2016 MX-5 Miata thread
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata May Offer Multiple Engine Options
We're now less than a week away from the official reveal of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5, which takes place a quarter of a century after the very first model made its debut in 1989. The rumor mill is still in full swing, however, with the latest news claiming there might be several different engine options when the car finally goes on sale.
Previous generations of MX-5 have traditionally offered one or two different engine sizes, depending on where in the world you live. The original car started out as a 1.6-liter before a mid-life refresh at which time a 1.8 was introduced. The second-gen model came with a 1.8 (with a 1.6 still available in some markets) and its own mid-life facelift brought with it a higher-power 1.8 with variable valve timing. The third generation model, known by its NC chassis code, introduced a 2.0-liter to the range—while a 1.8 was also offered in certain markets.
In the latest car, Go Auto suggests a 1.5-liter from the next-gen Mazda 2 subcompact could be introduced to offer a less expensive model for younger drivers. This would join an expected 2.0-liter SkyActiv unit from the current Mazda 3, and there are even rumors of a diesel unit finding its way into the sports car for the first time. At the launch of the diesel Mazda 3 in Australia, the firm's Australian managing director Martin Benders said the MX-5 would have "potentially more engine options" than the expected 2.0-liter.
Attracting younger customers is certainly a goal, and Mazda recognizes that there's a desire for an inexpensive sports car from younger drivers right now. Mazda does expect more mature drivers to be attracted to the new car too, but cites Toyota's GT 86 (and the Scion FRS and Toyota BRZ) as examples of a lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car that can attract a younger audience. There could be more body-style options too—among rumors for the next-gen car is the possibility of a proper coupe version—something seen only in Japan before, with the second-generation MX-5 Coupe.
Stay tuned for the full reveal on September 3.
Previous generations of MX-5 have traditionally offered one or two different engine sizes, depending on where in the world you live. The original car started out as a 1.6-liter before a mid-life refresh at which time a 1.8 was introduced. The second-gen model came with a 1.8 (with a 1.6 still available in some markets) and its own mid-life facelift brought with it a higher-power 1.8 with variable valve timing. The third generation model, known by its NC chassis code, introduced a 2.0-liter to the range—while a 1.8 was also offered in certain markets.
In the latest car, Go Auto suggests a 1.5-liter from the next-gen Mazda 2 subcompact could be introduced to offer a less expensive model for younger drivers. This would join an expected 2.0-liter SkyActiv unit from the current Mazda 3, and there are even rumors of a diesel unit finding its way into the sports car for the first time. At the launch of the diesel Mazda 3 in Australia, the firm's Australian managing director Martin Benders said the MX-5 would have "potentially more engine options" than the expected 2.0-liter.
Attracting younger customers is certainly a goal, and Mazda recognizes that there's a desire for an inexpensive sports car from younger drivers right now. Mazda does expect more mature drivers to be attracted to the new car too, but cites Toyota's GT 86 (and the Scion FRS and Toyota BRZ) as examples of a lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car that can attract a younger audience. There could be more body-style options too—among rumors for the next-gen car is the possibility of a proper coupe version—something seen only in Japan before, with the second-generation MX-5 Coupe.
Stay tuned for the full reveal on September 3.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 30
From: TN
^ They really need to offer a proper turbo version IMO, something with about 300hp. I'm sure the turbo cars would be 30k+, but that would still be a great bang for your buck.
Also a coupe version would be cool, I know they sold a few Pontiac Solstice hardtops before GM went bankrupt, they are beautiful cars.
Also a coupe version would be cool, I know they sold a few Pontiac Solstice hardtops before GM went bankrupt, they are beautiful cars.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,206
Likes: 219
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
^ They really need to offer a proper turbo version IMO, something with about 300hp. I'm sure the turbo cars would be 30k+, but that would still be a great bang for your buck.
Also a coupe version would be cool, I know they sold a few Pontiac Solstice hardtops before GM went bankrupt, they are beautiful cars.
Also a coupe version would be cool, I know they sold a few Pontiac Solstice hardtops before GM went bankrupt, they are beautiful cars.
There have been a couple of limited-production Miata coupes in the past. But, in general, the car has far more appeal as a convertible.
