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New 2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 Prototype Spied for the First Time: Japan

So far the 2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 has played an interesting teasing game with our spy photographers - they’ve crossed paths on multiple occasions, but each time the sportscar appeared in the form of a test mule.
2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 Prototype 4 photos
Photo: imgur.com
2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 Prototype2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 Prototype2016 Mazda Miata / MX-5 Prototype
Perhaps that is because spyhots of Japanese models are as rare as good warm sake in a cheap restaurant. Well, the adjacent images show us the Miata prototype for the first time and, yes, these were snapped in Japan.

Mazda has already stated the new MX-5 will look like nothing we’ve seen so far and the spyshots come to confirm them. First there’s the size of the thing, which seems to be smaller than the current model - compare it to the other cars on the road, not exactly large themselves, and you’ll understand.

Moreover, we’ve changed our previous expectations after seeing the rounded shapes here - perhaps the new Miata won’t use Mazda’s new “Angry Birds” face. Ironically, there is no image showing the front fascia, so, in order to find that out, we may have to wait until Mazda properly teases the car ahead of its September 4 launch. Fans shouldn’t be worried, though, the right proportions are still here.

We’ll remind you the powertrain area holds a mystery that’s just as great. Last time we wrote about this, Mazda teased us with a video that had the voice of turbocharging included in its soundtrack. Nonetheless, after BMW pulled a similar stunt with the i3, only to reveal that the aural side had nothing to do with the car, we can’t take such hints all that seriously.

Oh well, at least Mazda has shown us the platform of the new MX-5, which will bring an upgrade in terms of structural rigidity while being about 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter.

Somebody over at the Fiat Group must be rubbing his hands in excitement seeing how well Mazda’s teasing game works - we’ll remind you that the Japanese sportscar is set to receive an Italian sister model, with Abarth being a good candidate for this position.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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