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.
That looks great. Finally they got rid of the stupid smiley face.
It is a bad move, the old ones were just approachable in style. This new one looks sort of pouty and squinty.
And it is a shame that they won’t just throw down and start putting rotaries in more cars.
Rotaries are doomed to get terrible mileage. (Email me at [email protected] if you want a copy of the article I wrote about that.)
@juicy sushi (below)
I think the front almost looks great. But I’m having a lot of trouble with the eyes. Somehow, the expression on the face makes me think of leaves dying at autumn’s end, and I think a lot of the problem is in the shape of the eyes.
I do like that they took so much weight off of it. If they really do put a hardtop on it, and if I can get past the eyes, I might be tempted.
You’re a more forgiving man than I. The slashing lines across the hood, the squinting headlights too close to the grille, and the strange DRL/foglight slashes that bear no relationship to any other line on the car just bother me too much.
I can’t help but think “You had 8 years to work on this, and THAT’s the best you could do?!?!?”
I have to disagree there, any gasoline engine producing similar output per liter will suffer MPG as bad or worse. A rotary built to just match piston engine output can easily get similar or better mpg in similar car.
Rotaries would destroy the ability to rationally justify buying any Miata over 3 years old.
I think it’s smirking now rather than smiling.
I love the front end – for me, it almost evokes a dragon image.
It will look fantastic in black.
+1
Nice… the nose (grille) reminds me of the Honda S2000 and headlights a little like the Z4
I definitely see a lot of S2000 in there. Looks great.
I see some Z1 and 370Z Roadster.
Nose is Jaguar-ish, hood and windshield are S2000, side profile is Solstice, and rear is Z4.
Exactly my thought as well. S2000 meets Z4. At a 500-1000lbs weight savings…. :)
Looks good, really good. The weight is just about right. So how do I justify two Miatas to my wife?
“So how do I justify two Miatas to my wife?”
One for you and one for her. Heh heh.
She has more than one pair of shoes, right? She’ll understand.
Meh.
2005 Mazdaspeed model for me.
This one looks like it has a higher windshield header than previous models, possibly making it comfortable at freeway speeds for people up to a bit over 6′. The old one was just too darned low.
The side profile is good. The back is not bad. But that front end…
I’m sorry, someone was trying too hard there. The fun is gone.
Sentiments exactly, though I am reserving my judgement until I see the car in person.
The front end, too serious and trying too hard.
A little more cute/playfulness would’ve been nice. Maybe for a mid model refresh?
That said, I’m sure I will be buying this one as well.
I agree with you guys. I think the headlights are to small for the car. I think this car will look better in person, and will grow on me.
It IS growing on me. It certainly looks better the morning after. I still think the front could have been better, but from the other angles, especially with more light, I like it a lot. Rear 3/4 from slightly above is just a total winning look.
What they’ve done dynamically means I can forgive just about anything else.
This. The reveal kept showing the amazing profile and kept skirting the nose. After 1 Duran Duran song I couldn’t watch anymore and didn’t see the nose until the press photos. So close.
There was a second styling overview about 45 minutes after the initial reveal.
2280 pounds? New curvy styling? Nicer interior? Sold.
Oh, wait, I have a four-month-old. (sob)
A lady drops off her 5 month old at our daycare in a Miata with the top off.
There is some ambiguity in your sentence, but if I ask you to clarify it I don’t think I will get the answer I want.
+1
I’ve got a four-year-old and two-year-old. I know that feel bro.
I am willing to make sacrifices for my family. This will be a sacrifice they will need to make for me (as soon as I can afford it).
1) My NC had LATCH and I’m sure this will.
2) What does the wife/baby mamma drive? You need two boring cars?
Am I the only one who sees 2nd Gen. DSM in the front end?
This car’s low slung look and front end is a refreshing sight to see in these days dominated by bulbous front ends and sky high beltlines.
I agree. Low front, beltline and even rear. Taller windshield and greenhouse (at least it looks that way). Adds up to Mazda fortifying their lead as the automaker with the greatest designs around these days.
Cool looking car.
The big TTAC question is: Is it better than half a Challanger Hellcat?
Just my opinion: The new Miata is MORE than a Hellcat, because it is an actual sports car.
Not a personal luxury coupe with more brawn than brains.
Challenger isn’t a personal luxury coupe because a personal luxury coupe doesn’t have a rental companion trim.
The Hellcat cars aren’t sports cars as you note, neither are Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, GT-Rs, 911s, Vipers, La Ferrari’s, Huracans, M3/4s or any other high powered coupes or sedans. They are a class onto themselves (or classes I should say if you buy into the muscle car, super car and hyper car segments)
The Miata and I’d say the S2000 (although that might be stretching it) along with a handful of other cars are sports cars. Sacrificing power for light weight and agile handling.
In that case, the Toyobaru twins are the epitome of the modern sports car. Well, except they weight almost 3000 lbs. So maybe not.
The Miata is the epitome of sports car. More so than even the Elise, which is really more of a race car….
Of course not, because the HELLCAT will STOMP it on I-280. (/BTSR)
Personally, I’m waiting for someone to point out that a Mustang V6 has more horsepower for the same money.
“…because the HELLCAT will STOMP it on I-280…”
And my dad can beat your dad. Snap out of it.
It was a BTSR joke.
The Jalopnik website right now is probably like the FinishLine website when a new pair of Jordans comes out. “Sorry, we’re just doing some traffic control. Please wait 30 seconds.”
In the first 20 minutes, so was this website. And twitter from what I could tell.
Looking good, I like it. Bring on the coupe!
No coupe.
+1 for the coupe!
I’d buy one for sure, especially if Mazda manage to keep the weight the same (or lighter, somehow?!) than the soft-top.
And the Shooting Break…..
And a stripped down 2000lb Speed version with waterproof interior, no amenities, uprated goparts, a cage, racing harnesses and no top at all.
Live shots here look amazing:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-mazda-mx-5-revealed
I’d like to see body colored side mirrors though instead of body color door panel inserts.
Looks great, alittle heavy in the rear. Whither the 4c which weighs 200lbs more.
Seems like the miata hs all the right spots, its light got decent power and a stick. Hopefully thye got that sublime steering right too.
I know I would get one.
It better go on sale Jan 2 2015. I can’t see many sales of a third-gen 2015 model.
I’m hoping there will be some great lease specials on the 2015. Anyone know if you can track a leased car?
Now what I would really love is an EV version for under $40k, to be to the Tesla Roadster what the LEAF is to the Tesla Model S. I’d get that in heartbeat to replace my LEAF.
>Anyone know if you can track a leased car?
I can tell you this from experience, they don’t automatically shut down when you roll onto a drag strip or road course.
I bet there won’t be a 2015 model. They will continue selling 2014s until the 2016 is available.
Mazda skipped a year on the 6, so they’ll likely do the same on the Miata. I’d guess a late spring ’15 release.
2015 model year is already on dealer lots. It will stick around until Spring. January or February would be a great time to buy one if you really want an NC, as there are sure to be discounts, but the ND looks like it’ll be worth the extra money.
I liked the Miata when it looked more like a Lotus, this new one just looks like one of those “Derrr” faces you’d do at a party.
The back on the other hand looks like it was made to work with an Alfa or something, not bad, just odd.
Wasn’t one of the original Miatas qualities supposed to be its timeless functional styling?
Looks pretty sharp to my eye. I’m excited for the Fiat version.
I hated the goofy-looking NC so honestly I came into this ready to say, “Meh” and dismiss it. At first glance I thought, “It looks like the NC mated with the Z4.” But the more I look at it the less I see the NC and the less I see the Z4. The front end kinda reminds me of the FRS/BRZ with the low squinting eyes, but just barely enough the draw a resemblance.
The more I look at it, the sexier it is…it does have a sort of organic feel like the quote says about a “living creature.” I want it. The side profile is just perfect. Perfect curves. What’s the word on the engine, other than “Skyactiv-G?” I need one. Lightweight, perfect weight distribution, sexy as hell… Give it to me. I think I’ll start saving tomorrow so in a couple years I can get an off-lease MazdaSpeed version.
The comments about the headlights being too small or too sinister are accurate IF you compare to cars today. But I think we will start seeing a trend to smaller and smaller headlights as modern lighting technology doesn’t need the light casing to be so large.
The Lexus IS is a good example of shrinking light case. Form follows function as they say. The new VW Golf is a great example of a poorly executed headlights. Way too big. In a few years looking back the Miata will have just the right size lights while the VW Golf’s lights will look like a poor design choice.
@buzzyrpm I think you’re onto something. Another example is the BMW i8 vs. the Chevy Spark. The shrinking headlight will be the next styling trend.
The Jeep Cherokee is a good example of this. The headlights are just an accent dash on the car. I know the real headlights are mounted lower and camouflaged, and its just the daytime running lights, but the daytime running lamps are performing the stylistic functions of a headlight even if they are not performing the illumination functions.
I salivating at how cheap I’ll be able to get an NC in 4 years. They are already priced great on the used market and when they are considered the fatty, undesirable Miata, they will be super cheap!
I’m going to be very interesting in seeing how much weight I could strip out of one. I don’t need a hard top, stereo or a/c, and if there’s a bunch of insulation down under the carpet…
As someone who thinks the simplicity of the 1990 miata was a high water mark, I really really like these pictures. Our 2005 is a good looking car but is third in line now
Question –
Why would anyone buy any other roadster over a Miata?
Really, I’d much rather have this 2200 lbs thing than an F-type or Boxster. Even if they cost the same the Miata would have a strong argument for it. BMW could take the Miata, put a Roundel on it, and sell it for $50,000 and few would complain. Complaints of ‘needs moar powr ‘ would be answered with ‘but it’s 2200 lbs’ and BMW would get away with it.
This is exactly right.
I have had a handful (maybe 4-5 people) over the past 10 years ask me which fun car they should get. It doesn’t matter how much money they have or don’t have the answer is ALWAYS Miata. It really is simply the best fun car you can buy at any price. Yes, others are faster, or look better blah blah blah, but if you want to just put the top down, blast some backroads, and have a huge smile on your face the entire time, you can’t beat the Miata. They don’t break, and when they do they’re $7 to fix.
Back to this car… I LOVE it. They absolutely nailed the look for me. Only beef (small) is the round part of the taillamp. I think if they had kept it long and narrow, it would flow better. Minor minor gripe.
Because not everyone lives right off the tail of the dragon; some of us out in Middle America need some driving fun too, and that comes from goosing the throttle and taking off. And personally, I can’t understand why any automaker today would introduce a 4cyl sports car with under 200hp. I don’t claim everyone needs 300hp+, but c’mon Mazda, you’re introducing NEW engines today that are roughly on par with the Celica/Integra etc pocket rockets of 20 years ago. Yeah, yeah, “area under the curve” and all that, but is it too much to ask for a new 2.0L 4 to do 200hp? Really?
You can argue “power to weight” and all that until you’re blue in the face, it still doesn’t make sense why they don’t do a little better, and give us a 200hp/2200lb car instead of 155/180 and 2200lb. I can’t imagine the extra 20hp would require that much more heavy duty brakes or suspension (the scapegoat of the low-power crew). I just don’t get it.
“some of us out in Middle America need some driving fun too, and that comes from goosing the throttle and taking off”
I would assume that’s what people buy Mustangs and Camaros for.
High peak power is where Honda went with the first S2000 and people complained of the lack of low end torque and having to rev the snot out of it to go anywhere. They eventually punched out the engine to remedy some of that. In the real world, owners will appreciate drivability over peak HP bragging rights.
I’m not asking for S2000-like numbers, I’d just like modern 4cyl numbers like my TSX’s 200hp I4. Plenty of torque AND respectable peak HP. If the gripe is the 2.4L displacement being higher than Mazda’s, look at the RSX-S which had a 2.0L version giving the same power way back when.
Moar power, you say? I’m sure Flyin’ Miata will have a plug-and-play turbo kit for the ND within 12 months.
Can’t wait to see one of these in the flesh. With all the young guys stancing the NA, and the mini-F-type looks of the ND, maybe the “hairdresser” myth about Miatas will finally die.
I’d rather have my car thought of as a hairdresser’s car than a stancebro’s car.
The only reason I can think of is cabin size. I have never sat in a 3rd gen miata, but at 6’4″, I didn’t fit in the first two.
You hit the nail on the head. This one does at least look a tick taller. Perhaps more legroom as well?
I present to you the model for the star of Pixar’s Cars 3.
Seriously, the thing looks tailor made to be anthropomorphized into a cartoon character.
Every Miata has been. I think that is part of the idea, even if subconsciously.
That car is sexy as hell – please tell me that it has 4″ more legroom than the previous generation.
In which case, I might just do something stoopid.
The new Miata is 4″ shorter than the one it replaces and the cabin has been pushed rearward to get a true midengine layout (like the S2000). This car is going to be back toward the NA/NB dimensions rather than an NC.
Crap…
Any chance the steering wheel telescopes, at least? I couldn’t even close the door on an NB, and couldn’t work the pedals on the NC.
Unlikely. That would add extra weight, and when engineers are wringing their hands over the density of the cloth in the soft top, I doubt they’re able to add extra steering adjustments and keep to their goals.
And Akio Toyoda wept.
450 lbs lighter than the GT86 despite having no roof, superb looking suspension.
Home run.
Honestly, knowing this is around the corner, I’m having a tough time seeing a reason to give the Toyobarus are second look. If Mazda release a hardtop version of this, and keep it under $30k, then I think it’s game over for the BRZ/GT86.
People underestimate the value of even token rear seats. There is a fairly large contingent of people who will never buy a car that they can’t toss their 10y/o in the back of for 20 minutes on the way home from school or practice or whatever, or at least convince their wife that they COULD toss their 10y/o in the back. A 2-seat coupe is going to have even more limited appeal than a 2-seat open car, because people will sacrifice for a convertible, but will they sacrifice (in significant numbers) to just have a smaller coupe (versus one with rear seats)?
I’m not loving the looks, so I hope that this is one of those looks better in person than in pictures cars.
But a real car with no carbon fiber reinforced plastic meeting modern standards and weighing 2,280 pounds is something that cannot be minimized.
I dumped an NA because, I don’t even remember why, and an NC because I couldn’t fit in it without my head tilted sideways. If I fit in the ND this will be tempting.
The black trim and black wheels can remain at the factory; I’ll trade my low-mile 2002 LS.
Not my cup of meat, but I’ve never been able to fit in these things. This new version reminds me of the S2000 and the early Z3 for some reason. Unfortunately, two cars that the styling did not appeal to me. I’m interested to see the Alfa version, though.
OTOH, there’s nothing a LSx or LTx swap wouldn’t fix on this one…
Agreed, the front end looks very S2000.
The more I look at the new Miata, the more I see the new Jaguar F-Type.
The Alfa version will be a Fiat, unfortunately. Probably named “Abarth Roadster/Spyder”.
So? What’s the problem? They’ve always had little convertibles. Loved the Barchetta from the 90s. I like the Miata well enough and the design on this one is pretty good (except for the backlights). A Fiat badge on a co-developed Miata. Yes, does it for me (plus the styling would be a wee bit imporved).
I can understand the criticism. After all, style is subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that. But to me, this thing looks like sex on wheels, it beautiful. I can’t wait to see it in person. I loved my ’93 Miata and drove it for 6 years (least expensive ownership experience ever). This thing has me seriously considering dumping my current ride. But I’ll have to drive it, giving up 100 hp to drive the new miata may be too hard to do.
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.
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.
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.
Corvettes are not about how much engine you “need”.
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.