pics don't do it justice. It's difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we'll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses.

More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride.

Sales are set to begin in Europe towards the middle of next year, with North American sales beginning shortly thereafter. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Continue reading Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 leakage continues courtesy of km77, with a host of new images showing the facelifted roadster in both soft- and hard-top guise.

These newest shots show the already revealed and revised front end, pulling a few cues from the RX-8, along with a set of new taillights and a slightly redesigned rear bumper. Engine selections remain unchanged, with buyers abroad able to choose between a 126 hp, 1.8-liter or a 160 hp, 2.0-liter. Inside the 2.0-liter four-pot, the pistons and valve springs have been replaced with lower friction parts and the intake has been revised to provide a slight increase in power along with a more aggressive note.

The six-speed manual is still standard and features new synchronizers to smooth shifts, while a six-speed auto 'box with manumatic shifting will be made available in Europe for the first time. The front suspension geometry has been tweaked to provide more feedback through the steering wheel, low-rolling resistance tires are fitted at all four corners, traction control is standard and new baffles in the front bumper keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum.

Both the hard-top and soft-top equipped models benefit from a new layer of sound insulation to reduce wind noise, allowing owners to fully enjoy the Bose stereo and Bluetooth system, along with an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The interior also features new seat heaters that come up to temperature quicker and allow five levels of heat, while two new colors - Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica - join redesigned wheels choices sized 16- or 17-inches. Our friends in Spain can also opt for Recaro seats when they choose the "Sportive" package, and when the new MX-5 debuts this week at the Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to find out if a similar seating option will be available in the States.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Leakage

[Source: km77]

2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Alex Nunez — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda has confirmed its Paris Motor Show lineup, which will be led by the Kiyora concept, a water-themed, Nagare-styled city car built on a new platform that features a "next generation" direct-injected four-banger. No additional details have been relayed at this time, other than it's supposed to be lightweight and efficient, in keeping with Mazda's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" approach. (As an aside, you should know that it's quite amusing to watch grown adults actually say this stuff with a straight face at press conferences.) Also officially confirmed now is the updated MX-5, complete with the new happy face that hit the web on Wednesday. It's joined by the Mazda6 MZR-CD 2.2L diesel and the Mazda2 MZ-CD 1.6L diesel, both of which are also world premieres. As always, we'll be in Paris to bring it to you live next month.

Gallery: Mazda Kiyora Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EU patent office leaks 2009 Mazda MX-5 facelift

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mazda

Click to view more renderings of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

Automakers go to great lengths to keep their upcoming products secret, but sometimes leaks are out of their control. Case in point, the recent leak of the upcoming redesign of the Mazda3 and now a facelift for the Mazda MX-5/Miata. With the roadster's full replacement reportedly delayed until 2012, Mazda is apparently going to give the current model a mid-cycle refresh with some more aggressive styling tweaks.

The leaked image, which Mazda apparently filed with the European Union Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM), shows a restyled front end and that's it. The new mesh grille borrows from the Mazdaspeed3, the headlights grow a more aggressive slant, the foglights are restyled into eye-shaped surrounds, and the turning indicators are moved to behind the flared wheel arches. Other changes to the car's design may be in store as well, however the images, which you can view in the gallery below, show only the front end. Sources suggest the revised MX-5 may hit the market later this year or early the next, with a possible unveiling at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 patent renderings

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

EU patent office leaks 2009 Mazda MX-5 facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Final Word: No Mazdaspeed MX-5

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.

Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then... nothing.

Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda's PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn't a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, "It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head." A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout just wasn't feasible.

Thankfully, in addition to Mazdaspeed's own lineup of suspension and engine components, aftermarket companies are developing their own forced induction systems for the NC MX-5. Cosworth is currently testing a supercharger and Flyin' Miata is a couple months away from releasing its own centrifugal blower.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop

The Final Word: No Mazdaspeed MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Mazda

2008 Mazda MX-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as it appeared that winter was finally drawing to close here in Michigan, one of the definitive summertime cars turned up on our doorstep -- the Mazda MX-5 Miata . Somewhere back in the middle part of the last century, small, lightweight, roadsters flourished with a variety of models available from mostly British manufacturers. Names like MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey and Lotus defined the genre. Unfortunately, a number of factors such as random intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent headlights, intermittent ignition, persistent oil leaks and predisposition for the bodies to convert to iron oxide soured the reputation of these and other car builders. This was followed by the consolidation of the most of the British car industry into British Leyland and then the onset of safety and emissions regulations. By 1980, the classic British sports car had become all but extinct.

Then a strange thing happened. Mazda, always had a reputation as being slightly offbeat (witness its dedication to the Wankel rotary, which exists to this day) introduced a new model dubbed the MX-5 Miata . This compact, rear-drive two-seat roadster bore a strong resemblance to a '60s vintage Lotus Elan. However, unlike the Elan and its compatriots, the Miata started every time you turned the key, didn't leave you drenched when it rained, and didn't leave puddles of oil on your garage floor. In other words, it was a classic British sports car that worked like a modern Japanese car. Read on after the jump to find out how the latest incarnation fares.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top

Review: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda MX-5 facelift might not go Nagare

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda

Winding Road sat down with the newest print issue of Autocar and discovered that Mazda dealers are particularly pleased with the soap-bar aesthetic of the current MX-5. More to the point, they're hoping that Mazda designers don't nuke the fridge when the iconic roadster goes under the knife next year.

According to Autocar's sources, the new MX-5 won't benefit from the swooping Nagare theme that's expected to influence all of Mazda's future designs, primarily because dealers are happy with the current car. However, Mazda's designers want to kick up the MX-5's flavor, saying that the car was "never radical enough" for their tastes. Since we've always been split on the styling of the current MX-5, we're hoping both parties can be assuaged with a balance between mild and wild. We'll see, and we're looking forward to the clean sheet makeover the MX-5 gets in 2012.

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

Mazda MX-5 facelift might not go Nagare originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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