The sheets are off the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, but many secrets remain.
The all-new car marks the fourth generation of the best-selling two-seat roadster of all time, with over 940,000 sold worldwide since 1989.
The car remains instantly recognizable as a Miata, but features the automaker’s new “Kodo” design language with sculpted bodywork, sharp edges, trim headlights and a five-sided grille. Under its very low hood is a four-cylinder engine mounted behind the front axle to help provide a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Mazda has not yet said how large or powerful that motor is, or exactly how much the car weighs, except that it is at least 220 pounds lighter than the current model, which would put it at no more than 2260 pounds and make it one of the lightest cars sold in the United States.
Aluminum bodywork and a new soft top design help trim the weight. Mazda has not confirmed if a retractable hardtop model will continue to be available, but despite the weight loss, the size of the cabin remains the same.
The MX-5 Miata will feature six speed manual and automatic transmission options, both sending power to the rear wheels, of course. Pedals and controls are said to be optimally placed for comfort and performance, and the tachometer is positioned front and center behind the steering wheel.
For the first time, steering is electrically assisted, but the front suspension retains a double-wishbone design, similar to most racing cars.
More details are expected to be announced at the Paris Motor Show in October, and the MX-5 Miata should go on sale sometime next year.