3rd Generation MX5 - Automobile Magazine, May 2002

[zorruno]

For those of you not on the US, this From Automobile Magazine, May 2002. I
wouldn't believe too much about it, but it is an interesting read all the
same...

"Deep within Mazda, work soon gets under way on the next Miata. Mazda knows
what it's got with this iconic lightweight sportster, and for the next
generation, the prize-winning formula, style, and size will stay essentially
the same. Low weight, quick responses, and affordability remain the Miata's
key attributes. The target weight for the next Miata has been lowered to
just over a ton, improving an already winning power-to-weight
ratio--especially if the Miata graduates to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine, as rumored. Mazda also will endeavor to make the cabin slightly
wider for better crash protection. Whispers from the Japanese grapevine
suggest a 2003 Tokyo show debut prior to 2004 on-sale date. However, with
the current roadster still selling and driving well, Mazda could even afford
to wait another twelve months to release the third-generation Miata."

[Note: the published sketch shows a new Miata with MR2-influenced
windshield, mirrors, rear wheel arches, Audi TT convertible-influenced roll
bars, and Infiniti G35-influenced vertically-stacked front headlamps.]


Six Questions with Takao Kijima, MX-5/Miata Program Manager, Mazda Japan

Q: Where are you now in planning the third-generation Mazda?

A: We haven't actually started the next Miata yet. Maybe from the middle of
this year, we will start the basic design study. From the United States, we
receive many requests for more power, but that's not really the Miata
concept. I was talking to Mr. K [Yutaka Katayama, former president of Nissan
USA] recently, and he said to me, "Don't install a bigger engine in the
Miata. That's the mistake we made with the original Z car!" So, despite the
rumors of a bigger, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the Miata, I can say
nothing is decided yet.

Q: Are you planning to use a version of the new RX-8 platform?

A: That's also still under review. Actually, we can meet regulations for
rear-offset impact and fuel-tank leakage with the existing platform, so,
from that aspect, there's no need to change the platform. What we do need,
however, is a low-emissions engine.

Q: Presumably, you would use engines from Mazda's upcoming 6-Series?

A: Perhaps, but those engines have been designed for a
front-engine/front-drive configuration, whereas the Miata is
front-engined/rear-drive, so how to modify for rear-drive? That's now under
study.

Q: Is the next Miata a pure Mazda program, or is there some Ford Motor
Company sharing as well?

A: It's a Mazda-led program. Both Mazda and Ford don't want to change the
lightweight concept. Our customers don't want us to change.

Q: There are reports that Mazda's European design studio is leading the race
for the finalized design.

A: No, the European studio is not leading the race. Certainly, the European
market is now very important and gets high priority, but the Miata, after
all, is a Japanese car with Japanese taste. Right now, as far as the design
goes, all we have is a white sheet of paper. At the same time, we're aware
that the third generation of any car is not always a success. That's why I'm
quite cautious and remembering the spirit of the first generation.

Q: Would you ever think about putting a rotary engine in the Miata?

A: I think the customer would then be very confused! RX-7/RX-8 or Miata, all
rotary-powered! Which is which? The basis of the Miata--two seats,
rear-drive, four-cylinder, lightweight--is what the customer wants.