2009 Mazda Cx-7 Grand Touring on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Next-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata mule spied 'Ring testing

Fans of simple, lightweight motoring, rejoice - we now have images of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata undergoing testing at der Nürburgring Nordschleife. Now, to be fair, this isn't some lightly camouflaged example that will give us a great peak of what the next Miata, which will also become the next Alfa Romeo Spider, will look like. This is a mule, with the new bits hidden under a current Miata's body. That doesn't mean there aren't a few scraps of valuable information here, though.
According to our flock of camera-toting spies at the Nürburgring, the next Miata is likely to grow a bit, as new models are wont to do. In particular, it will be longer and wider, and the wheelbase is likely going to be stretched, based on the shape of the wheel wells and doors. Both of those factors will add more space in the cabin.
Those are the big indications provided by these photos, but while the MX-5 might be growing, it's a safe bet based on these images that it, and the (likely pricier) Alfa, will retain the classic, long-hood, short-deck styling that so typifies rear-drive roadsters.

Mazda Miata could get retractable hardtop in New York

The upcoming New York Auto Show just got a little more exciting because Mazda could debut the latest MX-5 Miata with a power retractable hardtop there. The best evidence comes from Autocar, which has an image of Mazda's invitation. The message promises a "world premiere" in the Big Apple and further teases, "Help us blow the lid off the New York Auto Show." The last Miata PRHT made up 52 percent of the roadster's sales mix in the US, so creating another one is an easy decision for the company. According to Autocar, expect the new roof mechanism to be lighter and more compact than the previous design. It would still add some weight compared to the cloth top, but customers would get the added insulation and security from the hardtop. With the NC PRHT as a guide, don't expect many changes for the new other than the roof. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque with either the six-speed manual or automatic should still make for an exciting drive. The hardtop just makes life a little more comfortable if you have to deal with rain or snow for part of the year. We can't wait to see it. Related Video:

Mazda will sell a removable MX-5 Miata hardtop only to racers

Before the advent of the power-folding hardtop NC or the newer MX-5 RF targa, you could buy a fiberglass hardtop to plop on your soft-top Miata. Expensive when new and rather rare, they command top dollar now. And moreover, Spec Miata racers have always sought them for use in that series. Now, what's old is new again, sort of. Mazda Motorsports will sell a removable hardtop for $4,420, but there's a catch. You have to purchase a MX-5 Cup Global race car to order one. A Mazda spokesperson confirmed to Autoblog that non-Cup racers won't be able to purchase a new hardtop for their ND – and furthermore, since it's oddly shaped to clear the rollcage, they might not want to. Second-hand, who knows? Even though it's pricey, it'd offer a different experience than you get from the sexy RF. Related Video: Motorsports Mazda Convertible Racing Vehicles Performance mazda mx-5