IAB Report - First spyshot of the new Mazda MX-5 emerges, unveiling on September 3

11/08/2014 - 23:56 | ,  ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

Fans of Mazda's iconic Miata line will have something to rejoice.

To raise anticipation, Mazda has revealed a teaser of the next generation Mazda MX-5 that is slated to be unveiled on September 3rd, 2014.

On the same day, Twitter user 'Tatsuya' has spotted what is believed to be the world's first pre-production prototype of the new MX-5 on camera, in the real world.

2015 Mazda MX-5 prototype spied in Japan
Twitter user 'Tatsuya' has uploaded the first picture of a pre-production test mule from Japan.

Mazda had already showcased the chassis and the powertrain of the next gen roadster at the 2014 New York Auto Show, but details about its design were kept under wraps. To give us a broad idea, Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders stated that it will bear far less similarities to the current model and will follow Mazda's latest Kodo design philosophy that has influenced most of its products.

Mazda had revealed that the open-top MX-5 will sit on an aluminium-intensive SKYACTIV chassis which sheds 100 kg from the the previous platform and has improved balance thanks to the lower center of gravity. While it may be light on its feet, Mazda has not compromised the body's rigidity - they have increased it to bolster its safety credentials.

2015 Mazda MX-5 teaser side
The new MX-5's underpinning will support the next gen Alfa Romeo Spider.

The engine is expected to be a high revving direct-injection 2.0-liter Skyactiv unit that will be front-mid mounted and power the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Much after the 2015 Mazda MX-5's reveal, Alfa Romeo will relaunch the Spider in a new form that will share most of the components with the MX-5.

[Source - Twitter.com]

You might also like