Mazda Miata News: Official Photos

[Vintalage]

Fell behind on this one. First set of images date back to Sept. '04

[Vintalage]

[Vintalage]

When it comes to replacing a legend, it 'Mazda' be perfect! But roadster fans need not worry - a month before its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, this week's Auto Exprtess magazine has the first pictures that prove the eagerly anticipated MX-5 replacement is set to take the sports car market by storm.

They show how the Japanese company - under the guidance of British stylist Moray Callum - has balanced the purist appeal of the original MX-5 with the latest styling cues from the rest of its product range.

Inspired by the 2003 Mazda Ibuki concept car, the profile of the new roadster is more substantial than the current MX-5's, but maintains the same curved sill and swooping doorline.

One of the biggest changes sees the wheelarches become more pronounced and rounder, as on the RX-8. The coupé's styling cues continue at the front, with the company's trademark trapezoid-shaped air intake and cut-outs for the foglamps. The rear end is flatter and wider than the current car's, and the clear lamp lenses echo those of the Mazda 6.

The styling change allows the MX-5 to have a much bigger boot than its predecessor, making it far more practical for those who are considering it as their only car.

But it's inside that some of the most dramatic improvements are to be made. The new model will make a quantum leap forward in quality, with a more spacious interior. The cabin also
Click here to find out more!
ADVERTISEMENT
takes its styling cues from the Ibuki, and includes a similar centre console and aluminium detailing. The classic-style three-spoke steering wheel is carried over from the prototype, too. The newcomer will go on sale across Europe later this year, with deliveries to left-hand-drive markets starting in August and UK sales expected to begin in November. Two engines will be offered, with a 1.8-litre petrol engine in the entry-level car. This will develop 124bhp, while the flagship 2.0-litre model will have 158bhp and is expected to deliver a 0-60mph sprint time of less than seven seconds. The 1.8 version will get a five-speed manual

gearbox, while the 2.0 is to be fitted with a close-ratio six-speed manual. An automatic model could appear later, possibly using the latest sequential gearbox technology.
Like the current MX-5, the new model will retain the traditional rear-drive layout, although a traction control system is to be installed for the first time.

Prices are expected to rise by about £1,500 over the current car, meaning the entry-level 1.8 will cost around £17,000. Meanwhile, Mazda is stocking up for a boom in demand for the 'classic' MX-5, as orders for the final edition are expected to flood in from enthusiasts. The last MX-5 will roll off the production line in summer, and a special-edition run-out model will appear at British dealers in August.

- Auto Express

[sc02grandam]

158horses.... boring

looks nicer than the previous model... but i would never even think of buying one

[bigbenSC]

Blah, give me a Solstice over that any day! The back end looks the same as a 12 year old Miata, and the front looks like a mini RX-8 (not necessarily bad). 158 HP is a shame!

[TJ95GAGT]

I like it, the mazdaspeed version would probably fix the lack of HP. Theres alot of lame HP coming out of GM also so this isnt the only one.

[Mike3800]

"while the flagship 2.0-litre model will have 158bhp and is expected to deliver a 0-60mph sprint time of less than seven seconds."


Whew! Damn... can people handle the G forces of a car that accelerates like that? Is that with slicks? Sorry... I hate Miata's

[Sleepwalkr]

Looks pretty good to me.

[atc3434]

Looks good, really good. The motor is weaksauce, IMO... the 4 cylinder g6 will make more ponies than that.

[SilverSurferGT]

looks like a wannabe RX8...always hated those cars. I call them the Plastic Speeding Midget Coffin

its a mini rx8, ... how come it cant come stacked like the mazdaspeed mx-5, that thing is sick... 158 horses is still good if you think of power/weight ratio, unless that car gained 1000lbs since last year...

[Braves299]

It looks good but the solctice and sky look way better

[GrahamKracka]

solstice looks like crap..they sky looks better...and the miata isnt too bad either....

gotta remember...the miata is hella lighter..and it says nothing of the mazdaspeed version so expect that to be a quick little bugger if it does come out

I like the hardtop Miata. Looks great. More power would be nice. But, at 163 HP, my MINI still feels a whole lot faster than my Grand Am ever did.

[AMRAAM4]

My RX7, stock, with 255HP and less torque can run a high 13. The Miata is one of the most popular roadsters in the world, I think Mazda knows what they are doing. MazdaSpeed version with some slight mods added to its stock version will probably be able to reach near 300HP.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by AMRAAM4

My RX7, stock, with 255HP and less torque can run a high 13.

RX7 is an awesome car. 1.3 liters (?) and 255HP... most impressive. Also super light.

Comparing an RX7 to a Miata... kinda like comparing Carl Lewis to Richard Simmons IMHO.

[AMRAAM4]

Originally Posted by Mike3800

RX7 is an awesome car. 1.3 liters (?) and 255HP... most impressive. Also super light.

Comparing an RX7 to a Miata... kinda like comparing Carl Lewis to Richard Simmons IMHO.

not really, different target audiences, same foundation. Both 2-seater, extremely light, sporty cars with near perfect weight distribution and suspension design. Main differences are frame design and engine. I'm not saying they are one and the same, because I sure as hell would like my RX7 over a miata, but their foundation is the same principle.

[Mike3800]

Originally Posted by AMRAAM4

not really, different target audiences, same foundation. Both 2-seater, extremely light, sporty cars with near perfect weight distribution and suspension design. Main differences are frame design and engine. I'm not saying they are one and the same, because I sure as hell would like my RX7 over a miata, but their foundation is the same principle.

Aren't Richard Simmons and Carl Lewis both into fitness? Differnt target audiences, same physical fitness foundation. They are both "men".

I just have never been a fan of the Miata. It might be nice form a mechanical standpoint. I wouldn't honestly know that much because the car does not appeal to me.

I'd rather have an S2000 if someone made me buy a 4cyl roadster.

Oh well... to each their own.

[AMRAAM4]

yes, I'd like an S2000 right now as well!!!

[bigbenSC]

Has anyone noticed how stupid the hood looks?