Next Miata Going Super-Lightweight
Details are starting to emerge on the direction of the next MX-5 from Mazda.
Not surprising, given the rapidly approaching fuel economy regs in the US, which are making all makers look closely at lighter weights and more exotic powertrain tech, Mazda is taking the challenges and spinning them in a decidedly Zoom-Zoom sort of way.
The next MX-5, due in 2012 as a 2013, should shed about 300 lbs, putting it much closer to its original 1989 fighting weight. Engines are expected to downsize from the current 2.0l to the 1.6 or 1.8 sizes from generations past as well. Expect these engines to be part of Mazda's SKY-G engine initiative that will see them getting direct injection as well as start-stop tech to further increase mileage without much (if any) compromises in sportiness.
Not surprising, given the rapidly approaching fuel economy regs in the US, which are making all makers look closely at lighter weights and more exotic powertrain tech, Mazda is taking the challenges and spinning them in a decidedly Zoom-Zoom sort of way.
The next MX-5, due in 2012 as a 2013, should shed about 300 lbs, putting it much closer to its original 1989 fighting weight. Engines are expected to downsize from the current 2.0l to the 1.6 or 1.8 sizes from generations past as well. Expect these engines to be part of Mazda's SKY-G engine initiative that will see them getting direct injection as well as start-stop tech to further increase mileage without much (if any) compromises in sportiness.
TCC Spies 2009 Mazda6
The Mazda6 has been quite a successful car for both Mazda - making it a legitimate player in the mid-sized sedan game, and Ford - server as the basis for most of their new mid-sized product (Fusion, Milan, Edge).So, the redesign of the Mazda6 is a big deal - and the folks over at the Car Connection have spotted the new car in disguise.
Ford's versions of the platform were stretched and the new 6 takes advantage of the extra room in the 2nd generation car seen here.
Expect stronger family resemblance to the RX-8, MX-5 (Miata), and the CX crossovers with defined front fender bulges and swoopy light clusters front and rear.Expect the new 6 to debut later this year.
Read all about it over at:
The Car Connection: 2009 Mazda6 Spied