Exit Stage Left The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The wait is finally over. Last night at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Mazda introduced the forth-generation MX-5 Miata to the world. Details on the ND MX-5 Miata are very slim, but there are a few details that Mazda has revealed.

For one, the new MX-5 Miata comes in 220 pounds less than NC model it replaces. For those keeping track, that means the ND will likely have a curb weight somewhere around 2,200 pound range.

Mazda's Kodo design language is also very present here with a mix of flowing lines and sharp angles, and a wide, low stance. What powers this generation of the MX-5 Miata is being kept quiet. But according to Mazda, the new MX-5 Miata features the full suite of Skyactiv technologies.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata is expected to start rolling out starting next year.

Source: Mazda

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Mazda Unveils All-New Mazda MX-5

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 (known as Roadster in Japan) together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The all-new MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and Mazda's KODO-Soul of Motion design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015.

The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda's vehicle-engineering philosophy-the pursuit of driving pleasure. "Innovate in order to preserve" was the motto for the fourth generation, as the development team searched for innovations that go beyond simple evolution. Environmental and safety demands are much more stringent than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but the fourth generation stays true to the model's original aim of offering the pure driving fun that only a lightweight sports car can. It achieves this through the adoption of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and refinement of its appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars.

The design of the all-new MX-5 reveals another layer to Mazda's KODO design language. The exquisite proportions make the driver and passenger stand out, and both the interior and exterior evoke the exhilaration of open-top driving. It is the most compact of any generation MX-5 so far and is more than 100 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces, promising a dramatic leap in Jinba-ittai driving fun.

As of July 2014, total production volume of the Mazda MX-5 exceeded 940,000 units and it continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car. This highly-celebrated model has received over 200 awards from around the globe including Japan Car of the Year 2005-2006.

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.