The Mazda MX-5 is one of the true legends in the automotive world. Its third generation is currently being produced, and the automaker just recently celebrated a quarter of a century of production. A new version is due to hit the market next year.
On its development, Mazda cooperates with Alfa Romeo , which will launch the same car under the no less iconic name Spider . The price of the car is still being speculated, but it should not be too different from the current generation. It should still be an affordable fun roadster.
A test car was photographed in Michigan, powered by the 1.75 liter engine from the Alfa Romeo 4C. The latter produces 237 horsepower and should be used in the Spider. The basic engine in the Mazda should be the SkyActiv engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 130 hp. Mazda's main emphasis is on reducing CO2 emissions and reducing the weight of the car.
Chief designer Peter Birtwhistle stated that the new generation's appearance will be more " muscular " than the version presented at the Geneva Motor Show. According to him, the car should look " sharpened " and should surprise people. It should also be more attractive to young people. The design should not resemble the recently introduced Mazda 3, rather it should go its own way. A touch of the Kodo design direction of current Mazdas should be retained, but the MX-5 should be easily identifiable. " After three successful generations, you feel like starting from scratch with the look, but you have to take into account the huge customer base that got along with the previous models ". So let's be surprised how the combination of two conflicting intentions will turn out in the end. However, the most important thing for customers will still be how the car drives. Steering has always been the Miata's strongest point.
Source and photo: autoexpress.co.uk
