Mazda MX-5

Rumours are circulating about what form the new Mazda MX-5 will take and if there is any truth to them then we can expect something very special indeed.

Several fan sites are reporting that Mazda is working to keep the weight down of the two seat roadster to around 800kg.  That compares to 1055kg for today’s 1.8 and would make it lighter than a Lotus Elise CR.  Not bad considering it has to carry the same safety kit as both of those cars.  The original MX-5, which took its looks from the Lotus Elan of the 1960s, weighed 955kg upon launch in 1989.

Also being discussed is the possibility of Mazda following the currrent trend of engine downsizing, replacing the 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines of the current model with a turbocharged, high compression 1.5 lite four cylinder motor.

The new sportscar is expected to benefit from Mazda’s SKACTIV engineering principles, which are all about downsizing and losing weight, mainly to improve fuel efficiency and emissions, but which is also likely to benefit the new MX-5 through better acceleration and increased agility.

Expect low friction internals for the engine and turbocharger, a low friction compact gearbox, and high tensile lightweight steels and optimised bonding materials in the body construction.

The new MX-5 in expected to reach the ROI in 2013.  No word on pricing yet.


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