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Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:15 pm
by Crapweasel
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:27 pm
by MINX
Looks like an NB roof on an NC ?
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:59 pm
by Lokiel
Looks like an NC shell atop next-gen platform? Who knows?
I didn't like reading that there'll be no turbo version though - but they said that about the 86 too and the aftermarket suppliers have now addressed that issue.
It seems Mazda are simply leaving the performance version to Fiat.
I was actually hoping Mazda would build a strict 2 seater and allow Fiat to build a longer 2+2 version.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:31 pm
by gslender
I guess maybe we'd best save up for the Alfa 4C then.... 1.7 Turbo looks good!
G
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:54 pm
by project.r.racing
just look like a NC to me. bit of marketing hocospocos to drum up interest.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 3:49 pm
by Rocky
Not sure we can make too make too many assumptions from those photos.
Doesn't look too much like a new model to me.
Come on Mazda - give me a reason to consider a new MX5.
(what was that stuff about a manual gearbox only in the UK?)
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 4:31 pm
by Sailor
Just a test mule.
In all likelihood an almost stock NC body shell with the new drivetrain, engine and running gear installed probably still on std suspension.
A long time till we see spy shots of a new body.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 1:42 pm
by OurCognitiveSurplus
http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2013/sp ... type-39601If it's at the ring it must be a somewhat progressed prototype.
"...some clues to the new car’s proportions can be gleaned from the added-in section just forward of the A-pillar.
This suggests that despite presenting a similar two-door roadster layout, the all-new MX-5 will have GT-esque long-snout/short-tail proportions and the stance is also likely to be beefier as a result of wider front and rear tracks.
The lengthened doors indicate the wheelbase has also stretched, which is likely to result in greater levels of interior space."
How are they going to make wider and longer etc AND lighter?
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 2:21 pm
by Lokiel
Alfa really screwed up their Brera convertible and their Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept (2010) is absolutely beautiful so mating it with the next-gen MX5 drivetrain and an Alfa engine sounds like the perfect convertible:

See
http://iedeiblog.com/2011/01/22/alfa-romeo-spiderdeath-of-the-brera/ and
http://www.carscoops.com/2010/04/alfa-romeo-2010-2014-product-plans.htmlUnfortunately looking and performing this good will definitely put it out of my price range, and I suspect safely out of the typical MX5-buyer's reach so it wont impact Mazda sales. It's a win-win for both companies.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 2:22 pm
by Jeo
4 stud wheels?
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 2:27 pm
by OurCognitiveSurplus
I guess the funny thing about this forum is that very few of us could, or if we could we wouldn't, buy a new model MX5 off the showroom floor. (Remember that weird guy who got an NC3 and made those creepy posts about being aroused by the gear stick... or whatever?) You can pay up to $55k for a new MX5. That's madness. I could have a near new Lotus Elise for that. Or I could have a supercharged NC1 and an overseas holiday.
Point being, doesn't matter if it's out of our new-price-range. We'll start to get them in a few years when the aftermarket has more parts and the used prices are no longer mental.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 6:04 pm
by greenMachine
Jeo wrote:4 stud wheels?
Supposed to be a result of lighter weight.

Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:42 pm
by Jeo
Please tell me that's actually legit. That's the best reasoning ever if it is.
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:00 am
by Smacca
Another ND mule spied doing R&D laps at the Nurburgring...
Autoblog link here
Re: Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:25 am
by JBT
It's really a slightly shrunken NC body shell disguising an NA platform. It is believed there never was a better model MX-5 than the original, so they have used that as a basis but with a new power train and body. It comes complete with scuttle shake....oh and they are ramping up the price in Australia to $65,000 to bring it in line with early 90s cost equivalency.