Alfa/ND Mule spotted in Michigan

[Crapweasel]

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Mazda-MX-5Alfa-Spider-2015-first-spy-shots-of-the-joint-roadster-project/

Big forum link with more speculation and observations, linking to Autoweek's Dutch website:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=516155

[MINX]

Looks like an NB roof on an NC ?

[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.

[gslender]

I guess maybe we'd best save up for the Alfa 4C then.... 1.7 Turbo looks good!

G

[project.r.racing]

just look like a NC to me. bit of marketing hocospocos to drum up interest.

[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?)

[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.

[OurCognitiveSurplus]

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2013/sp ... type-39601

If 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?

[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.html

Unfortunately 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.

[Jeo]

4 stud wheels?

[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.

[greenMachine]

4 stud wheels?

Supposed to be a result of lighter weight.

[Jeo]

Please tell me that's actually legit. That's the best reasoning ever if it is.

[Smacca]

Another ND mule spied doing R&D laps at the Nurburgring...

Autoblog link here

[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.