Mazda unveiled the chassis that will underpin the next Miata, known as the ND Miata (the current model being the NC). At a glance with the current chassis, not much has changed on the surface. The Power Plant Frame -- that trellis bridging the transmission tunnel and the rear -- looks to be taller and straighter, with larger cutouts. The rear subframe looks more compact, nestling underneath the PPF. The rear strut assembly has been simplified and runs a more aggressive angle. The engine looks like it's in the same front-midship place -- this is good. Mazda claims the center of gravity is the lowest of any Miata yet. The current model is heavily based on an RX-8 chassis; much of it might remain up front, but overall the next chassis appears less complicated.
Even the engine shows a bit of the Miata NA's valve-cover design -- a Skyactiv unit that hasn't yet been announced.
Mazda's 25th Anniversary Edition Miata gets exclusive colors inside and out. Photo by Mazda.
The special edition wears Soul Red with contrasting gloss black paint. Photo by Mazda.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but preorders are being taken. Photo by Mazda.
The all-important numbered badge, for future concours purposes. Photo by Mazda.
The instrument panel starts off with a red base coat, but Piano Black paint is hand-applied. Photo by Mazda.
Hey, metal pedals! Photo by Mazda.
Mazda wasn't lying when it said the new Miata would be here. It's here, just not all of it. Photo by Autoweek.
The
chassis is a natural evolution of the current Miata. Mazda says that
with the body, it should be 220lbs lighter. Photo by Mazda.
Mazda's 25th anniversary display brought out some rare Miatas. Photo by Autoweek.
A second-generation Miata in SCCA's Spec Miata. Photo by Autoweek.
Mazda's very first race car carries the serial number 0017. Photo by Autoweek.
The sweet, sweet Super20. Photo by Autoweek.
The M Coupe debuted at the New York Auto Show 18 years ago. it's still awesome. Photo by Autoweek.
The Club Racer concept debuted alongside the production Miata in 1989. Photo by Autoweek.
The gang's all here. Photo by Mazda.
Mazda's three earliest, lowest VIN Miatas and the Club Racer camp out in front of Dodger Stadium.
Mazda
The chassis is a natural evolution of the current Miata. Mazda says that with the body, it should be 220lbs lighter.
All this bodes well for the Miata and enthusiasts in general --
because Mazda is targeting a weight savings of 220 pounds for the entire
car. The current car weighs 2,480 pounds. While it won't be under that
magical 2,000-pound mark, it will be daringly close to the original
Miata's curb weight of 2,150 pounds.
Mazda says the
Skyactiv chassis is "more in tune with its first-generation predecessor
than with its heavier, larger current-day cousin."
Ouch. Poor, fat NC Miata.
Luckily, the current Miata gets a special edition as it trundles its way out the door.
Mazda
The special edition wears Soul Red with contrasting gloss black paint.
Just 100 examples of the 25th Anniversary Edition Miata will arrive
in America, each individually numbered with that all-important
commemorative badge. Every car will be painted soul red, a deeper and
more metallic paint than the classic red every early Miata seemed to
wear. Almond leather seats and door trim swathe the interior, along with
"25th Anniversary" badges. The glossy instrument panel receives a red
base coat and then piano-black paint that's applied by hand; Mazda
claims that no two pieces will look the same.
It's no turbocharged Mazdaspeed, Flyin' Miata Targa or Super20
in tangible form, but hey -- the aluminum pedals are exclusive! If you
get the six-speed manual, Bilstein shocks are standard. In fact, we
recommend this.
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