Mazda's introduction of the
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...