Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/397024
Grassroots Motorsports 17 The online community only had a single wish: Don't screw it up. Please. The subject, of course, was the forthcoming Mazda MX-5, the popular sports car that most enthusiasts still call the Miata. Mazda won't release this MX-5 until the 2016 model year, but the company did debut the car's new physical appearance with much fanfare Sep- tember 3 in Monterey, California. Duran Duran provided the evening's soundtrack, and the affair was broadcast in real time via YouTube. Our initial impressions? It looks more high-end than any other Miata. If a Jaguar F-type and the current Mazda MX-5 got together for a romantic getaway, this would be the end result. And, really, is looking like you're a member of the current Jaguar family such a bad thing? Mazda was quiet on the technical specifcs. No, we don't have details on the engine, transmis- sion or spring rates. We do know that the new car will be about 220 pounds lighter than the one it replaces. Despite the snarky nose, the ND-chassis MX-5 still meets pedestrian impact standards. The pack- age appears more taut than before, though. The black windshield header helps streamline the looks. The goal, as Mazda explained, was to create a more confdent, upscale look without forgetting the model's heritage. The interior, for example, reminds us of that frst Miata. The taillights also recall those found on the original. The headlights, however, are full LED units that follow today's standards. While we didn't get to drive it–we're told that we'll have that chance in a year or so–sitting behind the wheel brought us to an important con- clusion: Yes, this is a Miata. Revealed: 2016 Mazda MX-5 DRIVERS MEETING courtesy mazda david s. wallens photo courtesy mazda david s. wallens photo