Here is the latest in chatter regarding the next gen Miata MX-5 from Motor Trend: http://www.motortrend.com/future/fut...x_5_rendering/

They have an artist's rendition based upon Japanese patents taken out by Mazda recently. The patent illustrations are not focused on exterior design but the artist for the magazine formed something from them. I think I like it although it is not remotely official from Mazda.

The article talks about sub 2200 lbs.

Paul.

 

sounds like a good news but remind me of the Suzuki Cappuccino.

 

not sure I'm a fan of the teardrop headlights, but at <2200lbs.. yum!

 

2200 lbs ... oooosh !

ok, where is my SkyActiv-G Mazda3 or SkyActiv-D CX-5 ?

 

You KNOW that Mazda is way to aware of the marketing fiasco that would occur when the crash test videos of a 2200 pound car meeting a "normal" car in a 50 MPH offset collision got out.

 

^---

why can't they make a 2200 car safe?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCGsx3d-hNk

 

Huh? Curb weight of the Mazda 2 is 2300lbs. The 100lb difference in a 50mph head on collision with a ~3500lb car is negligible so I do not see them shying away from a 2200lb car for that reason.

There are a few hundred other reasons why 2200lbs is more fanboy dream than likely reality but if they are dramatically reducing weight by stripping out unneccessary luxuries on a base mx5 model and using the new engine tech they will likely have an mpg rating over 45mpg. And they'll probably still allow for luxury options pushing the weight a few hundred lbs greater for people buying a fun convertable to drive around town instead of a track day toy.

Also that rendering looks like it was taken right off the set of Cars 2.

 

The smart car manages to not bring down the safety reputation of Mercedes.......

 

if Mazda really figure out a way to spread the energy into 3 different path instead of 1, then it will be very possible.

using better, stronger steel will make the frame stronger anyway.

 

Because almost no one realizes that it is a Mercedes (the link isn't as clear as it is with Mini and BMW).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKSPxQjPOm0

 

yea, almost no one except auto enthusiast like us knows SMART is actually a lame version of Mercedes.

well, as lame as it is, it's still not bad consider how small and crappy it is ...

 

Now, imagine that with the op down.

Inertia is a nasty thing.

Of course, I'd drive a 1700 pound car if they would offer one.

I'm just noting that the general American car buying public likes heavy, big cars.

Tell those hairdressers that their cute little Miata now weighs so much it'll get punted in every possible collision scenario and they'll buy Solaras instead.

 

Not to mention the rendering is softer than cotton panties...why can't someone at Mazda design an aggressive MX?

 

And what's with the BMW Z-series fender vents?
I'm sure anyone that actually wants those can get them from Vatozone.

 

Love the idea of a nice lightweight roadster, but that picture looks revolting.

 

^ Appearances aren't deceiving.


But I usually attempt to ignore "artists impressions".

 

I went to Autozone last night to pick up a CAS (thanks again, MazdaManiac).

Vatozone indeed.

 

Lamest rendering of a Patent sketch I HAVE EVER SEEN!

Talk about speculation!