New Miata goes on a diet

http://www.dailytech.com/Report+Mazda+Targets+700pound+Weight+Reduction+for+Next+Gen+Miata/article21852.htm

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Mazda's tiny sports car to go on a massive diet

Nearly three years ago, Mazda announced intentions to reduce its fleet wide fuel consumption by 30 percent before the year 2015. The reduction in fuel consumption for its models would mostly come from a reduction in weight for its next generation models and reduced dimensions of its vehicles (with a few rare exceptions, when a next generation of a vehicle is introduced, it is often larger and heavier than the model it replaces).

Mazda is looking to remove an extraordinary amount of weight from the next generation MX-5 (better known as the Miata in North America). The NC (third generation) Miata isn't exactly a pig, as it weighs 2,480 pounds with a 5-speed manual and 2,511 pounds with a 6-speed manual. However, this is over 300 pounds heavier than the NA (first generation) Miata which tipped the scales at 2,116 pounds.

According to The Car Connection, Mazda's current goal for the next generation Miata is to cut weight by 720 pounds. That would put a base Miata at just under 1,800 pounds -- an almost unheard low for North American market vehicles.

For comparison, the aluminum-intensive Lotus Elise tips the scales at 2,010 pounds. The diminutive shoe smart fortwo weighs 1,808 pounds.

Mazda is also looking to make the next generation Miata narrower and will throw out unnecessary features to reach its weight goals. In addition, the company wants to downsize the engine from its current normally aspirated 2.0-liter engine to a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.

The low weight and downsized engine should do wonders for the Miata's handling and performance; not to mention its fuel economy. The current Miata is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Although the Miata is considered a sports car, those numbers are still rather mediocre for a vehicle that weighs 2,480 and has "only" 167hp on tap.

Mazda, like all other auto manufacturers, is on a mission to increase fuel economy across the board thanks to upcoming CAFE regulations.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1037880_report-next-gen-mazda-mx-5-will-be-smaller-and-lighter

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The launch of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 has reportedly been pushed back as far as late 2011 because of a number of major changes in store for the car. Not only is Mazda developing a new lightweight platform and fuel-efficient powertrains, but a new coupe version is also expected to join the ranks.

The MX-5’s chief developer, Takao Kijima, has previously stated that the new model will be smaller and at least 10% lighter than the current car, which means a kerb weight of less than 2,200 pounds.

The goal for Mazda will be to make the car’s styling and proportions closer to that of the original 1989 model. However, interior space and safety will be better than the current car due to improved engineering and clever packaging. Finally, both a folding hard-top roof and a conventional fabric soft-top are expected, as well as a possible coupe.

It appears the MX-5 Superlight concept from the recent 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show was not just a farfetched fantasy but a preview of what a future version of the popular roadster could be like. Thanks to a series of weight saving measures, the concept car checked in at a barely-there 2,190 pounds.

In terms of powertrains, an inside source has revealed to Autocar that it would come with a range of light and compact 1.4 and 1.6-liter engines with direct-injection and turbocharging technologies. The source also revealed that the car could pick up an electronic power steering system to help conserve more fuel.

Other goodies could include a dual-clutch transmission as well as a revised suspension set-up that does away with the bulky double wishbone front end on today’s car. To save additional weight, Mazda may adopt new steel construction methods that enable less metal to be used in its cars’ bodies.

When can we expect to see the new car? Most likely at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

There is no way they will chop 720 pounds. Jussayin.

Haha I know, I think it's crazy too. Also, I doubt it will be safe enough to meet 2015 safety standards. I don't see it happening. Maybe they will chop 200 and make it 2,200, but 1,800 is kind of ridiculous.

I'm buying one. I was going to get a 2012 mustang, fuck that. MIATA TIME!