5 replies to this topic

[mudmonster]

William Maley
Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com
January 19, 2012

Mazda is heading back to basics with their next generation Miata roadster. Road & Track has learned the new Miata will be lighter than the current model thanks to a new lightweight chassis and a new 1.3L four-cylinder engine that will utilize Mazda’s SkyActiv technology (high compression ratio, direct injection, and reduced internal friction).

Design of next Miata will keep the proportions of the current model and have Mazda’s Kodo design language. The front will get a large grill and narrow headlights and a character line extending from the headlights, down along the sides of the car, and ending near the door handles.

The Miata will keep its soft-top while a hard-top model is expected.

We’ll see the next Miata sometime this or next year.

Source: Road & Track

Click here to view the article

[67impss]

This is a dbl post Mud , Thanx Rick

[mudmonster]

I know, not sure how its a double post at the moment..

[dwightlooi]

At 1.3 liters, even if they manage to get 100 hp/liter out of that engine, the car will not match the already luke warm performance of the current car unless it gets down to 1800 lbs. Honestly, with modern crash standards, I don't think they are going to be able to get to 200 lbs less than Lotus Elise. A sporty roadster may not absolutely need to be muscle car fast, but it should at least out accelerate a four cylinder Camry. Otherwise, I don't think the car will be interesting, not even to folks who value agility and handling over acceleration.

[A Horse With No Name]

As a current Miata owner, I am not looking forward to the next gen car.

[Turbojett]

hmmm....I'm excited to see it, the design description sounds exciting.
but I would have expected more engine in the engine bay. Skyactiv shouldn't mean a sacrifice.
Unless by some miracle of engineering they can get more than 100hp/liter.

Edited by Turbojett, 24 January 2012 - 02:31 AM.