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Thread: 2015 MX-5 goes back to basics

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    2015 MX-5 goes back to basics



    All-new MX-5 sticks to familiar formula say insiders

    Just days after the celebration of Mazda MX-5’s 25th anniversary, the first definitive information on the all-new fourth generation model has hit the desk. And, say insiders, it’s back to basics for the next generation of the world’s best selling roadster.

    Born in 1989, a memorable year for Japan that also saw the debut of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Subaru Legacy and Nissan 300ZX (as well as the Lexus and Infiniti brands), the MX-5 has registered just under one million sales. Thus it’s not surprising that the new roadster’s design harks back to the original MX-5 and what you see in our artist’s impression here is over 85 per cent complete, says our source.

    “With the new roadster, you can expect to see a new interpretation of Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language,” our Mazda insider stated.

    “The oval-shaped grille is a major departure from current Mazda styling and will hint back to the original car. And, of course, the MX-5 will feature all of the company’s new Skyactiv technologies that we’ve seen in the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3,” the source stated.

    While it will employ a totally new look, one thing that Mazda designers were adamant about was that it must look like a Roadster. It must retain the 25-year heritage and design nuance.

    “The finished design, which was signed off late last year, is definitely a design that current owners will want to update to. And new owners will continue to flock to,” says our source.

    Interesting, our insider revealed that the Ibuki concept car shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show was actually an early design study for the next generation MX-5. But that project was shelved around 2005 and then rekindled in 2008.

    That’s why the first design concepts of the new roadster resemble the Ibuki.

    As is already widely known in motoring circles, the new ND version will tip the scales at around 950kg, almost replicating the curb weight of the original 1989 model.

    A significant design redirection became necessary in early 2012 when Mazda signed a deal with Alfa Romeo to co-develop a new sports car. Alfa will build its new signature roadster based on the MX-5’s platform and underpinnings.

    Our source tells us that it was the Alfa Romeo side that suggested the engine bay be lengthened marginally to more comfortably house the two different engine architectures Mazda and Alfa will employ.

    The Mazda will be powered by a naturally aspirated Skyactiv 1.5-litre four engine from the current Mazda3 range, but tweaked to generate more power and torque at higher rpms.

    It will be married to a choice of either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. In contrast, the as yet unnamed Alfa roadster is expected to incorporate an in-house developed turbocharged 1.4-liter with dual-clutch transmission.

    “Lengthening the engine bay appears to have been a blessing in disguise,” says our insider.

    Mazda, in its uncompromising efforts to reduce curb weight and get back to basics, had designed the engine bulkhead to sit right on top of the front axle. But by stretching the engine bay by a “small margin,” Mazda and Alfa were able to give more room for the bulkhead and beef up body rigidity at the same time, our insider explained.

    A prototype has already been spotted circling the Nurburgring wearing a modified current model NC body. Hardcore Mazda fans would have noticed that it had a longer nose and wheelbase, shorter rear overhangs and its windscreen laid back on a lower angle.

    The MX-5 and Alfa cars will both be built at Mazda’s Hiroshima factory but only 40 per cent of the parts used will be shared. Those components include the platform with suspension assemblies, the floor and the windscreen. This translates to all of the body panels, interiors and powertrains being unique.

    The new MX-5 has been a long time coming, but it is finally slated to land in showrooms by the middle of 2015.

    Given that the US is the MX-5’s biggest market, it seems only fitting that the car should be unveiled there.

    Our source says, “Don’t worry. Top on the list of a suitable location to reveal the all-new car is the Chicago Auto Show in February [2015].

    “And don’t expect any significant price hiked either,” they promise.

    source: http://response.jp/article/img/2014/...60/663203.html
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    Phatmiata (02-20-2014),tsingson (02-21-2014),WASABI (02-20-2014)

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    Admin / Pit Boss / Miataholic Phatmiata's Avatar
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    I actually like this rendering !!

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    etikoner (02-24-2014),theothersawyer (02-20-2014)

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    Idling - Listen to it purr... Funkdenomotron's Avatar
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    Oh lord please let it look like that.
    "If you really want to have a good time, don't go to a slaughterhouse." -Swayze

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    6,000 rpm - mere mortals would shift theothersawyer's Avatar
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    I like it, but that grille needs to be much much smaller!

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    Admin / Pit Boss / Miataholic Phatmiata's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by theothersawyer View Post
    I like it, but that grille needs to be much much smaller!
    That's nothing the Japanese aftermarket can't fix

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    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone Hyper's Avatar
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    love the ND is perfect except the oval grill but garage vary will fix that issue fast. Watch!

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    That's the best rendering yet.

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    5,000 rpm - there be torque here! WASABI's Avatar
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    First sound I made was "Whooooooooooooh" and I understand it's a sketch more than high end 3D model, and it's green... but it's on the right track. Grill is too big, wheels are comical, and I'm having a hard time with the front fender treatment, just behind the wheel (indented body line). But, there's a lot I agree with, even if I can't put it into words. I do like the hood shape.

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    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone Hyper's Avatar
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    engine swap. 6 inline turbo.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here!
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    I'm not sold on that front end. I like the side profile though.

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    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! iKhanh's Avatar
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    in my opinion.. overall the general proportions look good. i'm not particularly fond of the front end being that "square" (how the nose just drops off at a 90 degree angle or so to form the air dam).. and how large the air dam is. and those fog lights kinda remind me of the diamond shapes on the Fisker Karma; don't like.

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    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone DK Wolf's Avatar
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    I like it.


    1.5L sounds pretty fair to me. I want MPG numbers.. and strength tolerance of that little engine for FI purposes. If it's good.. I'll snag one of these instead of a BRZ/FRS
    1994 Mazda Miata, 1992 Mazda Miata Sold, 1995 Mazda Rx7 (500hp) Sold, 1999 Subaru GC8 (310hp) Sold

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    4,000 rpm - entering the fun zone DK Wolf's Avatar
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    Also.. there is no 1.5L in the Mazda3 that I know of.
    1994 Mazda Miata, 1992 Mazda Miata Sold, 1995 Mazda Rx7 (500hp) Sold, 1999 Subaru GC8 (310hp) Sold

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    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power imperfekt's Avatar
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    weight comparable to the NA and skyactiv tech?

    ...i might have to start saving some money for this

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    Idling - Listen to it purr... f8al's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyper View Post
    engine swap. 6 inline turbo.
    Seconded.

    This render looks awesome too. Really hope it stays like this.

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