Mazda working on new MX-5

Mazda working on new MX-5

Fans of the Mazda MX-5 will be heartened to hear that the forthcoming version of the model will nod the 1980s original.

According to report in Auto Express, the Japanese firm is hard at work reducing the weight of the car and attempting to provide a driving experience that is both "pure and simple".

The upgraded version is set to be 150kg lighter than the current car, with a kerbweight of under 900kg, the magazine claimed.

Looks wise, the new MX-5 will borrow heavily from the Mazda Takeri concept, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

As such, the updated model has a more aggressive stance than the roadster appearance of the original, while Mazda hopes to capture the essence of the 1980s version with this latest upgrade.

"With a new lighter car will come a range of smaller capacity engines. Currently the MX-5 is powered by 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines producing up to 170bhp. The new car is expected to use a turbocharged 1.3-litre SKYACTIV engine, although a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre unit will also be offered," the news provider explained.

"Expect the next-generation Mazda MX-5 to be unveiled towards the end of 2013, with sales starting the following year."

In other news, Mazda recently announced the signing of a new partnership that will see Donington Park host test sessions for this year's MX-5 GT race car development programme.

Posted by Louise Clark