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Full 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata pricing released

Take heart, roadster fans. The first 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miatas due for the US are now in production. To go along with that milestone, the Japanese automaker has finally released full pricing for the fourth-generation Miata. As previously revealed, the 2016 Miata in the base Sport trim starts at $24,915 (plus $820 destination), and for that outlay buyers get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque that's matched to a six-speed manual. The convertible comes standard with features like LED lighting and a Bluetooth-equipped audio system. For $1,075 more on all models, customers can spec a six-speed automatic gearbox, and keyless entry is another $130 but standard with the auto 'box. One rung up is the Club trim for $28,600, and it improves things with 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive body kit and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Order the manual trans, and the roadster gets a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a shock-tower brace. There's also a $3,400 package to make this version of the convertible even sportier with 17-inch BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, side sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt. Among the regular trims, the top rung is the Grand Touring for $30,065 that adds luxuries like heated, leather seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights. Mazda's i-Activesense is also standard and includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. Finally, there's the Launch Edition, which is limited to 1,000 units, and it sells for $30,495 (or $31,570 for an automatic). All of them come in an exclusive combo of Soul Red with Sport Tan leather, and buyers get all of the Grand Touring's kit, plus standard keyless entry. The order site for these special roadsters opens on May 5, but hopefuls can pre-register now for a reminder. The first 2016 Miatas should hit dealers in late summer. That should provide some time for top down driving fun before it gets too cold. Related Video: U.S.-Bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Production Kicks Off Today - Mazda Also Announces U.S. Pricing for Entire MX-5 Lineup - IRVINE, Calif. (April 20, 2015) – The wait is almost over, as North America-bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata production began today, signaling the imminent arrival of the next generation of the world's most popular two-seat roadster at U.S. dealers.

Mazda going back to oval grille with next MX-5 Miata

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.

Recharge Wrap-up: Mazda, Subaru and Toyota PHEV, Nomadic Power grant

The next generation of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid looks to be important for Mazda and Subaru as well. Toyota will likely need to sell more of the new plug-in hybrid to meet stricter ZEV standards in California. That means it will get more extra electric range, as customers have been asking for. Subaru and Mazda will also have to adhere to the California standards beginning in 2018. Those two smaller automakers will likely license a plug-in hybrid powertrain from Toyota in order to fulfill compliance. Read more at Green Car Reports. Tesla is partnering with Dalhousie University to improve battery technology. Tesla signed a five-year research agreement with Dalhousie's Jeff Dahn, a lithium-ion battery researcher. Dahn and the 25 researchers in his lab will work with Tesla's Director of Battery Technology, Kurt Kelty, to increase capacity through improved materials. The collaboration could be important both for Tesla's automotive and stationary batteries. "Our research group's goal is to increase the energy density and lifetime of Li-ion batteries, so we can drive down costs in automotive and grid energy storage applications," says Dahn. Read more from Dalhousie University. Nomadic Power is receiving a European Commission grant worth ˆ2 million (about $2.26 million) for trailer-mounted mobile batteries. Nomadic Power's mobile batteries, called Nomads, have incorporated photovoltaic systems and can be used to extend the electric driving range of a plug-in vehicle, or to provide backup power to a home. The Nomads use an intelligent energy management system to learn and predict user behavior and manage the solar system based on weather forecasts. "We see a strong future in electric-powered mobility and an increasing use of renewable energy, photovoltaic power in particular," says Nomadic Power CEO Dr. Manfred Baumgaertner. "Our mobile batteries have great potential in these markets that recently got a significant shot in the arm by Tesla's announcements." Read more from Nomadic Power, and at Green Car Congress. Related Gallery 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In: First Drive View 24 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports, Dalhousie University, Green Car Congress, Nomadic PowerImage Credit: Nomadic Power Government/Legal Green Mazda Subaru Tesla Toyota Technology Electric recharge wrapup