Ive driven an older one and i really was not thrilled.
Maybe its just me. I hate convertibles in all forms.

Motor Authority's spy photographers have just scored new images of what could be the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the next-generation of the popular roadster and the basis of a new Alfa Romeo Spider.

Wearing a current-generation MX-5 body, the mule has bodywork add-ons that suggest the future hard points of the next-generation two-seater.

Spies report that the car's front overhang seems to have grown, possibly to meet tougher European pedestrian-safety standards. They note the wheelbase appears to be longer than today's car as well.

Given Mazda's emphasis on weight reduction on its current lineup--from the Mazda 3 compact car to the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan--we expect similar measures to keep a tight rein on the new MX-5's curb weight, too.

As for performance, there is no solid information, though earlier reports suggested a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine could be the powerplant for Mazda's model. The Alfa will likely feature a version of the 1.75-liter turbo four found in the 4C.

The new MX-5 will enter production next year and will hopefully be in showrooms by the fall; its Alfa cousin will arrive sometime in 2015.

Stay tuned for updates as development of both cars progresses.

Mazda’s long serving MX-5 Miata is what you would call a true, pure drivers car; an affordable rear-drive, front-engined roadster with a fun value dialed to max. It’s still one of the bestselling roadsters on the market today and retains a strong, loyal following.

Nevertheless, the Japanese carmaker and Alfa Romeo are co-developing a successor to the MX-5 that stays true to the original formula (the Italian manufacturer will get their own distinctive Spider version). So with that in mind, it was decided to digitally envisage how the next MX-5 could look.

Design:

First of all, I’ll make no secret that the design of the original MX-5 never quite appealed in my mind. Sure, it looked like a cute British roadster; yet it was too feminine, barbie-like to seriously consider for my driveway. Successive generations have improve the appeal somewhat, with more gender-neutral styling gracing the current two-seater.

This design study is heavily influenced by Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language, with the aim of making it more masculine whilst retaining those classic sports-car proportions.

So starting at the business end; the long, dynamic hood sweeps down into the bumper. Below this is Mazda’s new corporate grille flanked by headlights that pay homage to prior generation MX-5’s with their smooth, rounded edges. Further down, a heavily flanked lower bumper extension skirts around the sides, helping emphasize the car’s planted stance.

Sharp creases dominate the front fenders as they sweep backwards into the doors - mimicking the effect seen on the Mazda Takeri concept. While the first three generations of MX-5 have had rather upright windscreens, this proposal takes on more of an speedster approach with its heavily raked frontal glass.

One area where the MX-5 has disappointed in the past is in the hindquarters - drab is a word that comes to mind. Anything with a strong frontal presence should equally look great from the rear too; while not illustrated here, the taillights sit neatly into the crisp rear fenders, separated by an aggressive duck-tailed trunk lid.

Interior:

Mazda has been advancing well with its interiors in recent years. Compared with what they were pumping out in the late 1990’s, most of their lineup now boasts premium switchgear, materials and build quality.

However, there is always room for improvement - the MX5 needs to push the envelope further with striking design and sublime detailing. Think about what’s currently found in the Jaguar F-Type, Audi TT and BMW Z4 (but on a budget); such a cabin should make the driver feel special - not the opposite.

Don’t expect cabin real estate be vast; but rather incremental improvements to comfortably seat its occupants with improved hip and legroom. For those rain-doused fast get-aways, a quicker folding ragtop mechanism should help stop upper-body moisture and dampness issues.

What Could Power It:

Of course, a Rotary should - what else? However, back on earth, the next MX5 could use a new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter fours in ‘Skyactiv-G 2’ configuration. Say what? This is an extended development of current Skyactiv premise that brings Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) to the table. Along with improvements in cooling (which is a challenge with HCCI engines), this second-generation setup brings diesel-like efficiency to the petrol engine without having to utilize hybrid technology.

Platform & Handling:

This conceptual study rides on the same base that underpins the Alfa Romeo’s upcoming Spider, so you can bet on one hell of a driver's package. Power will still be fed to the rear wheels via six speed manual or six speed automatic transmissions.

Usually car manufacturers like to get a good balance between ride and handling; for the MX-5, this means additional wheelbase length to help with stability whilst maintaining acceptable ride quality. The Skyactiv philosophy will also target weight reduction in the aim of improving nimbleness for an more engaging drive.

While its Alfa Romeo platform-sibling should provide equal amounts of driving fun, direct competition is expected to arrive in Toyota/Scion GT-86 format. However, until those gas torches finally tackle the GT-86’s roof, Mazda has a relatively clear playing field (unless MX-5 pricing skyrockets).

In summary: My design proposition may appear as a departure from MX5’s of yesteryear, yet I’d ague that change was needed to captivate a broader audience. What emerges once Mazda rips the covers off its next roadster could be an interesting surprise - that 2015 Chicago Auto Show can’t come soon enough.

Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the discussion area below.

The original Mazda MX-5 Miata was distinguished by an oval grille – a design trait that gradually evolved into the smiling cat face on the latest model. But Mazda, according to the latest intel, is planning on returning to that oval grille with the new model in the works.

The revised grille will cap a slightly longer form than models past, while still keeping weight down to a minimum. The stretched wheelbase was reportedly adopted in order to meet the requirements of Alfa Romeo, which is jointly developing the new platform together with Mazda for use on a new roadster of its own.

The new Miata is expected to adopt the 1.5-liter Skyactiv four found in the Mazda3, albeit returned to rev higher and deliver more power and torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic. The Alfa version, meanwhile, is expected to use a 1.4-liter turbo four with a dual-clutch transmission. Sources anticipate the new MX-5 to debut first, possibly at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show a little less than a year from now.

2.0-liter engine could also be planned

A senior engineer within Mazda has allegedly announced the next-gen MX-5 will be offered with a 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine.

Mazda's new Miata will keep the rear-wheel drive layout but the platform has been rethought from scratch and will benefit from a full suite of SkyActiv technologies. Power will come from a 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G enginealso offered in the Mazda3 where it puts out 100 HP (74 kW) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft). However, for the new MX-5 it will be uprated in order to produce more power, while a larger 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G is also being considered.

Sharing platform with an Alfa Romeo roadster (which Mazda will produce), the next generation MX-5 Miata is expected to come with an oval front grille and an updated Kodo design language which will reminiscent the original model.

The model is expected to tip the scales at around 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) and will be approximately 30 percent more fuel efficient thanks to a homogeneous charge compression ignition system.

It is believed the all-new Mazda MX-5 Miata will be introduced sometime next year.

An official sketch of the next generation 2015 (or 2016MY) Mazda MX-5 Miata has been leaked ahead of the roadster model's unveil at the New York Auto Show later this month, confirming a recent report from Autoweek magazine that the Japanese firm would bring the car to the Big Apple for its world premiere.

We don't have any official information in our hands yet and thus, it's unclear whether the new MX-5 seen in this drawing previews the final production car or a very thinly disguised concept, as was the case with the Geneva motor show Mazda2 hatchback.

The styling of Mazda's new rear-wheel drive roadster is consistent with the brand's latest products incorporating the more aggressive and edgier Kodo design language. It's still identifiable as an MX-5, but it seems to have a more masculine feel to it – at least from this sketch.

Sources have indicated that the new car will ride on a lightweight platform and use new engines incorporating the brand's SkyActiv fuel efficiency technology – reportedly in four-cylinder 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter displacements.

The Fiat-Chrysler Alliance (FCA) has worked together with Mazda on the development of the fourth-gen MX-5 and plans to reveal its own car based on the Japanese roadster's underpinnings next year. Originally, Fiat announced that it would build an Alfa Romeo Spider replacement on the MX-5 chassis, but FCA boss Sergio Marchionne recently told journalists that the company is having second thoughts, and may end up using the platform for another brand – possibly Fiat or Abarth.

New SKYACTIV model promises to be SKYACTIV

A draft of Mazda's SKYACTIV press release for the SKYACTIV MX-5 has leaked to the SKYACTIV web, ahead of a possible debut at the SKYACTIV New York Auto Show.

Designed to be more SKYACTIV than its predecessor, the SKYACTIV model has SKYACTIV technology that SKYACTIVically improves every aspect of the SKYACTIV car. Unfortunately, the SKYACTIV press release is only partically filled in.

Despite the lack of details, we can expect SKYACTIV engines, SKYACTIV transmissions, a SKYACTIV chassis and a SKYACTIV suspension. We can also expect other SKYACTIV technologies but there's no word on SKYACTIV specifics.

Note: If you think we're being cruel, Mazda mentioned SKYACTIV 137 times in the European press kit for the 2013 Mazda6.