Next Gen Mazda Miata Loses Weight to Gain Appeal

The popularity the model that has come to be known as the quintessential affordable roadster is not to be doubted. The little Japanese that could has impressed generations after generations, but as with any other granny, time has taken its toll.

A few wrinkles here and there, and a few extra pounds gained throughout the years have made the Mazda engineers think lighter and smaller. That's exactly how Japanese insiders say the next generation of the model will be.

According to Inside Line, citing sources close to the matter, the future Miata will be 720 pounds lighter than the current version, a task that is not at all easy to accomplish and which will require some severe corners to be cut.

Mazda hopes to bring the next-generation model closer in terms of weight to the original 1989 Miata, which tipped the scale at only 2,100 pounds (current version weighs 2,480 pounds), by using high-strength steels, a lighter, smaller engine and less unnecessary additions. And by unnecessary, apparently Mazda means things like the glovebox or even the user's manual.

Under the hood of the car, sources say a 1.4l turbocharged engine will lie, whose specifications are not yet known, but which will be part of the SkyActiv line. The unit is to be paired to a manual transmission.

Since the introduction of the Miata (or MX-5) at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the car managed to sell some 900,000th units, a number that puts it well ahead of other topless cars, more luxurious (read expensive) in nature.