Diesmal aus Australien:
Mazda's undercover soft-top
By Toby Hagon
The Age
Thursday June 17 2004
The new MX-5 is on its way -- a little bigger, safer, sportier and a lot more individual, writes Toby Hagon.
The third generation of Mazda's popular MX-5 roadster is starting to take shape after it was spied testing at Germany's Nurburgring race track.
The thinly disguised mule car caught testing was little more than a hybrid of two existing Mazda models -- its nose was borrowed from the sporty RX-8 coupe, and the tail is the existing MX-5.
But it is underneath where details of the all-new car, expected in 2006, are starting to become known.
As has been confirmed by Mazda previously, the MX-5 will share its underpinnings with the more expensive RX-8 sports car, which means the switch to a more advanced multi-link suspension set-up. The new platform and redesigned body will also bring with it a stiffer body, which translates to more direct and involving handling, a large part of the design brief for the next MX-5.
The all-new MX-5 is also expected to be a noticeably bigger vehicle than the one it replaces. Mazda engineers are said to be working to ensure the cabin of the new-generation car is more spacious, paying particular attention to head and leg room for taller drivers. The bigger dimensions will also mean better crash protection.
Mazda insiders are at pains to point out that driving enjoyment is at the crux of the MX-5 development brief, ensuring it lives up to its reputation as a fun and affordable sports car.
Mazda Australia spokesman Alastair Doak refused to comment on details of the all-new MX-5, except to say it would "remain true to its current formula of a lightweight, open-top sports car".
Sources suggest that when the all-new MX-5 arrives in 2006 it will continue with a folding soft-top roof that's been part of the MX-5's lightweight philosophy for its full 15 years on sale. While Mazda insiders claim a hard-top convertible has also been considered, it won't arrive when the car first goes on sale but may be reserved as an option.
Considering the make-up of this test mule, it's no surprise that rumours of a rotary engine being used in the MX-5 continue to circulate. However, they seem far-fetched -- despite early consideration by Mazda -- with sources suggesting engineers are reluctant to change the current car's successful formula.
So expect at least two engine options -- a modified version of the existing 1.8-litre and a more powerful 2.0-litre variant. It's not known whether both will be offered here.
Sources also suggest the turbo variant - being sold here as an SP - will be dropped with the arrival of the new car, which has also been mooted to use the 2.3-litre engine out of the Mazda6. However, as is the case in the current car, a turbo model could be used as a sweetener as the yet-to-be-seen-car nears the end of its life.
Outside, the new MX-5 should borrow styling cues from the Ibuki concept car shown last year. Using its international sources, spy agency Automedia digitally enhanced pictures of the Ibuki to give an idea of how the new car could look.
As expected, the windscreen is expected to pick up a proper frame to add strength, while much of the concept car's metallic finishes are likely to be toned down. However, the production version of the MX-5 is expected to be a more cohesive representation of Mazda's latest design philosophy, with a higher-quality execution to its appearance inside and out, along with more attention to detail. The next MX-5 is expected to present a more individual personality.
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Durch welche Übersetzungsmaschine hast du das denn laufen lassen? Da kann man ja nur richtig Angst vor dem neuen Modell bekommen 
