According to Mazda the current generation of MX-5 has gotten to heavy for their liking hence they set a goal for the next incarnation to loose about 98kg to come close to the weight of the MX-5 Superlight concept. According to Officials at Mazda, making the MX-5 lighter will replicate the spirit of the original one weighing in at 970kg.
Among the measures Mazda plans to carry out through a smaller and lighter engine, likely to copy the original’s 1.6-litre capacity. “We are testing both 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, which undercut our current 2.0-litre unit but deliver the same 160-170bhp power range,” they further added. The dimensions of the car's platform and wheelbase will remain intact but front & rear overhangs will be trimmed. Lightweight construction techniques will also be employed. Mazda is experimenting with using new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its bodyshells.
Mazda is putting Takao Kijima who is the chief engineer for the first gen MX-5 as a special advisor for the new car. The new car is due in 2011. To put a "SMILE" in your face, sources are suggesting that the price could come down, too, to reflect the new MX-5’s more simple appeal. :)
Source : Autocar
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