Some 25 years after the original Mazda MX-5 was unveiled back in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show an all new MX-5 was shown at the Paris Motor Show this week. This new model made its debut last month at company’s new facility the ‘Mazda Space’ in Barcelona and arrives with a new KODO – Soul of Motion design for the exterior characterized by the longer bonnet, the well-known grille and stylish rear end that features LED taillights.
Compared with the predecessor, the new generation MX-5 is 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter and comes with electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Mazda will offer the MX-5 with a Skyactiv-G 1.5-liter petrol engine bolted to a 6-speed manual and automatic Skyactiv transmissions.
The weight reduction also puts the new Mazda MX-5 at a level comparable to the original model, which revived and revolutionised the market for affordable lightweight sports cars when launched back in 1989. More than 947,000 have been produced over the past 25 years, and the MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record as the all-time bestselling two-seater sports car.
For the North American market, the MX-5 will get a bigger 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine, but no details were released regarding the outputs. Rumors indicate that the 1.5-liter engine will deliver 140 hp, while the 2.0-liter will develop up to 200 hp. Mazda’s new MX-5 roadster will go on sale next year as a 2016 model year.
