looks like someone took a z3 and did a well done photoshop. Still looks nice though.

 

It's funny. I've seen so many reactions to the 300 lb weight savings that are almost incredulous at the loss. Shaving 300 lbs off the current Miata brings the curb weight back to around 2200 lbs.

I had a Miata in the early 90's right after the model was introduced. Any one want to guess what the curb weight was back then? Yup, about 2200 lbs. Mazda had just managed to fatten up the platform that much over the years.

Get back to basics and return the car to what it once was. It'll handle better, accelerate better, brake better. Oh, and better fuel economy too. That's what I call a win/win.

Just my nickel's worth...YMMV.

Regards.

 

The problem is, it's only really gained 250 lbs and most of that is in new regulatory type stuff (Government mandated safety devices etc). Mazda has talked about their entire model range losing approximately 100kg (About 220 lbs). It won't be easy on the MX-5 but I do look forward to seeing what they achieve.

Paul.

 

I'm certainly not calling you a liar Paul, but someone would have to show me what "government mandated safety equipment" that adds up to 250-odd pounds before I buy that, sorry. My Miata had airbags, ABS, crumple zones, catalytic convertors, air pumps, seatbelts, etc. The only "Federally mandated safety device"I can think of that my MX-5 didn't have that a current model would was a TPMS system, so I'll give you a couple pounds for that.

I'm sure Mazda added weight for what were good reasons (to them), e.g. better NVH characteristics, options that customer demand warranted, etc, basically moving the car upmarket from it's original spirit, but there's not 300 lbs (or 250) of anything federally mandated in there.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not bashing Mazda (much) for adding weight to the car over the last 20 years. I understand market forces and the consumer demands behind them. Hell, I bought a R1 model RX7 in '93. I LOVED it and new exactly what I was buying when I got an R1. So, I was just dumbfounded when the "R2" model was released in '94 due to "consumer complaints" that the car rode to stiff, too much cabin noise, you couldn't get the "cool" Bose waveguide stereo. WTF? The R1 was SUPPOSED to ride stiffer, be louder, be lighter weight without all the crappy stereo equipment. But there's a valuable lesson in that for company's: Give people what they want, not what they think they want. Basically they wanted the wing, the front lip, and the "cool" R1 designation. They DIDN"T want stiffer springs and shocks, less weight from removal of sound deadening, the bose stereo or cruise control.

Ok, how'd I get off on that Rant?! lmao

Take care.

 

what was the estimate on switching to that inverted torx head screw? like 50 lbs on the CX-5?

some of the added weight came from changes in front and rear bumper standards. making them extend farther to the side and the front being built higher and deeper etc. a hundred or so came from just being bigger. they'll lose more than that by going back to the smaller size because of the changes in steel and chassis design. they shouldn't have any problems making weight

 

Agreed Zoom. Most of the weight is in structural changes to meet bumper/hood profile regulations and stricter crumple zoom requirements. Mazdas high tensile steel will help quite a bit.




BTW, you really should listen to Paul. He is trying to school Miata.net folks too. And i'd guest the Mazdas247 crowd, and others as well.

(Good luck with that Paul, there is always going to be at least 1...)

 

Actually, some of the most beloved sports cars of all time – including the Miata – have had relatively small engines compared to other non-sports car cars. For Mazda, it's more about the feel and handling than the speed and power. And that's why I'm on my fourth one. If you want something that's primarily fast, you want a different brand of car.

 

even airbag has been changed significantly, and that adds weight.

more complicated emission system. speaking of that, even the CAT alone weight a lot more than older design simply because u need lower emission.

so 2-300 lbs increase is really easy.

 

*skips the weight debate :p*, well what cars would the miata rival? do you think it will be able to hang with Z4? Audi TT? 2013 Dodge viper?! (just kidding bout that one...if you guys didnt see it yet id suggest you take a glance, not a fan on the wheels but Ive always loved the way the Viper has looked, very aggresive and that V10 is one badass machine)