Next-generation Mazda Miata could be lightest version ever

Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition - 09.2.2011

Targeted curb weight of 1,760 lbs (798 kg)

The Mazda Miata has always been a lightweight car, but a new report is indicating the next-generation model could weigh less than 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

Citing a "senior insider," Inside Line says that engineers have been tasked with cutting at least 720 lbs (327 kg) from the current curb weight of 2,480 lbs (1,125) kg. This means the car would tip the scales at just 1,760 lbs (798 kg).

In order to achieve this, the Miata will reportedly feature a high-strength steel body, a smaller engine and a minimalist interior. Speaking of the latter, the model could lose the glovebox and owner's manual - which would be replaced by a digital version on a USB flash drive - to save weight.

While this all sounds rather exciting, the source doesn't believe Mazda will actually meet their target weight. Regardless, the next-generation Miata should be significantly lighter than the current model.

Source: Inside Line

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Misnblu

It's about time they started this. All car manufacturers need to learn from this and reduce the weight of all the cars out there.

June 8, 2011 1:29 pm

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4 replies

stickshiftfanatic

Agreed. The horsepower wars are pointless. Let's see the lightness wars begin!

June 8, 2011 1:36 pm

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Hellbound

Not all the cars, just the high performance and 'sporty' cars.

June 8, 2011 2:56 pm

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Mazda has been a Leader in mass production of cars in losing weight. Current gen NC MX-5 already lost significant weight with the use of HS Steel. Even Engine bay inner skirts have large amounts of metal removed with black plastic inner guard water shields which can be seen from under it's aluminium hood. Mazda still retains rigidity with losing weight in every component...to a point where going any lighter would impact on durability. What adds the weight are all the safety regulations and requirements and larger humans. NC Miata is only less than 2 inches wider and longer than the original NA, the weight is in all the electronic modules, air bags and extra gadgets the consumers or journalists demand. I would be surprised if they lost only 120 kilo's or 250 lbs, not 720lbs. Yeah Mazda can achieve great results from lightening cars for better MPG, BUT, at what cost, light materials are expensive, who will pay??. It is the owner or driver who undoes all their hard work by being too fat or carrying extra weight on-board.

June 8, 2011 7:10 pm

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Douglas6250

Exactly. I've been wondering for ages if something like this would happen. Now then (assum this is a valid report) this may come one step closer to reality !

June 9, 2011 10:10 am

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DdW

Mazda "Zooming" for lightness! Looking forward to the next-gen!

June 8, 2011 8:26 pm

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schizo

327kg! That's a lot of weight to shave off! Good luck! But shaving off weight is a great way to improve the performance of a small car with small output engines. Stripping out the interior of my old Mk1 GTI was probably the most effective tuning I did to the car.

June 8, 2011 9:14 pm

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Mikeado

Wow, an affordable 800kg turbocharged sports car in 2012?! That would be spectacular. In fact, I think I'll start saving up now. I'm not sure about a USB User Manual though. What if you quickly want to check something while you're still in the car? You'd have to bring a laptop with you everywhere and then not have a glovebox to hide it in when you've parked...

June 9, 2011 2:09 am

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psychoart

In all 5 cars that I have possessed, the User Manual has never stayed inside the car. The only time that I use a manual is the one that you actually buy it to do your own repair. Now in term of the weight of the Mazda, if it is really possible to be around 2000 lbs, I would buy one right away. I doubt the source is really reliable. A Smart Fortwo in the US weights about 2300 lbs. I know for a fact that Mazda has to work harder in the hp and mpg. Mini Cooper S does 208hp with 25/33 mpg with 2600 lbs, and it has all the goodies.

June 9, 2011 4:15 am

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psychoart

I forgot to mention too that VW/Audi/Porsche is coming down to play the fight with the Miata. If Mazda continues like this, it is bound to get off the ring sooner than you've thought. Of course, BMW Z4 M has been out for quite some time, and it seems that it might be in a different catergoy. But no more, VW is coming down and up with 3 steps. GET IT RIGHT, M@!

June 9, 2011 4:41 am

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1 reply

YuZi

what? why would you even bring up the Z4M here? And, what is VW making against the MX-5?

June 9, 2011 5:18 am

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psychoart

Google, or search, for "VW Audi Porsche roadster". Cajun is coming 2013. Q5 and Tiguan are already available. CX-5 is no where ready yet until next year. And yes, Z4 is a roadster. So is the Miata. The Miata is certainly the most well balance. But even Subary is coming out with something next year. Competition will be tight, and if Mazda still keep it play like that... might as well pack everything up and go sit in the bench. This ain't my type of play for fun when you get beat up by even newbies. Even Kia is coming in. Cheap was the Miata, or affordable was the plan. The valse ain't the same anymore. You wanna play cheap. Competitors are coming in. Cheap and affordable were not the motto for the Z4. That is why I've said that Miata hasn't been playing in the same category. But if you have to bring fast in, Z4 M shows you what business could really mean.

June 9, 2011 6:57 am

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shaahinmt

i think the price would definitely increase. another thing is they are going to replace the glove box with a usb stick???!! i don't put data in my glove box, i put my GLOVES!!!

June 9, 2011 11:42 am

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psychoart

I don't get it. How much weight is a globebox and an user manual??? Might as well leave your wallet, your phone, your sunglass, and your shoes off when you get in the Miata. That's right!!! BS.

June 9, 2011 4:40 pm

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