Next Mazda MX-5 to Lose 220 LBS
Mazda’s severed ties with Ford and recent shift to a single, scalable platform have birthed a series of noteworthy products, but there’s one major question mark left in the company’s portfolio.
It still isn’t clear what Mazda plans to do for either of its performance nameplates. Information on the next MX-5 is still scarce, but a new report suggests Mazda plans for its new roadster to weight in 220 lbs lighter than the current car.
That’s significant considering the current car only weighs 2,447 lbs when equipped with the soft top and a manual transmission. Both the convertible hard top and the automatic transmission add weight.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Mazda MX-5 to Get 1.3L Turbo
Mazda will partner with Fiat to build the car, which will lead to both a new MX-5 and a new Spider for Alfa Romeo. While Mazda hasn’t made details about the car availble, past speculation suggests the car will be powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter four cylinder rather than the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four it uses today. That, at least in part, could help account for the weight savings.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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I'd take the 220lb weight reduction as confirmation the next MX-5 Miata will have a rear mounted transmission and torque tube la 944 (not just because of their collaboration with FIAT, but also to maintain their 50:50 weight distribution)