Fourth Gen MX5 News

[Garry]

There is a bit of room to move from the NC's weight. To save some money Mazda was forced to use some RX8 architecture on the NC which was over engineered and heavier than it needed to be for the MX5 application. Seeing as the ND will be engineered as a stand alone platform everything could be tailored to the specific application.

[Mr Morlock]

I think Gary has a valid point and the ND is a car built in another generation and its made for a niche i.e. a sports car that needs to reflect some aspiration - efficient for one and weight is clearly important.

Odd queries why an MX5 should be a different price to an 86 or BRZ or also why there are price differentials in USA. There are of course any number of reasons. On might also ask why a Caterham is so expensive or the same for a Ferrari. Does anyone here have any idea of the investment costs and returns required by any car company for a particular model. Does anyone know what is the margin model by model. Do we know whether a car company subsidises a model to gain attention or attract plaudits. Here is another simple one- why are Mazda MX5 prices often higher for spare parts than a company operating out of Southern England. One of the points is that consumers are welcome to take it or leave it. Mazda will build an MX5 because it has a reputation now forged over 25 years. Personally I could not care less how much a car cost in USA and we do not have the same tax regime nor do we necessarily have the same life style. I also have no idea what "old farts" have to do with any of it. We are a very small market .

[Odd]

The Toyota and Subaru are marginally more expensive in Aust compared to USA
Mx5's are twice the price here???
Perhaps Toyota and Subaru are discounting to get market share?

I know my ownership of sports cars has been before and after dependant children
and given baby boomers....perhaps it's a potential growth market???

I'd never buy the Toyota or the Subaru.....I'm happiest without a roof!

[davekmoore]

I think Gary has a valid point and the ND is a car built in another generation and its made for a niche i.e. a sports car that needs to reflect some aspiration - efficient for one and weight is clearly important.

Odd queries why an MX5 should be a different price to an 86 or BRZ or also why there are price differentials in USA. There are of course any number of reasons. On might also ask why a Caterham is so expensive or the same for a Ferrari. Does anyone here have any idea of the investment costs and returns required by any car company for a particular model. Does anyone know what is the margin model by model. Do we know whether a car company subsidises a model to gain attention or attract plaudits. Here is another simple one- why are Mazda MX5 prices often higher for spare parts than a company operating out of Southern England. One of the points is that consumers are welcome to take it or leave it. Mazda will build an MX5 because it has a reputation now forged over 25 years. Personally I could not care less how much a car cost in USA and we do not have the same tax regime nor do we necessarily have the same life style. I also have no idea what "old farts" have to do with any of it. We are a very small market .

For myself, I'll happily admit old fartage, but I refute the suggestion I might be small, as would anyone who sees me squeeze myself into or out of BARMY.

Might I suggest that Mazda have long unsubsidised the MX5? In other words, they've charged Australian dealers and therefore the public more than is needed for profitability on that product line in order to slightly subsidise the other ranges? And that in a world inhabited by the likes of the 86, doing so again might prove a Truly Bad Idea?

[Odd]

Old news.....but relevant?

http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2013/sp ... cern-36634

http://www.motoring.com.au/news/convert ... sr-ed-news

[rjastra2]

I think Gary has a valid point and the ND is a car built in another generation and its made for a niche i.e. a sports car that needs to reflect some aspiration - efficient for one and weight is clearly important.

The question then needs to be asked... if Mazda are indeed going to reintroduce the RX7/8 on what platform will they build it?
2 x RWD platforms for niche models?

[davekmoore]

The question then needs to be asked... if Mazda are indeed going to reintroduce the RX7/8 on what platform will they build it?
2 x RWD platforms for niche models?

MX5 platform?

[Vat]

MX5 platform?

Discussion of the RX-7 I saw involved a modified (i.e. strengthened) MX-5 platform, which would make sense, no point having two bespoke RWD structures. Design and build for the volume model, modify as required. You'd just lengthen and maybe widen the reinforced platform for an RX-8.

[Black_Penguin]

I believe the plan was for it to be on a stretched Mx5 platform but who knows at this point.
Edit: just saw this on the bookface http://www.carthrottle.com/mazdas-rx7-successor-will-get-a-450bhp-turbo-rotary-engine/

[deviant]

Talking of the weight thing...I would love Mazda to offer two specs, the 'Weekend Warrior' pack with some factory fitted performance tweaks and a Lotus Elise like interior and a 'Touring' pack that sees you in something like an NC.

A very niche market for the weekend warrior pack but on the other hand there is a market in Europe for factory built, track day worthy cars...Renault do a stripped, semi slick wearing and half-caged Megane, the Elise still sells well and often people cry out for a back to basics RWD two seater.

[Garry]

Mazda tried that in the US a few years ago after everyone was crying out for them to build a stripped out Miata for the club racer. It was a sales flop. It seems that what people say they want and what they will actually pay for are 2 different things.

[Garry]

The question then needs to be asked... if Mazda are indeed going to reintroduce the RX7/8 on what platform will they build it?
2 x RWD platforms for niche models?

RX7 *giggle* I hope your not holding your breath for that one Richard