Mazda MX-5 News

Just as rear-wheel drive die-hard BMW prepares its first front-wheel drive models, Mazda could be plotting a return to the layout for future passenger vehicles.Mazda has never let go of rear-wheel drive for its sporty MX-5 and its light commercial BT-50 range, and Edmunds reports that there is a push from within the Japanese brand to revert to rear-drive for more mainstream models as a means of differentiation. Mazda, along with most other brands, abandoned rear-drive for its mainstream models in the early 1980s due to inherent cost, packaging, weight, and efficiency compromises. The last Mazda passenger car to send power to the rear wheels only was the top-line HE-generation 929 model, which bowed out in 1997.Nowadays, the mainstream Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 models are all front-drive, with the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs also using a front-biased transverse engine layout.Rear-drive remains the accepted choice on a purely dynamic basis, with the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus maintaining the layout as a design fundamental.A Mazda rear-wheel drive shift could enhance the brand’s appeal to enthusiast drivers, but the inherent challenges would need to be overcome to maintain mainstream appeal.Premium brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to remain successful with rear-drive mainstream models, and look to continue limiting front-drive options to the smaller, more cost-conscious ends of their respective ranges.Significantly, BMW and Mercedes’ big-selling rear drivers sit well up the price scale from any Mazda offering – helping to justify their expensive development. The Mazda push is reportedly coming from within its engineering department, but top management is said to be cold on the idea due to the cost of rejigging platforms to suit. Justification could come thanks to Alfa Romeo’s own desire for more rear-wheel drive models, considering the two brands’ existing relationship for the upcoming Alfa Spider/next MX-5 duo. It’s a long shot at this stage, with no official confirmation of such a strategy, but the rumoured replacement for the defunct RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes would be a logical first step.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The prototype was sighted near Chrysler’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and given Alfa’s relationship with Chrysler, it’s likely we’re seeing the Alfa half of the project.Mazda’s half of the bargain will yield the next generation MX-5 roadster, and Alfa Romeo will build a uniquely styled version with Alfa drivetrain components – tipped to be badged 2C Spider.The images clearly show the new model will grow in wheelbase between the doors and the front wheelarches, creating overall proportions similar to the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ twins.Also visible are headlights that protrude beyond the current body, suggesting the front overhang will also grow – likely to suit European pedestrian safety standards.The doors look to have been lengthened, and pumped up rear wheelarches suggest track widths will also grow. The exhaust outlets are also slightly different to the current MX-5, and their finished appearance could mean we are looking at the Alfa’s production tips.The Alfa is likely to use a version of its MultiAir 1.4 litre turbo four cylinder engine, while the Mazda is expected to use a 1.3 litre turbo Skyactiv unitBoth versions are expected to undercut the current folding-hardtop MX-5’s 1167kg weight, with Mazda targeting 1000kg through its Skyactiv weight reduction strategy. The new MX-5 is set to appear some time in 2015, with the Alfa version appearing soon after. 

There are all manner of rumours concerning the next-generation Mazda MX-5, with reports claiming the car will feature a compact turbocharged engine, tip the scales at less than 997kg and perhaps even offer a dual-clutch transmission.What we do know is that the car will be based on a rear-wheel-drive platform developed by Mazda, and that it will be built at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan.We also know that the same platform will be used for a new Alfa Romeo model, which may end up reviving the “Duetto” or “Spider” names. Now Autocar is reporting that Mazda is considering offering a diesel option on its next-generation MX-5. Potential hurdles for the diesel, according to the report, include low demand, a lack of revs and too much weight (diesel engines typically weigh more than their gasoline counterparts).Though it’s unlikely a diesel-powered MX-5 will in fact see production, the next-generation Mazda MX-5 is due out in 2014 and will be joined by its Alfa Romeo sibling in the following year.www.motorauthority.com 

The MX-5 Super25 goes beyond the short-track prowess of the Super20, the previous MX-5 concept vehicle built for SEMA (America's annual accessory expo in Las Vegas). Unlike its predecessor which was loud, proud and boisterous with its bursts of turbocharged energy the Super25 was crafted with endurance racing in mind. Known for its commanding number of grassroots motorsports racers, the MX-5 is the epitome of a light and limber sports car that won't burn a hole through an enthusiast's pocket. With such a dependable starting point from which to build, the MX-5 was an optimal choice for creating a concept with the ability to handle such long-distance, weary-heavy racing. It's outfitted with a multitude of racing-inspired exterior features coupled with Mazda Design-created interior touches. The Super25 features MazdaSpeed Motorsports Development livery and is poised on 17-inch Volk Racing T37 six-spoke matte black wheels suited in BFGoodrich g-Force R1 225-45ZR17 tyres. A Sparco Evo competition racing seat provides the lone sitting area. The driver's cockpit is further customised with Mazda Design-developed Charcoal ultra-suede material featuring Tomato Red perforated inserts. The six-point racing harness by Sparco ensures the driver is snug as well as comfortable during competitions while an AiM MXL data acquisition logger custom-fitted into the dash offers real-time ECU figures. No mechanical details were forthcoming.      

Mazda has dropped the cut-price soft-top version of its MX-5 convertible with the arrival of an updated model this week. It is now only available with the more expensive folding metal roof, previously a $3000 price premium. The soft-top last sold for $44,265 but the new model now starts at $47,280.Contrary to expectations of a price cut, this now puts the MX-5 further from recent sports-car rivals from Hyundai, Toyota and Subaru, available for between $23,990 and $37,150. Mazda Australia says that when both soft- and hard-top versions of the MX-5 were offered, 95 per cent of buyers opted for the folding metal roof, which adds just 35kg to the car’s feather weight. “We decided to stop importing the soft-top because there was zero demand for it,” says Mazda Australia marketing manager Alastair Doak. “All through last year trickled down and it was a dealer-order only model – and dealers weren't stocking them either. “Buyers were favouring the hard-top because of the extra security, the extra convenience.” However, the company hasn’t ruled out reviving the soft-top for the next generation MX-5 due in 2014. “You would have to look at it with fresh eyes … look at what customers demand, and satisfy previous owners, so we wouldn’t rule out,” says Doak.  

We've been drip-fed tidbits of the new Mazda 6, but a leaked image early today gave a clearer view, which was followed by Mazda releasing three official images.

The makeover of the MX-5 will see it through to the next generation, expected to arrive later this year or early in 2013.

  The roadster will be based on the rear-wheel drive MX-5 platform and built at Mazda’s plant in Hiroshima, Japan. However the two cars will be given individual styling treatment – and carry different engines – for each of the badges. A statement from Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said the joint project highlighted Fiat’s commitment to building Alfa Romeo into “a truly global brand”. “By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship,” the statement said. Mazda hinted that the collaboration would be followed by others. “Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction,” the Japanese carmaker’s CEO Takashi Yamanouchi said. The announcement said the Alfa-Romeo version of the car would start rolling off the production line in 2015, which means the new MX-5 could arrive in showrooms ahead of its Italian relation –possibly by early 2014 at the latest -- although Mazda is not ready to confirm dates yet. “We haven’t made any announcement of a production start date for the next MX-5,” was all Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver would share on the subject. However he was clear on which side of the partnership would be responsible for development of the project – and why. “Rear-wheel drive has been the basis of the MX-5’s success over the years,” he pointed out. “We will lead the development, with the project based on the next generation MX-5 platform with Skyactiv technology and the benefit of Mazda suspension tune and dynamics. However my understanding is that Alfa will use a Fiat powertrain.” Both companies have been seeking partnerships in the crusade to trim costs and expand markets. Marchionne has said previously Fiat’s brands (including Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge) need to expand to annual global sales of 6 million – a 60 per cent rise on the 2010 total of 3.6 million. Meantime Mazda, despite its success in the Australian market, had global sales of 1.3 million and is looking to head of a fourth year of losses by activating more volume at its factories.