Wednesday 23rd February 2005

New Maxda MX-5 details emerge

Pictures and engine figures are now available

---

The third-generation Mazda MX-5, known as a fun introduction to open-top sportscar ownership, debuts in early March at the Geneva motor show -- and we've got some pix. Powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine -- up from the 1.8 today -- the bigger engine generates about 160bhp and some 140lb-ft of torque.

Gearbox options include two six-speed units, either manual or automatic, with a paddle option. 

The MX-5 is bigger, with a 2.6-inch longer wheelbase, a three-inch wider front track and 2.1-inch wider rear track. Overall length and height have increased by just 0.8 inch, but the car is now wider by 1.6 inches.

The additional space afforded by widening the body means passengers get more hip and shoulder room, as well as allowing the addition of side-impact airbags.

The car goes on sale later this year.

Previous story: www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=9824

[hoganscrogan]

Hmm, I lik ethat styling, would consider one of these now, never really liked the styling too much on the other versions [esp. the mk2]. Nice taut shape with good balance, what the Mk2 should have looked like really!

[the fury]

yeah, I like it too - still keeps some mx-5 dna, but moves it along nicely!

[klassiekerrally]

Very well done!
I hope I do fit in one of these, since I couldn't sit in the older ones for much longer than half an hour.
They were just too small inside. (I'm 1.90 meters tall)

[apache]

The middle shot has a hint of Z4 about it, has Bangle been headhunted? It is a nice update though and seems to keep the essence of the original Lotus er MX5

>> Edited by apache on Wednesday 23 February 14:08

[dinkel]

klassiekerrally said:

Very well done! I hope I do fit in one of these, since I couldn't sit in the older ones for much longer than half an hour. They were just too small inside. (I'm 1.90 meters tall)

Me too (1.86m) . . . Looks a bit Bangled especially in the grey. This looks like it's gonna be a classic . . . Nice.

[annodomini2]

I like it, but as with most 'yankified' cars, I don't like the rear lights. I feel they should have been a little more radical.

[Andrew Noakes]

annodomini2 said:

I don't like the rear lights

Looks a lot like a Mk1 MX-5 from the back.

[munter]

klassiekerrally said:

Very well done! I hope I do fit in one of these, since I couldn't sit in the older ones for much longer than half an hour. They were just too small inside. (I'm 1.90 meters tall)

I'm 2 meters tall and fit fine in a MK1. MK2 is more crampt possibly?

[Renny]

I enjoyed my Mk2 MX5, but found it was too small inside (I'm 1.86m), forcing me to adopt a hunched position behind the wheel. Hopefully these will be a bit more roomy inside, if so I'd certainly consider one.

[FesterNath]

What's Miata?

[Bill Carr]

FesterNath said:

What's Miata?

What they're called in North America. They're Eunos Roadsters in Japan (apologies if that's telling you how to suck eggs!)

[FesterNath]

Bill Carr said:

FesterNath said: What's Miata? What they're called in North America. They're Eunos Roadsters in Japan (apologies if that's telling you how to suck eggs!)

Ah, cheers! I've heard of the Eunos name but not Matia. Was wondering if I had missed something in the article.

[errek72]

apache said:

The middle shot has a hint of Z4 about it, has Bangle been headhunted? It is a nice update though and seems to keep the essence of the original Lotus er MX5 >> Edited by apache on Wednesday 23 February 14:08

What looks bangled is how the line kicks up into the rear wheel arches, IMHO.
Looks like Japanese manufacturers always have to hint at other cars in their designs, which is a shame since this one features very nicely evolved styling that would be stronger without those references.

Not sure if grey is the right colour to launch a car like that 'though...

[dsf3g]

Not a huge fan of the styling, but It'll probably grow on me as the second generation Miata did (and for that matter, the Lotus Elise).

It's pretty interesting just how much of the Ibuki concept car made it into the finished model, though. I personally felt the Ibuki was a non-starter, stylistically speaking.

www.autogazeta.com/g/431/Mazda_Ibuki_lv.jpg



>> Edited by dsf3g on Wednesday 23 February 15:35

[snorky]

in the US a guy did conversions of these to make V8 Miatas....now I would be interested in that !

[greg_D]

snorky said:

in the US a guy did conversions of these to make V8 Miatas....now I would be interested in that !

I'm in the process of shoehorning a LS6 Corvette engine into my Mk.2, should be interesting!!!!!!

Greg

[jaker]

anyone know what it'll weigh?

just wondering what the standard pwr will be...

[RobDickinson]

jaker said:

anyone know what it'll weigh? just wondering what the standard pwr will be...

RX8 is 1300kg with driver and fuel so somewhat less than that I'd hope, 1100kg?

[jaker]

1100kg is too fat imho

thats 145 bhp/tonne without a fatbloke behind the wheel

[J_S_G]

In general, I like it. Not very keen on the lights & maw at the front, though... looks a bit too "basic".