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Mazda rolls out specs and info on 2014 MX-5 Miata

The world's best-selling roadster is about to get better, if the specifications from Mazda have anything to do with it. Expect to see a lot of improvement in the poor man's sports car.
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda has unleashed specifications for the 2014 re-do of the MX-5 Miata roadster. The tiny little sporter will see some weight loss, styling improvements, and a better engine; all without losing its rear-wheel drivetrain and working man's price point.

While Mazda hasn't released photos of the 2014 Miata to show styling, it's expected that it will follow the look of the concept shown last year - the "Kodo design language." As the photo rendering suggests, cues will be simple lines and a more robust-appearing front end. The clipped rear and rounded fast top will remain, it appears, but the nose will extend somewhat and have more stylized logo and grille work to match current Mazda trends.

The car will also be losing weight for the new release, shedding about 300 pounds to put it in the 2,200 pound range at the curb. This weight loss may translate to better handling and speed, though the diminutive sports car is lightening to the point where it may become too feathery. Weight distribution will likely remain good, though, helping to keep the Miata's feet on the ground and hold the car's enthusiastic handling.

The rear-drive will remain, as it's an extremely important part of this car's overall appeal to most drivers. Under the hood will be a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder from the Skyactiv family of Mazda's new engine designs. Output will roughly match the current 2.0-liter four cylinder, at around 167 horsepower, but will likely see a significant fuel economy boost with the smaller displacement and better burn of these newer engines. The RJC (Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan) gave this engine the 2012 Technology of the Year award. The transmission that will appear in the 2014 MX-5 Miata also won an award from RJC.

That trans is the Skyactiv-Drive automatic trans, a 6-speed gearbox with a lot of new refinements. A manual option (also in 6spd) will also be offered and will, truthfully, likely be the more popular option amongst enthusiasts.

The MX-5 Miata will compete against the Scion FR-S, the new Subaru BRZ, and older Miatas in the landscape. The Scion has not seen the kind of "fandom" that the Miata has, but the Subaru has the potential to compete on that level, given time.

The price tag on the 2014 MX-5 Miata is expected to be in the $25,000 range and it will likely debut in late 2013.

Automotive News
Mazda

Comments

Anonymous (not verified)    May 11, 2012 - 5:40AM

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Mazda... Please please don't ruin the front grill and bumper. The current one looks fine except it looks like it is smiling. Why have those hard sculpture lines like BMW. Its not a BMW nor does anyone want it to look like one, it will become outdated in no time. The MX5 appeal is its roundness and smooth simple lines. And don't even think about putting silly eyelashes on the headlights like Germans do!
It needs to feel free and small not chunky and clumsy. The new engine and light weight approach is a great idea as long as the performance does not suffer. I love my 2010 MX5 Miako 2L, I want the next one to be even better. Its not pretentious and everyone admires it without it costing a fortune.

kimtom (not verified)    October 29, 2012 - 10:26AM

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I agree with posts. a poor" man's roadster." keep it affordable. retain simplistic design, isn't that what appealed to people? Minis are expensive for what you get. you want to WIN in market. PRICE, PRICE, You can win with design, or practicality, style , or price. (quality always a must) but not all 4. (rare)
Mazda hit a big win. don't go copy someones else's design!!!! like Ford GM did with Chryslar (van, truck, PT) Chryslar led (past tense) in design, but not in quality! I owned all but ford, I like my 05 miata in design. (mix of XKE, viper, corvette) Last point.: original idea was triump, MG, spitfire philosophy,stay with it. (would love to see a retro- roadster by someone.)
signed, former auto engineer.

Anonymous (not verified)    February 14, 2013 - 1:11PM

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funny current Miata owners are complaining about the front design. I have never owned one because of the looks. This is the first design I would consider looking at. The old Miata looks like a toy car. This one looks more serious.

Anonymous (not verified)    March 21, 2013 - 1:41AM

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I agree with last post, its the first design I would consider buying. Great car in so many ways, handling and reliability, just never liked the gender bender just got my hair done on my way to the dental wives luncheon Obama sticker design.

Miata lovr (not verified)    March 29, 2013 - 1:26AM

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Please, please don't change the front end look so dramatically. This new look doesn't even look like it belongs on a Miata. Wahhhhhh!! I have the 2007 hard top convertible, top end. Had a 1997 before that got totalled in a FH&R. Was looking to buy a new hardtop convertible for 2014, but....this is not the look I will fall in love with. And how will it handle? Both Miata's I owned/own handled like a dream. You're making me cry. STOP please!

Anonymous (not verified)    April 16, 2013 - 5:01PM

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Mazda's introduction of the Elan retro-design was a spectacular move and resulted in 25 solid years for its spectacular roadster. But I like the new design and there is no shortage of the oval cars on the market. The lighter weight and perfectly matched hp of this new design will no doubt be spectacular. The car deserves a new look and the so-called M3-styling isn't the brain child nor property of BMW any more than the 1964 Elan was exclusively Lotus. Styles continue to evolve and the M3 worked off of plenty of past concepts to arrive where they are today. The most obvious similarity to the BMW is the massive grill, which every designer on the face of the earth is obsessed with at this time. It wasn't original to the initial M3 and is only being compared to Mazda's new design because they are both roadster. Recall that it was the M3 that followed the success of the Miata anyway, should we wish to point fingers. I say forget about BMW and judge this car on your gut.

We are not an M3, forget about it. Consider the benefits of pealing off that "chick" label from the hood of our favorite roadster; although it was never appropriate and only due to a bunch of dolts lacking any appreciation for history and performance. However, having owned two of the original Miata's, I always felt they could have gone even further towards the old Elan lines and stayed a safer distance from the VW Bug. Just being honest...

Bill (not verified)    July 18, 2014 - 6:17PM

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The Miata needs to step up in body design. The tail lights are childish-looking and aren't sporty, classy at all. The front end also needs a complete refresh. Needs more sex appeal, sexy lines. Personally I think the body design has run its course. I love the car but the body design is a little cheap looking and I've always hoped they would stretch the body a bit. Seems blunted.