The MX-5 Miata is as uncomplicated and pure as a sports car can get. Since the two-seater entered the marketplace more than 20 years ago, the MX-5 has defied the convention that sports cars, particularly convertibles, were pricey, unattainable flights of fancy reserved for those with deep pockets. But enthusiasts come in all shapes, all ages, and with a variety of pocket sizes so it’s no wonder that with more than 900,000 units sold, the MX-5 is by far still the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world, and with the Guinness World Records to prove it.

Affordable, exceptional and tuned to produce driver happiness, new for the 2013 model year is the Club trim. Replacing the Touring trim of previous model years, Club offers consumers the no-nonsense aggressive appeal seen in previous special edition versions but within a more affordable price realm.

“The MX-5 Miata has been a global success and an enthusiast favorite from the get-go,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “The continued passion for the MX-5 is a testament to Mazda’s dedication to producing a true driver’s car, and we look forward to sharing its next milestone with its ever-growing loyal fan base.”

Dynamics Delivered

At the heart of the 2013 MX-5 remains the highly-responsive MZR 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with an output of 167 horsepower at 7,000 rpm (158 horsepower at 6700 rpm for automatic-equipped models) with 140 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The sophisticated, sturdy engine is light and compact, offers strong performance and unmatched responsiveness for its nearly 50:50 weight distribution of the already svelte roadster. With a 7,200-rpm redline (6,700 rpm in automatics), the flexible engine delivers driving exhilaration throughout the rev range. Reacting to driving commands with lightning-quick reflexes and progressive power delivery are linear keys to MX-5’s stellar driving controls.

A thrilling engine growl adds to the already intoxicating joy of the MX-5’s handling capabilities. The original 1.6-liter engine-equipped 1990 model was tuned to mimic the sound of dual-carbureted sports cars of the 1960s, and thus the classic sound has been a hallmark of the roadster. Key to a fuel-injected engine sounding identical was a careful tuning of intake resonance, and directing the engine’s air intake toward the driver so that the pleasing audio reverberates with full effect. However, while the first-generation MX-5 did just that, it also drew in hot under-hood air from behind the radiator. Introduced in 2006, the third (and current) generation MX-5’s engine draws in cool air from the nose of the vehicle for better efficiency, but creating that classic induction sound now requires the assistance of new technologies.

The lightweight plastic composite intake manifold itself has been designed to transmit certain frequencies to match the original sports car tone while suppressing less ideal sounds. 2013

MX-5 models with six-speed manual transmissions are equipped with an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE). Consisting of a series of tuned pipes and a passive resonance membrane, the ISE delivers the engine’s natural induction sound to the cowl, just ahead of the windshield, so more attractive engine sounds can be heard at a satisfying volume without resorting to simply being loud, obtrusive noise.

The MZR 2.0-liter engine is mounted front mid-ship for precise handling balance and nimbleness. Utilizing an aluminum block and head for decreased weight and increased structural rigidity ultimately enhanced performance and refinement. Chain-driven double-headed camshafts and 16 valves are used for improved revving and flexibility. Variable intake valve timing betters low-end torque and high-end power. Additional engine features include a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods with floating wrist pins, revised pistons with stronger wrist pin bosses, stiffer valve springs and an engine oil cooler.

Standard equipment is a five-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter (Sport models only). An available six-speed manual gearbox offers gear ratios close-stacked to enhance driving enjoyment. A six-speed automatic transmission adds yet another dimension to the MX-5 to fit a variety of consumer preferences. Automatic transmission-equipped models feature steering-wheel mounted dual-paddle shifters. The upper paddle commands downshifts while the lower paddle controls upshifts, similar to race car operation. For all transmissions, engine torque is coordinated with the shift sequence, resulting in smooth, seamless and faster gear changes for inspired driving.

Devilish Details

The 2013 MX-5 features an updated style from outside in. All trims receive a fresh new front fascia. Fog lights are now standard on Sport models, and Grand Touring vehicles receive a new 17-inch alloy wheel design. The most significant modification, however, involves the all-new Club trim, which subsequently replaces the Touring trim and is situated between the entry-level Sport and luxury-loaded Grand Touring

For both soft-top and Power Retractable Hard Top-equipped (PRHT) Club models, distinctive exterior characteristics abound. Dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels – previously featured on 2012 MX-5 Special Edition models – are now standard as are black-colored details such as outside mirrors, head lamp bezels and rooftop. A front air dam and rear diffuser are now included as well as the seat back bar garnish now displayed in a glossy dark gray motif. For Club models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Suspension Package also is included, with specialized exterior “Club” graphics and badges rounding out the finishing touch to fashion an attractively bold MX-5 look.

Continuing through into the interior is the Club theme with an all-new body-color decoration panel featuring distinguishing graphics. Red contrast stitching is featured on the black cloth seats. In Sport models, black upholstery with black stitching is standard while leather seats are standard in Grand Touring models in either black or an all-new-for-2013 Spicy Mocha color. Sport and Grand Touring models also receive a revised dark gray decoration panel (changed from silver).

Overall, the MX-5 continues to personify a perfected balance, inside and out. From its long, lean body, which features a supplely rounded yet edgy tone, to its snug yet comfortable interior, which focuses on the seat behind the wheel, everything is geared toward the joy of driving. And although a convertible, not all top-down breezes are created equal. To minimize cockpit turbulence, small quarter windows positioned between the windshield pillars and door mirrors block drafts into the vehicle while an aero board located between the seat back hoops is tall and perforated to hinder reverse-flow air currents. With such attention to detail, a wind-weaving 0.32 coefficient of drag for PRHT models (0.34 coefficient of drag for soft tops) comes as no surprise

Fuel economy for the five-speed manual-equipped Sport models is an EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway miles per gallon (MPG). For all models outfitted with a six-speed manual transmission, fuel economy is rated at 21 city/28 highway MPG. Club and Grand Touring models featuring a six-speed automatic transmission achieve an estimated MPG rating of 21 city/28 highway.

Packaged For a Perfect Fit

The MX-5 Miata was developed primarily for the North American market and throughout the vehicle’s history the region has come through to remain dominant in global sales for what has inevitably become the world’s best-selling two-seat convertible.

Available with two distinctive and easy-to-operate head wraps, the 2013 MX-5 Miata comes standard with a Z-fold design soft-top or the industry-leading Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT).

The soft top, available on all trim levels, continues to set the industry standard with its simplicity and ease of use. With a central latch handle, the top requires only an effortless hand motion to fold and stow behind the seats. The top itself descends into a cleverly designed storage well, thus leaving the 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space completely untouched.

Available on Club and Grand Touring trims only, the PRHT is stored in the same manner as the soft top, again not affecting storage space. Designed to perform in any climate, PRHT models outsell soft-top models by a 4:1 ratio worldwide. Using a single-button operation, the PRHT offers one of the fastest power-operated opening-and-closing cycles for a hard top in North America at a highly efficient 12 seconds – faster than the never-convenient red-light-green-light pause.

In terms of packaging, the Sport model (vinyl black soft top only) represents the easiest entry for any sports car enthusiast, regardless of budget. Whether the driver has an instinctive lead foot or is just looking to let more sun shine in, the lightweight MX-5 Sport will never be categorized as a slug. Weighing in at a fat-trimmed 2,447 lbs., Sport models are equipped with a short-throw shifter five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 205/50R16 high-performance Yokohama ADVAN A11A tires, dual exhausts, chrome headlamp bezels, power-adjustable mirrors, power windows with a driver’s one-touch up/down feature, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, an auxiliary audio jack and speed-sensing automatic volume control. The black-cloth upholstered bucket seats feature manual reclining, forward/back sliding functions as well as seat height adjustment.

With the six-speed automatic transmission, the Convenience Package is automatically combined to add features such as cruise control, a “global open” window function (the ability to lower all windows via keyless transmitter prior to entering vehicle), power lock doors, remote keyless entry, silver seatback trim, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and trip computer.

Moving up to the Club, with its edgy characteristics, the standard manual transmission adds another gear stroke to six as well as a shock tower brace. The now-standard Suspension Package (MT only) includes a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and a limited slip differential.

The exterior can be topped only in black in either a soft cloth or a PRHT. As previously mentioned, Club-specific badges and graphics distinguish the new kid from its more-established siblings as do heavy-on-dark features in the form of black outer mirrors, black headlamp bezels, a black front air dam, a black rear diffuser, dark gray seat back trim and dark gunmetal 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 street sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.

The Convenience Package available on the Sport trim comes as standard equipment on Club models as does a leather shift knob, contrasting red stitching on black cloth seats, a dark gray contoured surround meter around the gauges and a body-color dash panel.

For a more luxurious feel, the top-of-the-line Grand Touring sits on 17-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels packaged with 205/45R17 high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. Available with either a black or Spicy Mocha cloth soft top or a body-colored PRHT, the interior features the Sport’s Convenience Package as well as leather-trimmed seats with five heat settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, leatherette door trim, a Bose® seven-speaker premium surround sound audio system, silver seat back bar trim and a leather-wrapped parking brake.

Available packages for Grand Touring models are the Suspension and Premium Packages, both of which must be ordered together. The Suspension Package features Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. The Premium Package offers an anti-theft alarm, a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, xenon headlights, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System and Sirius Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription (Sirius Satellite Radio is an available option on Sport and Club models). When fully-equipped and topped with a PRHT, the MX-5 still weighs a corner-hugging, road-tossing 2,619 lbs.

The continued weight-savings can be found in the form of aluminum – in the hood, trunk lid, foot control arms, rear uprights and rear calipers. The MX-5’s unibody makes widespread use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength tensile steel, which increases body strength while decreasing weight.

The sturdy MZR 2.0-liter engine has an aluminum block and head, the exhaust manifold is crafted from lightweight tubular steel (instead of cast iron) and the intake manifold and cam cover are constructed from lightweight composite plastic. Combined with its track-proven suspension and responsive power, the rear-wheel-drive roadster is a lightweight only in pounds and not street prowess.

Standard Safety

All models of the 2013 MX-5 Miata include advanced safety features such as dual front airbags with a passenger deactivation switch, side impact airbags, side impact door beams, three-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Also, all Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Using either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, vehicle owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Twenty-six years after it was introduced at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the much anticipated fourth generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will meet the press at the 2015 Chicago show. A piece in Autocar refines some of the details on the larger, lighter Miata that a Mazda insider has said will be "our best-looking car ever."

The company has relented on the quest for the metric tonne, the 1000-kilogram (2,200-pound) target too difficult to achieve in light of cost constraints. You can still expect it to lose a generous dollop of weight - Autocar says a curb weight of 1,100 kg (2,420 pounds) will still make it the lightest in its class. And Mazda will be stressing a fun driving experience through light weight and a modest amount of naturally-aspirated horsepower. Engine capacities of 1.5 and 2.0 liters are expected. Sounds familiar (and good), right?

The Miata's interpretation of Kodo design will be veer from that found on the Mazda3 and Mazda6, with "very clean and simple" lines marking out "more muscular proportions" and elongated bodywork on a longer wheelbase. A stretched engine bay will make room for the current Skyactiv engine and perhaps the future Skyactiv 2 powerplants, initial reports suggesting there could be a 30-percent increase in fuel economy from the moment it arrives.

Two flavors of top-down operation will continue, those being the soft- and folding metal hardtop. That next iteration of the hardtop will lose weight and take up less space, making for a bigger bit of space in the trunk. The next Miata will go on sale in 2015, supposedly joined at some point by the Alfa Romeo brother it will share a platform with.

The company has relented on the quest for the metric tonne, the 1000-kilogram (2,200-pound) target too difficult to achieve in light of cost constraints. You can still expect it to lose a generous dollop of weight - Autocar says a curb weight of 1,100 kg (2,420 pounds) will still make it the lightest in its class.

The MX-5 Miata is as uncomplicated and pure as a sports car can get. Since the two-seater entered the marketplace more than 20 years ago, the MX-5 has defied the convention that sports cars, particularly convertibles, were pricey, unattainable flights of fancy reserved exclusively for those with deep pockets. But enthusiasts come in all shapes, all ages, and with a variety of pocket sizes so it’s no wonder that with more than 900,000 units sold, the MX-5 is by far still the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world, and with the Guinness World Records to prove it.

“Affordable and tuned to produce driver happiness, the MX-5 Miata has been a global success and an enthusiast favorite since the beginning,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “The continued passion for the MX-5 is a testament to Mazda’s dedication to creating a true no-nonsense driver’s car, and we look forward to sharing the next milestone with its ever-growing loyal fan base.”

Defined Dynamics

At the heart of the 2014 MX-5 remains the highly-responsive MZR 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with an output of 167 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with 140 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Automatic-equipped models feature the same torque output but produce 158 horsepower at 6,700 rpm. The sophisticated, sturdy engine is light and compact, offers a strong performance and unmatched responsiveness for its nearly 50:50 weight distribution of the already lean roadster. With a 7,200-rpm redline (6,700 rpm in automatics) the flexible engine delivers driving exhilaration throughout the rev range. Reacting to driving commands with lightning-quick reflexes and progressive power delivery are linear keys to MX-5’s stellar driving controls.

A thrilling engine growl adds to the already intoxicating joy of the MX-5’s handling capabilities. The original 1.6-liter engine-equipped 1990 model was tuned to mimic the sound of dual-carbureted sports cars of the 1960s, and thus the classic sound has been a hallmark of the Mazda roadster. Key to a fuel-injected engine sounding identical was the careful tuning of intake resonance, and directing the engine’s air intake toward the driver so that the pleasing audio reverberates with full effect. However, while the first-generation MX-5 did just that, it also drew in hot under-hood air from behind the radiator. Introduced in 2006, the third (and current) generation MX-5’s engine draws in cool air from the nose of the vehicle for better efficiency, but creating that classic induction sound now requires the assistance of new technologies.

The lightweight plastic composite intake manifold itself has been designed to transmit certain frequencies to match the original sports car tone while suppressing less ideal sounds. 2014 MX-5 models with six-speed manual transmissions are equipped with an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE). Consisting of a series of tuned pipes and a passive resonance membrane, the ISE delivers the engine’s natural induction sound to the cowl, just ahead of the windshield, so more attractive engine sounds can be heard at a satisfying volume without resorting to simply being loud, obtrusive noise.

The MZR 2.0-liter engine is mounted front mid-ship for precise handling and balance. Utilizing an aluminum block and head for decreased weight and increased structural rigidity ultimately enhanced performance and refinement.

Chain-driven double-headed camshafts and 16 valves are used for improved revving and flexibility. Variable intake valve timing betters low-end torque and high-end power. Additional engine features include a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods with floating wrist pins, revised pistons with stronger wrist pin bosses, stiffer valve springs and an engine oil cooler.
Standard equipment is a five-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter (Sport models only). An available six-speed manual gearbox offers gear ratios close-stacked to enhance driving enjoyment. A six-speed automatic transmission adds yet another dimension to the MX-5 to fit a variety of consumer preferences. Automatic transmission-equipped models also feature steering-wheel mounted dual-paddle shifters. The upper paddle commands downshifts while the lower paddle controls upshifts, similar to a race car’s operation. For all transmissions, engine torque is coordinated with the shift sequence, resulting in smooth, seamless and faster gear changes for inspired driving.

The Finer Details

The MX-5 Miata was developed primarily for the North American market and throughout the vehicle’s history the region has come through to remain dominant in global sales for what has inevitably become the world’s best-selling two-seat convertible. Available with two distinctive and easy-to-operate head wraps, the 2014 MX-5 Miata comes standard with a Z-fold design soft-top or an industry-leading Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT).
The soft top, available on all trim levels, continues to set the industry standard with its simplicity and ease of use. With a central latch handle, the top requires only a simple hand motion to fold and stow behind the seats. The top itself descends into a cleverly designed storage well, thus leaving the 5.3 cubic feet of cargo space completely untouched.

An available option on Club and Grand Touring trims only, the PRHT is stored in the same manner as the soft top, again not affecting storage space. Designed to perform in any climate, PRHT models outsell soft-top models by a 4:1 ratio worldwide. Using a single-button operation, the PRHT offers one of the fastest power-operated open-and-close cycles for a hard top in North America at an efficiently expedient 12 seconds.

In terms of packaging, the Sport model (vinyl black soft top only) represents the easiest entry for any sports car enthusiast, regardless of budget. Whether the driver has an instinctive lead foot or just looking to let more sun shine in, the lightweight MX-5 Sport will never be categorized as a slug. Weighing in at a fat-trimmed 2,447 lbs., Sport models are equipped with a short-throw shifter five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 205/50R16 high-performance Yokohama ADVAN A11A tires, dual exhausts, chrome headlamp bezels, power-adjustable mirrors, power windows with a driver’s one-touch up/down feature, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, an auxiliary audio jack and speed-sensing automatic volume control. The black-cloth upholstered bucket seats feature manual reclining, forward/back sliding functions and seat height adjustment.

When optioned with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Convenience Package is automatically combined to add features such as cruise control, a “global open” window function (the ability to lower all windows via keyless transmitter prior to entering vehicle), power lock doors, remote keyless entry, silver seatback trim, a trip computer as well as steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

Moving up to the Club, the standard manual transmission adds another gear stroke to six as well as a shock tower brace. Dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 street-sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are standard as are back-in-black details with black outside mirrors and head lamp bezels. A black front air dam and rear diffuser are included as well as a seat back bar garnish displayed in a glossy dark gray motif. For Club models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Suspension Package comes standard, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and a limited slip differential. Available only with a black top (soft top or PRHT), specialized exterior “Club” graphics and badges round out the finishing touch to fashion an attractively bold MX-5 look.

The “Club” theme continues into the interior with a body color-matching decoration panel featuring trim-specific graphics. Red contrast stitching is featured on the black cloth seats. In Sport models, black upholstery with black stitching is standard while leather seats are standard in Grand Touring models in either black or Spicy Mocha. Sport and Grand Touring models have a dark gray decoration panel.

The Convenience Package available on the Sport trim comes as standard equipment on Club models as does a leather shift knob, contrast red stitching on black cloth seats, a dark gray contoured surround meter around the gauges and a body-color dash panel.

For a more luxurious feel, the top-of-the-line Grand Touring sits on 17-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels packaged with 205/45R17 high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. Available with either a black or Spicy Mocha cloth soft top or a body-colored PRHT, the interior features the Sport’s Convenience Package as well as leather-trimmed seats with five heat settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, leatherette door trim, a Bose® seven-speaker premium surround sound audio system, silver seat back bar trim and a leather-wrapped parking brake.

Available packages for Grand Touring models are the Suspension and Premium Packages, both of which must be ordered together. The Suspension Package features Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. The Premium Package offers an anti-theft alarm, a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, xenon headlights, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System and Sirius Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription (Sirius Satellite Radio is an available option on Sport and Club models). When fully-equipped and topped with a PRHT, the MX-5 still weighs a svelte 2,619 lbs.

The continued weight savings can be found in the form of aluminum – in the hood, trunk lid, foot control arms, rear uprights and rear calipers. The MX-5’s unibody makes widespread use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength tensile steel, which increases body strength while decreasing weight.
The sturdy MZR 2.0-liter engine has an aluminum block and head, the exhaust manifold is crafted from lightweight tubular steel (instead of cast iron) and the intake manifold and cam cover are constructed from lightweight composite plastic. Combined with its track-proven suspension and responsive power, the rear-wheel-drive roadster is a lightweight only in pounds and not street prowess.

Standard Safety

All models of the 2014 MX-5 Miata include advanced safety features such as dual front airbags with a passenger deactivation switch, side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams, three-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Also, all Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Using either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, vehicle owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

Joint venture will result in two very different but equally accomplished sports cars.

That Mazda and Alfa Romeo are joining forces to build sports cars that will share a rear-wheel-drive platform but wear bespoke styling and have unique powerplants. That's old news. These spy shots of the 2015 Mazda MX-5 / Alfa Romeo Spider, however, are new and while the test mule is wearing the current gen’s body, certain changes Mazda has in store for the Miata are visible. The first observation is that it will be longer and wider, with longer doors suggesting a stretched wheelbase to give occupants more space. - See more at: http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/10/....81CpZXBv.dpuf

What appears to be an added section in front of the A-pillar demonstrates the car will adopt classic Roadster long hood, short deck proportions. Recent reports suggest the new Miata will be 220 lbs. lighter than the current model, with power coming from a new 1.3-liter turbo-four. The Alfa Romeo Spider is purported to be powered by the same 1.7-liter turbo-four running the 4C, albeit rotated through 180 degrees. The new Mazda Miata will hit the market first with the Alfa Spider to follow 6-12 months later. - See more at: http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/10/....81CpZXBv.dpuf

There is no better thing in the world than the Mazda Miata. Nothing. Not Christmas. Not sex. Not sex on Christmas. Nothing. And Mazda might be pulling the ultimate surprise and could bring the 2015 Miata to the NY Auto Show next month. Yes yes yes.

The Miata turned 25 this year, which means that it is now legally old enough to rent another car. But it's also a cause for celebration. And… Read…
Our friends over at Autoweek say that an insider has confirmed that Mazda will show the new Miata at the NY Auto Show in three weeks as part of their 25th birthday Miata-gasm party at the show.

Originally, the new Miata was supposed to debut at the Chicago Auto Show next year, but the party for the 25th birthday might be enough to make Mazda show the car earlier than they planned.

Is this real or just some wishful thinking from Miata fans? I'm inclined to believe it's wishful thinking, but as a Miata fan I really, really hope it's true.

We'll find out soon enough.

Mazda has announced that its 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition sold out within 10 minutes of launching the pre-order micro-site.

The pre-order program was scheduled to run through May 31, however 250 eager potential customers quickly reserved their spot on the list. Only the first 100 qualified registrants will be given the chance to actually buy a car, however.

"The extended end date proved unnecessary as the consumer anticipation and fervor with which the limited-edition model was sold was not entirely unexpected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless," the company said in a statement.

The 2015 limited-edition model is based on the third-generation Miata, clad in a special paint labeled Soul Red Metallic. It features a black hard top and black 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels to contrast against the burgundy shade.

On the interior, drivers are greeted with sport seats upholstered in off-white leather, matching the off-white trim on the door panels. The company has also added a hand-finished decorative element on the passenger-side dashboard.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remains unchanged from the normal model, providing up to 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque when paired with the six-speed manual transmission.

The company is due to introduce its next-generation Miata sometime next year.

Mazda has confirmed that it will unveil its fourth-generation MX-5 Miata on September 3. Mazda will show the sports car to the world for the first time at three simultaneous events scheduled to take place in Japan, Spain and the United States.
Mazda didn't give away any more details on the next MX-5 Miata, but the automaker did confirm that the roadster will make production as a 2016 model.

"We're excited to make this official, to announce that the newest member of the MX-5 Miata family will be arriving soon," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Along with our colleagues around the world, we continue to celebrate the MX-5's 25th anniversary and look forward to sharing even more news in the near future."

No official specs are yet available, but it is believed that the 2016 MX-5 Miata will switch to a new 1.5L SkyActiv engine. Although down on power compared to the current model, the 2016's lighter curb weight - which is rumored to have been whittled by 400 pounds - should ensure brisk performance.

Mazda has already shown the MX-5's next-generation chassis, which retains the roadster's classic rear-wheel drive layout.

Following its September introduction, look for the 2016 MX-5 Miata to go on sale in early 2015.

Late last night it was revealed that the 2016 Mazda Miata will first be seen on September 3rd. Mazda also posted this little driving video, and there is the distinct sound of forced induction. That's right folks, the 2016 Miata will be going turbo.

This isn't a complete surprise because the Miata test mule that our readers spotted back in May had a turbo, but we speculated that the planned Fiat/Abarth roadster that will share the Miata's underpinnings would be turbocharged, probably with the same engine as the Abarth.

What is surprising is that a turbocharged engine from Mazda would almost certainly have to be a new architecture. And that's because turbocharging their existing high-compression (14.0:1) Skyactiv engines would make them go kablammo.

We have heard rumors of a 2.5 liter Skyactiv turbo going into the next Mazdaspeed3, so it is possible that Mazda has a low pressure setup working on the Miata or they just did that normal awesome Mazda thing of proving everyone wrong.

The setup would need to be very Jinba Ittai, which is the design philosophy behind the Miata. That means a turbo would need to seamless and not ruin the feeling of being "at one" with the car. When we spoke to the Father of the Miata Bob Hall at the NY Auto Show, he said that the new car won't disappoint, so he must think a turbo suits it perfectly.

When will summer end? September 3rd can't come soon enough.

Mazda has released a teaser image of the 2015 MX-5 set to be unveiled on September 3.

Although its design remains hidden under the cover, we remind you Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders has already revealed the new model "will look nothing like" the outgoing generation and that it will adopt an evolution of the firm's Kodo design language.

Details about the new Miata are scarce at the moment but we do know it will use a SKYACTIV-CHASSIS which will result in a significant diet of at least 100 kg (220 lbs) as well as a lower center of gravity. The 2015 MX-5 will adopt a front mid-mounted engine rear-wheel drive layout as well as an increased body rigidity that will boost safety in the event of a crash.

A full reveal is scheduled for September 3 and sometime in 2015 we will see an Alfa Romeo Spider reboot sharing most of the components with the new MX-5.