1990 Mazda Miata Convertible on 2040-cars

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2015 SEMA Show Recap | Autoblog Minute

We take a trip to Las Vegas for a preview of the 2015 SEMA Show, the trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals and enthusiasts. Autoblog's Eddie Sabatini reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute, with commentary from Senior editor, Greg Migliore. Chevrolet Ford Honda Mazda Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video galpin

Chicago Auto Show page claims 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to produce 155 hp [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Mazda wasn't willing to confirm or deny the figures cited by the Chicago Auto Show, although we're betting the 155-horsepower figure is a bit on the low side. As for the CAS page, a Mazda spokesman told Autoblog that they "aren't sure where they got that number." The horsepower estimate has since been pulled down. Well, someone may have made a boo-boo. The Chicago Auto Show is currently hosting a page that claims the Mazda MX-5 will produce 155 horsepower, courtesy of a 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder. If this is correct, it'd be the first time the MX-5's US power output had been revealed. The 155 hp figure would account for a 12-hp drop from that of the outgoing MX-5, though, a corresponding weight loss should still improve the power-to-weight ratio for the 2016 model. Now, the CAS page could simply be following previous reports, including one from Autoblog. As recently as October, it was being reported that the MX-5 would be powered by a 2.0-liter, Skyactiv four-cylinder, a version of which is producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in the Mazda3. Naturally, we've reached out to Mazda for comment – or perhaps even confirmation – on the info from CAS, although we aren't expecting a reply until at least later this morning (darn time zones). Of course, as soon as we hear anything, we'll update this story. Related Video:

Fiat 124 caught entirely undisguised

Dear automakers, please continue making these kind of mistakes. Thanks to what we're guessing is some lax security, the all-new, Mazda MX-5 Miata-based Fiat 124 was spotted taking part in a photo shoot near Santa Barbara, CA. The images show what we'd consider a fairly simple rebadging job. The 124 gets new front and rear clips that not only harken back to the original 124 (not to mention other Fiat roadsters, like the Barchetta), but also serves to distance this droptop from the rest of the company's US range. The similarities between the 124 and the car it's based on are even more obvious in the cabin. This is an MX-5 interior with Fiat's big, red badge on the tiller. That means the same quality materials and knob-dial infotainment system that have been so well received in the Miata. It's under the hood, though, where the Fiat really differs from its Japanese cousin. According to our spy, the vehicle shown here features some kind of two-pedal setup – probably the six-speed Euro twin-clutch used in the 500L and Dodge Dart. Don't worry, though, a six-speed stick will also be on offer. Regardless of transmission, we can expect a 180-horsepower version of the 1.4-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder offered in the 500 Abarth. And if that's not enough good news, a dedicated Abarth model will likely arrive after launch, which our spies claim will use the 1.75-liter turbo and DCT from the Alfa Romeo 4C. While this represents a good look at the new 124, we'll probably be waiting until the LA Auto Show in November for the official look. Stay tuned.