New York 2014: Mazda Shows Next MX-5's Chassis

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Those wild rumors of Mazda doing a surprise debut of the next MX-5 turned out to be false – anyone with an understanding of modern automotive PR tactics knows that no launch is conducted without a relentless hype campaign. But at least they threw us a bone.

Mazda claims that this chassis, which underpins the next MX-5, will shed 220 lbs from the weight of the current car (which weighs in at around 2480 lbs), with an engine that sits lower and further back. The lighter weight, which is closer to that of the first-gen Miata, and the power bump from the new Skyactiv engine (assuming it’s the 2.0L 155 horsepower engine used in multiple cars) means the power-to-weight ratio should up in an appreciable manner.

For those who still want the current car (and judging by the sales figures, there’s not too many of you), Mazda has launched a new 25th anniversary edition of the MX-5. Only 100 units will be made available, in a special red-on-black paint scheme, with special alloy wheels and Bilstein dampers as standard.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Imag Imag on Apr 16, 2014

    It sounds like they said the *chassis* would save 220 lbs., not the whole car. I would expect a lot of that savings to be given up to new safety equipment and other bits and bobs. Edit: From Autocar: "Mazda claims that the structure of the new model 'has been engineered and developed to achieve outstanding body rigidity and crashworthiness, while also reducing the overall weight by more than 100kg.'" I still think this might be a structural savings, not an end-product savings. We have seen light weight chassis before, but the cars often end up weighing a similar amount to the previous generation.

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    • Calgarytek Calgarytek on Apr 16, 2014

      Front double wishbones, YEAH!

  • Noxioux Noxioux on Apr 16, 2014

    Help me out here. The current MZR in the NC Miata is rated at 170hp. How is a 155hp Skyactive a power bump?

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    • LeMansteve LeMansteve on Apr 16, 2014

      I think they are talking about a bump in power within the SkyActiv engine line. In other words, the previous SkyActiv 2.0 was not as powerful as the SkyActiv 2.0 being installed in the next Miata. The current Miata uses the 167hp MZR engine, which makes the wording in the article confusing.

  • Gtrslngr Gtrslngr on Apr 16, 2014

    Is it just me or is this new MX5 chassis looking a whole lot like the old Lotus Elan etc wishbone chassis of old ? Hmmmn . First the looks and the original intent of the classic Lotus Elan . And now the chassis as well ? Am I complaining though ? Why no I am not ! How could I possibly complain about an updated - more reliable - better built - and better serviced Elan for the 21st century ? Minus all the hassles of dealing with Lotus .. past or present I might add ! Why .... like the original MX5/Miata ... well .... I can not ... complain in the slightest that is . So now lets see if the body/interior/engine/performance and handling all live up to the somewhat copied Lotus style wishbone chassis they've previewed today . Do it right Mazda ! Or else !

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    • Lzaffuto Lzaffuto on Apr 16, 2014

      @JuniperBug Yep. My '95 NA has a lot of cowl shake, and being stock has a bit more reinforcement than the first cars and a lot less than your modded '99. I'm planning to stiffen it a bit with some aftermarket suspension and chassis goodies, but not too much considering the extra weight will negatively affect the already meager power on offer.

  • Robc123 Robc123 on Apr 16, 2014

    Biggest problem with current sales in a niche car like this is the fact that the buyers are informed. been waiting on the sidelines for the new model, its been what? 4 or 5 years. Every year the hype of redesign, makes me hold off. How can I be a buyer today, with keywords thrown around like: alfa skyactiv totally new lighter yellow They got to discount the hell out of the current models blow them out, then not sell anything maybe for a year- dry the market up of new stock and then really launch.

    • Imag Imag on Apr 16, 2014

      The current sales are thin, and are already a writeoff. Mazda knows that. Miata fans have known for ages that this was coming.

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