Mazda targeting 1,760-pound target for next Miata - 400 pounds lighter than first-gen

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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mazda, Rumormill

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

The future is looking bright for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to Inside Line, the head honchos at the Japanese automaker have instructed the company's engineers to strip a whopping 720 pounds from the vehicles already comparably light 2,480-pound curb weight. If successful, that would put the new comer into the feathery 1,760-pound range, which is 400 pounds less than the first-generation roadster. How do they plan to do it? Engineers are turning to high-strength steel for the vehicle's chassis and contemplating a smaller-displacement engine.

A turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter four pot could work its way under the hood, though IL reports that the vehicle may also be considerably narrower than the current car. Other clever weight-saving moves include the deletion of the dashboard glove box and the replacement of the traditional paper owner's manual with an electronic copy on a USB stick.

Here's hoping you've got your laptop on you the next time you need to check your service intervals.

The report claims that the engineers at Mazda aren't entirely sure they can hit the weight target, but the vehicle will be much closer to the waif-like 2,178-lb 1989 Miata than the heftier 2011 model.Mazda targeting 1,760-pound target for next Miata - 400 pounds lighter than first-gen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[SarcasticOne]

1760lb = 800 kg
so it'll be nice and light, and you dont need large amounts of power to make 800kg go fast!

[Reedy]

A direct injection turbo 4 pot would be a modders dream as well, could get it making some pretty big power fairly easily.

[mech81]

+1 for getting the Miata on a crash diet. as long as it still looks good

[lup15]

that front mask is such a bubbly face lol

good to see that mazda want to engineer the car to be more sporty. Seeming the S2000 was its' biggest rival and no longer around, they should do quite well if they get the right balance

[rfzd]

As close as a Kei car as can be these days.....

[Spudspec]

RE power I recKon would make one of these awesome. one of the soon to come 1.6ltr Stroker rotory engines would be great! with a huffer of course.

[Matto]

omggggg even if they get it under a tonne I still think that's a great accomplishment, it seems like newer cars are just getting heavier and heavier, I'd like to have one of theseeee

[lilbeefer]

Sorry for being total pessimist but this is a daydream. The days of sub 1000 kg cars are gone for 3 reason.
1. Safety weighs a lot, and it would suicide for manufacturer like Mazda to reduce safety for the sake of performance.
2. America. The MX5 (Miata in USA) is a huge seller, eclipsing most of the world. Unfortunately, aside from the performance enthusiasts, Americans have become accustomed to all the creature comforts and many tend to (generalisation alerrt) count cupholders, option big wheels, satnav, stereos, electric seats and other heavy and comfot focussed extras.
3. Cost of production and cost to buy the product. (advanced materials and design, to help reduce weight and increase performace)

Without all three, the car won't be sub 1000 kg. (It wont be all three imho)