Mazda Unveils the New Miata MX-5 Roadster

Mazda first unveiled the MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show back in February 10, 1989, the first year models were delivered as 1990 models, as the Miata MX-5 comes up on its twenty-fifth anniversary, Mazda announces the brand new 2015 Mazda Miata MX-5 Roadster.

2The new model will be smaller and lighter than the outgoing model, weighing in at 220 pounds less as well as being 3 inches shorter and half a inch less wide.

The shaving off of 220 pounds is not exactly an easy feat as the outgoing car only weighs 2,500 pounds, that means the car loses 8.8% of its weight from the last generation.

The original Mazda started at just $13,800 and with 116 horsepower and weighing in at 2,181 pounds, the car was a great fun car to drive, in fact so great that in 1990 it accounted for more than 10% of Mazda’s automobile sales.

It also attracted a lot of eyes from competitors, which went on to create cars such as the Honda S2000, the BMW Z3, and the Porsche Boxster, but none could match the cheap affordable fun the Mazda Miata MX-5 provided.

Throughout the years, Mazda has sold over 930,000 copies of the Miata across the world, earning bragging rights in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best selling roadster in the world.

This success has lead Fiat to latch on to the success of the car, Fiat helped develop the car, and in return Mazda agreed to use the underpinnings to build a Fiat roadster, which will get its own powertrain and styling, set to go on sale in late 2015.

That said, the information in regards to the engine and transmission for the new Mazda Miata has yet to be released, but it is expected to have a four cylinder engine mated to a six speed manual transmission with an automatic option.

We think the new aggressive look replacing the outgoing version is a good change for the car and are looking forward to seeing it out on the road.

 

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