New MX5 - what do we want to see?

[Ari]

Ok so there's a brand new MX5 coming out in 2012 (I think) according to the press.

So what do we most want to see? What do we want changed, what do we want the same, etc?

I'd like:

More legroom for the passenger. Both my girlfriend and I, when sat in the passenger seat, are very knee's up due to the lack of legroom on that side of the car (far more on the drivers side), and I could do with just another inch or two of drivers seat travel.

I'd like more tech, things like USB connectivity, and also things we take for granted in fairly basic other cars like Fiesta's such as courtesy lights coming on when you plip the car unlocked.

And finally I'd like the hood to be quieter when up at speed, all the noise seems to come from the rear hood area.

Things I want them to keep the same are the basic layout and the sheer spirit and zest of the car. Engines don't need to get any bigger, but maybe technology could make the car lighter.

What else?

Edited by Ari on Tuesday 9th November 21:47

[neiljohnson]

A Turbocharger

[Bonefish Blues]

Sub 1000kgs

Edited for numero-dyslexia!

Edited by Bonefish Blues on Tuesday 9th November 22:18

[MrFlibbles]

Bonefish Blues said:

Sub 100kgs

And an anchor to stop it blowing away!

[Bonefish Blues]

MrFlibbles said:

Bonefish Blues said:

Sub 100kgs

And an anchor to stop it blowing away!

Damn your speedy quoting Mr F

[snotrag]

Ari said:

I'd like more tech, things like USB connectivity, and also things we take for granted in fairly basic other cars like Fiesta's such as courtesy lights coming on when you plip the car unlocked.

Nooooo.....

Stuff like that keeps you entertained on the forecourt, but does not a good car make.

Dont spend money on electronic systems and frivolities.

Spend the money on the cabin ergonomics and material choice - the proper design stuff.

Keep it light, keep it simple, use a mainstream, reliable engine. Don't make it any bigger.

[anonymous-user]

I'd like it to be lighter and more nimble, with little electronics and a manually operated roof to save weight and have as few 'potential things to go wrong', in an attractive slimline body with sensible 'non bling' wheels, I mocked up the picture below on MS paint to give you an idea of what I mean

[Pints]

A diesel engine option in the line-up.

[MX-5 Lazza]

A small high-revving normally aspirated engine in a small, lightweight body.
Aim it more at the original Elise but with modern design & build and with Mazda reliability & build quality and of course with a lot more comfort compared to the Elise.
Should have ABS/TC/ASC etc but switchable so it doesn't get in the way of track-day fun.
I'd want AC & heated windscreen too.
17" wheels as standard but 15" wheel option and tyres no wider than 205.
Front engine, RWD, LSD.
Turbo Mazdaspeed option (I'd rather see a Mazdaspeed badge than MPS on an MX5).
Soft top or fixed coupé option. No auto hood and no CC.

No platform sharing. MX5 should be a stand-alone model designed with a super-stiff open chassis with no compromise.

ETA: and a diesel isn't such a bad idea if they can make it drive a bit more like a petrol i.e. reasonable revs and happier at high revs than just a slug of low torque.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Wednesday 10th November 10:56

[Pints]

I'd like to see more space in the driver's footwell. I have relatively small feet but I still find there's not much space next to the clutch.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Pints said:

I'd like to see more space in the driver's footwell. I have relatively small feet but I still find there's not much space next to the clutch.

I don't have a problem with that at all and I have size 12s! SWMBOs Megane on the other hand is a real pain and is obviously made for female feet.

[Pints]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Pints said:

I'd like to see more space in the driver's footwell. I have relatively small feet but I still find there's not much space next to the clutch.

I don't have a problem with that at all and I have size 12s! SWMBOs Megane on the other hand is a real pain and is obviously made for female feet.

Possibly either the difference between mk2 and mk3, or just the footrest I have.

[Snoggledog]

A hardcore 'track' variant with either rotary, V6 or straight 6 options.
The option to have a proper roll cage fitted. (None of this fancy chromed tin ste)
Removal of all non-essential electronic items. You want USB / Bluetooth / DVD / CD / 8 track / launch control? Tick the box on the order sheet.

But.. The costs need to be kept down without compromising on quality.

eta. What I really want is a car that looks like the bd child of a TVR Sagaris and an MX5. All the attitude of the TVR with the build quality, reliability and practicality that only the Japs can come up with.

Edited by Snoggledog on Wednesday 10th November 14:16

[Munter]

Manual box, RWD, Engine, 2 seats, a roof of any description, a boot just big enough to be useful, and other legal requirements such as lights etc.

That's about it really.

[Gizmo!]

A manufacturer S/C kit to 220bhp.

And pop-up lights.

[Pints]

Gizmo! said:

And pop-up lights.

What with pedestrian safety regs, this won't be happening but I don't get the fascination with these. Just something to go wrong.
Hold your flamethrowers, just my POV.

[GravelBen]

Pints said:

Gizmo! said:

And pop-up lights.

What with pedestrian safety regs, this won't be happening but I don't get the fascination with these. Just something to go wrong.

And extra weight.

[HereBeMonsters]

Pints said:

Gizmo! said:

And pop-up lights.

What with pedestrian safety regs, this won't be happening but I don't get the fascination with these. Just something to go wrong.
Hold your flamethrowers, just my POV.

But they pop up.

[MrFlibbles]

They remind me of the opening scenes from Naked Gun.

[5harp3y]

This:



with circa 250bhp, proper quick and thrashy.

no addons, no electronic crap.