2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unveiled

by Cameron Aubernon

September 4th, 2014 8:44 AM

This is it: The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata unveiled for all to behold.

The fourth-generation MX-5 takes the automaker’s Kodo design language to another level, giving the iconic roadster “the presence of a living creature and a strong sense of vitality to the car,” as well as convey agility.

Underneath the bio-mechanical skin, the roadster distributes its 2280 pounds of weight — 200 pounds lighter than the current MX-5 — 50:50 between the front and rear. Under the bonnet, a Skyactiv-G direct-injection gasoline engine sends its power to the back through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Part of the weight reduction comes from the use of aluminum forward of the A-pillar as well as the rear bumper reinforcements. Lighter suspension components and soft-top materials contribute to Mazda’s so-called “gram strategy,” also.

Behind the wheel, the automaker’s Mazda Connect next-gen connected-vehicle system “efficiently links the driver to the car and the outside world.” Meanwhile, the soft-top can be operated from within the cockpit, the roadster won’t look awkward like the Nissan Z and Murano CrossCabriolet with the top down, and wind control features will keep your hair or hat from blowing away.

The new MX-5 will go on sale in 2015. No price of admission has been announced at this time.

#GlobalDebuts #Mazda #Miata #MX-5 #MY2016 #Roadsters

Comments

Join the conversation

5 of 98 comments

Master Baiter on Sep 04, 2014

This is the formula GM should have used for the new Corvette: smaller, lighter (so you don't need as much engine) and organic styling. I'd take this MX-5 over a Corvette any day.

Like Reply
- See 2 previous
- Bosozoku on Sep 04, 2014
  
  But the Corvette's main buyer demo are beer-gutted and arthritic. Not to mention the cries of "b-but, muh small block!" if they moved to a smaller engine.
  
  Like
- S2k Chris on Sep 04, 2014
  
  Corvettes are not about how much engine you "need".
  
  Like
- Stuki on Sep 04, 2014
  
  @bosozoku The 'Vette should never ditch the smallblock. Ever. It's the greatestest engine evva! They could shrink the rest of the car a bit, but the new ones aren't even that big compared to the competition. Lots of people have this idea that sports/sporty cars should be wide like a track racer.
  
  Like
05lgt on Sep 05, 2014

I like the style, and think the face looks a little Miyazaki. Like some sort of fast frog spirit with power but not necessarily evil. Then again, I have a vivid imagination.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

ToolGuy CXXVIII comments?!?
ToolGuy I did truck things with my truck this past week, twenty-odd miles from home (farther than usual). Recall that the interior bed space of my (modified) truck is 98" x 74". On the ride home yesterday the bed carried a 20 foot extension ladder (10 feet long, flagged 14 inches past the rear bumper), two other ladders, a smallish air compressor, a largish shop vac, three large bins, some materials, some scrap, and a slew of tool cases/bags. It was pretty full, is what I'm saying.The range of the Cybertruck would have been just fine. Nothing I carried had any substantial weight to it, in truck terms. The frunk would have been extremely useful (lock the tool cases there, out of the way of the Bed Stuff, away from prying eyes and grasping fingers -- you say I can charge my cordless tools there? bonus). Stainless steel plus no paint is a plus.Apparently the Cybertruck bed will be 78" long (but over 96" with the tailgate folded down) and 60-65" wide. And then Tesla promises "100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage — including the under-bed, frunk and sail pillars." Underbed storage requires the bed to be clear of other stuff, but bottom line everything would have fit, especially when we consider the second row of seats (tools and some materials out of the weather).Some days I was hauling mostly air on one leg of the trip. There were several store runs involved, some for 8-foot stock. One day I bummed a ride in a Roush Mustang. Three separate times other drivers tried to run into my truck (stainless steel panels, yes please). The fuel savings would be large enough for me to notice and to care.TL;DR: This truck would work for me, as a truck. Sample size = 1.
Art Vandelay Dodge should bring this back. They could sell it as the classic classic classic model
Surferjoe Still have a 2013 RDX, naturally aspirated V6, just can't get behind a 4 banger turbo.Also gloriously absent, ESS, lane departure warnings, etc.
ToolGuy Is it a genuine Top Hand? Oh, I forgot, I don't care. 🙂