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9th
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Monterey, CA -- I was fortunate enough to be present when the giant screen lifted to reveal the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 only a few short days ago.
Although there is much to say about the new car's design, I must begin this piece by congratulating Mazda Corporation for having kept details and images of the new car so tightly under wraps. Truthfully, it was refreshingly pleasurable to be held, with bated breath, in anticipation of the unveiling of a new car.
Many of us on-hand longed for the days when auto shows were actually shows; no longer are we ever surprised given the countless inevitable online leaking of images.
There was something palpable in Derek Jenkins' speech moments prior to the ND MX-5's world premiere, something that is typically lacking at an auto show press conference: enthusiasm and excitement. Derek was about to release the new MX-5 live and to the world for the first time. And he was right to be eager.
I honestly could not tell you what I was expecting the ND Miata to look like, but as it rolled onto the catwalk I went from elation to slight disappointment back to being blown away.
Initially, I thought I was staring at a British-Italian hyper roadster, then as the smoke cleared a shrunken Maserati Ghibli front end tacked onto an F-Type body complete with BMW Z4 taillights emerged. The more I stared at it, the more bothered I became as I began noticing that the front end held a striking resemblance to the Honda CR-Z as well.
My expectations, without having materialized, were let down. Once the initial shock wore off, and I took a slight step back and took in the car as a whole, I fell in love.
The first important specification to remember is that the ND-generation (aka 4th) is actually smaller overall than the NB (2nd generation) and for that, I further applaud Mazda.
Specific details remain scarce on the car; however, it is obvious that it will be phenomenal to drive. Weight is down by 100kg over the NC (3rd generation MX-5) and, as the wheels are pushed as far as possible to the corners, it will handle impressively well.
The rear fenders are properly flared allowing for my imagination to fit 15” or even 16x9” wheels and tires for either a meatier look or, preferably, to fit some slicks for track applications.
Back to serious things: Mazda's KODO design language conveys both attitude and balance and it properly works with the ND. As a whole, the 2016 MX-5 is pure and purposeful. The “S” curve that is the beltline lowers perfectly where the elbow will sit for ultimate top-down cruising, rising again from the low hood-line up front, and again, in the rear, exhibiting power and poise.
Although it cannot be seen in the pictures, the 2016 MX-5 will sport a soft-top that will be easy to operate while remaining seated. Expect a power-retractable hardtop to also be offered.
The balance in the 2016 MX-5's lines is mimicked by the car's perfect 50/50 weight distribution, further pointing to the fact that the driving experience will once more set the bar for what is attainable in the $30k price range.
The car's cockpit has grown, not in dimension, but in class with nicer materials and more attention to detail.
All we know at the moment is that the MX-5 will carry Mazda's full line of SKYACTIV goodies, from a yet undisclosed engine (2.0L with at least 160 horsepower, my guess...), to two new 6-speed transmissions (manual and auto), as well as a slew of revised and upgraded mechanicals.
The bottom line with this latest generation is that the 2016 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its Kansei Engineering philosophy and, as such, the Jinba Ittai driving experience should also be unspoiled.
What Mazda continues to do, unlike most manufacturers, is remember why they created the car in the first place. The ND Miata will continue to captivate enthusiast's imagination and ensure that the MX-5 will remain the bestselling sports car in the history of the world.
Then, we'll get to drive it... OMFG I can't wait to drive it!
Although there is much to say about the new car's design, I must begin this piece by congratulating Mazda Corporation for having kept details and images of the new car so tightly under wraps. Truthfully, it was refreshingly pleasurable to be held, with bated breath, in anticipation of the unveiling of a new car.
Many of us on-hand longed for the days when auto shows were actually shows; no longer are we ever surprised given the countless inevitable online leaking of images.
There was something palpable in Derek Jenkins' speech moments prior to the ND MX-5's world premiere, something that is typically lacking at an auto show press conference: enthusiasm and excitement. Derek was about to release the new MX-5 live and to the world for the first time. And he was right to be eager.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
I honestly could not tell you what I was expecting the ND Miata to look like, but as it rolled onto the catwalk I went from elation to slight disappointment back to being blown away.
Initially, I thought I was staring at a British-Italian hyper roadster, then as the smoke cleared a shrunken Maserati Ghibli front end tacked onto an F-Type body complete with BMW Z4 taillights emerged. The more I stared at it, the more bothered I became as I began noticing that the front end held a striking resemblance to the Honda CR-Z as well.
My expectations, without having materialized, were let down. Once the initial shock wore off, and I took a slight step back and took in the car as a whole, I fell in love.
The first important specification to remember is that the ND-generation (aka 4th) is actually smaller overall than the NB (2nd generation) and for that, I further applaud Mazda.
Specific details remain scarce on the car; however, it is obvious that it will be phenomenal to drive. Weight is down by 100kg over the NC (3rd generation MX-5) and, as the wheels are pushed as far as possible to the corners, it will handle impressively well.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
The rear fenders are properly flared allowing for my imagination to fit 15” or even 16x9” wheels and tires for either a meatier look or, preferably, to fit some slicks for track applications.
Back to serious things: Mazda's KODO design language conveys both attitude and balance and it properly works with the ND. As a whole, the 2016 MX-5 is pure and purposeful. The “S” curve that is the beltline lowers perfectly where the elbow will sit for ultimate top-down cruising, rising again from the low hood-line up front, and again, in the rear, exhibiting power and poise.
Although it cannot be seen in the pictures, the 2016 MX-5 will sport a soft-top that will be easy to operate while remaining seated. Expect a power-retractable hardtop to also be offered.
The balance in the 2016 MX-5's lines is mimicked by the car's perfect 50/50 weight distribution, further pointing to the fact that the driving experience will once more set the bar for what is attainable in the $30k price range.
The car's cockpit has grown, not in dimension, but in class with nicer materials and more attention to detail.
All we know at the moment is that the MX-5 will carry Mazda's full line of SKYACTIV goodies, from a yet undisclosed engine (2.0L with at least 160 horsepower, my guess...), to two new 6-speed transmissions (manual and auto), as well as a slew of revised and upgraded mechanicals.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
The bottom line with this latest generation is that the 2016 Mazda MX-5 remains true to its Kansei Engineering philosophy and, as such, the Jinba Ittai driving experience should also be unspoiled.
What Mazda continues to do, unlike most manufacturers, is remember why they created the car in the first place. The ND Miata will continue to captivate enthusiast's imagination and ensure that the MX-5 will remain the bestselling sports car in the history of the world.
Then, we'll get to drive it... OMFG I can't wait to drive it!