MX-5 Mazda MX5 Miata Facelift Thread

[far2000]

The current styling of the Mazda MX-5 could well be described as just a bit boring with very round corners that play it safe. Mazda would like to change the image of its iconic little roadster and revised styling is certainly on the way. We have an early shot of the changes courtesy of the interwebs and, while they are a welcome refresher, the design team didn't quite go far enough. The only real changes visible to the naked eye are in the front fascia, which sports styling inspired by tweaks made to the latest rotary-powered RX-8. Front and center is a gaping grill that features five distinct corners instead of the old oval opening. Flanking that new mug are angled fog light surrounds and swept-back headlights above. The changes are mostly design elements seen on Mazda's latest batch of concept cars, though overall it's a safe update for an already safe design – and very close to what we were expecting – but we're still hoping for more from the next-gen MX-5.

 

[Cashmere]

Seems to look even more similar to the Honda S2000.

 

[warot]

Seems to look even more similar to the Honda S2000.

Agreed. Hell the wheels look like they are exact replicas from an S2000

 

[martinbo]

Great car, looks even better with this subtle facelift. It's not like it needed it anyhow. Now, if they'd just be smart enough to drop that 2.3 litre DISI turbo in the MX-5, now that would be interesting.

 

[Monster]

Bigger photo, I don't like the front, it is just too aggressive for a car like the MX-5, and the car is now visually front heavy.

http://imageshack.us

 

[///K]

The generation before this is still the best looking miata. I have to say that mazda is doing good, new mazda 6 actually looks good. Can't say the same for the CX7 and CX9 though.

 

[Monster]

Official photos have been released. The front looks good on its own, but it just doesn't go well with the rest of the car.

 

[Merc1]

I've always liked the Miata. I remember when I first saw one in 1990. I'd like a little more power though.

M

 

[Monster]

I've always liked the Miata. I remember when I first saw one in 1990. I'd like a little more power though.

M

Mazda Australia had authoritised a bunch of turbo MX-5 for sale in Australian market only for the previous gen MX-5, they called it the SP version with 147kW. According to reviews the car was a fantastic drive. I hope Mazda Aust will do the same for this gen of MX-5.

 

[Mr. M]

Mazda Australia had authoritised a bunch of turbo MX-5 for sale in Australian market only for the previous gen MX-5, they called it the SP version with 147kW. According to reviews the car was a fantastic drive. I hope Mazda Aust will do the same for this gen of MX-5.

Or you can always put your own turbo.

 

[Monster]

Or you can always put your own turbo.

I look forward to seeing photos of your turbo monster pretty soon. A Aussie company offers V8 engine transplant for 1st and 2nd generation MX-5s. I think they charge $100k AUD for it in total.

 

[klier]

Bigger photo, I don't like the front, it is just too aggressive for a car like the MX-5, and the car is now visually front heavy.

Agressive? I was about to reply it looks like the car has a huge smile on it's face...

btw, did you guys notice that the whole front until the A-pillar appears to be made out of ONE piece of plastic/metal???? That's pretty awesome!

 

[Monster]

Agressive? I was about to reply it looks like the car has a huge smile on it's face...

The front grill is just too big for my preference.

btw, did you guys notice that the whole front until the A-pillar appears to be made out of ONE piece of plastic/metal???? That's pretty awesome!

Not really, the bumper to front quarter panel gap is just extremely tight. I have circled the panel gap there. It has to be one of the tightest gap I have ever seen.
http://imageshack.us

 

[klier]

Wow, that's fantastic engineering....Ferdinand Piech will be jealous!!!! It's so small you barely can see it

 

[Levi68]

Mazda MX-5 Yusho

Supercharged 2.0l I4 (Cosworth)
241 PS
274 Nm
Bilstein suspension
Toyo R888 215/40 17" tires

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept

Naturally Aspirated 2.0l I4
208 PS

The release of the Toyota 86 is making other sports car manufacturers a little nervous, but if cars like the MX-5 GT Concept are the result than let’s hope the trend continues.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Is the Yusho built by Mazda and Cosworth only ?
The MX-5 is a masterpiece! It's so simple and perfect in every department... I love it
Can't wait to see the next generation
...a 320HP NA V6 GT86 TS is still my dream toy tho but will it happen...

 

[Levi68]

Is the Yusho built by Mazda and Cosworth only ?
The MX-5 is a masterpiece! It's so simple and perfect in every department... I love it
Can't wait to see the next generation

Mazda only, but with Cosworth Ford Duratec/Mazda MRZ parts like camshaft, forged pistons and such.

...a 320HP NA V6 GT86 TS is still my dream toy tho but will it happen...

H6

 

[mini_cooper4]

320HP NA H6 might be a bit too expensive for that type of car
I can live with a Toyota V6 if they keep it NA