Yes, this isn't new (Oct 2003) but it is still interesting for a number of reasons: 180 hp & 2200 lbs. While the styling may not be indicative of the new Miata, those numbers may still be targets. The chasis allowed the engine to be shifted back over 15" from the current Miata and 1.5" lower. 14" shorter than the current Miata, though slightly wider with a longer wheelbase and 215/18 tires. I think it might be a great car to drive if 'styling' isn't all you're interested in. Incidentally, this concept car was also a hybrid with a relatively small 42v battery.mceb said:
I agree with you on this one. One thing that Mazda has been always critisized for is been cabin space. Big and tall people don't fit. I would think that the next gen Miata will try to address this and that will make it hard to meet the 2200lb goal. Bigger cabin, bigger car, more weight. They might use more expensive materials and manufacturing processes to get the weight down all of which will raise the cost. I have a feeling that the next Miata will cost a bit more anyhow. I have a feeling they have their sights on Honda territory and feel their reputation will allow them to get more for their cars. They might let Pontiac (and Dodge??) have the entry level roadster market.Fformula88 said:
the other side of the coin is that mazda has sold tons of miatas the size it is now. it would be very risky to chance pissing off those people (who fit, and like the drive) with a arger/heavier car. instead, go in the opposite direction. keep it the same size inside, but package everything better so that overall size/weight drops.AeroDave said:
Good point. It's a little amusing to hear the Miata described as the main, or even a new, competitor for the Solstice (don't worry, I know what the intended meaning is). In less than 15 years, there's been over 700,000 Miatas sold. Last I heard, the Solstice was looking at 20,000 units a year.Bizz said:
I guess that would be going back to the first generation Miata. I recall it was smaller and lighter than the one now. The bigger one has been a big success, so I doubt they'll be down sizing. New models rarely seem to get smaller, almost always bigger. Until of course they get too big, and then they are down sized and call something like "Miata II".Bizz said:
I've heard claims that the NA Miata actually has a more spacious interior than the NB Miata. I've also heard that one of the reasons for the MGB's success was a substantially larger interior due to its new frame. If the Ibuki shows what's possible as a true concept car, imagine what the NC Miata could become if intended as a practical commuter with a real trunk? In the end, true success for a 2-seater in the American market might have more to do with trunk size than hp-to-weight ratio, but the NC Miata may be on track to take both claims. Price to market--let's wait & see.AeroDave said:
But why engage in silly theoretical speculation, when there's already some covered post-mule, pre-production photos floating around?robrecht said:
The spy photos are kind of fun to look at but they really only tell us a couple of things. 1) they are considering a chrome windshield frame. (they could easily change thier minds) 2) the over all size is about the same as it is now. Thankfully it didn't grow. 3) the gas cap is on the left side. Who knows what is under the covers? Could look like an RX8, could look like an Ibuki, and with enough foam camo under there it could even look like a Dodge Aries. As to the wheel size, I completely agree with you on the 16" wheels, they would be better for a car this size, but wheels are very much fashion, and in America bigger is better. So I wouldn't count on the Miata sticking with 16"s. They could easily change their minds and go with 18"s to satisfy the demand for gigantic bling-bling.robrecht said:
i wasnt sure. i had read a long time ago that they had improved interio space a tad when they redid the exterior. btw, liked the changes, hated the way the originals looked.robrecht said:
