Mazda has decided to style its upcoming roadster, the next-generation MX-5, with its infamous Nagare design language. Scheduled to go on sales in 2012, MX-5 will be the only car to feature Nagare as Mazda plans to reveal a new design direction for its future concept cars.
The Nagare design language has been inspired by the nature’s flowing elements and has produced five highly rated concepts in 2006 and 2007. According to Autocar, the decision to employ Nagare to the car was a tough one for the company as many were of the opinion that the tall, slab-sided MPV was unworthy of the treatment.
Mazda engineers have tried hard to bring the next MX-5 back to its true roots of being a lightweight roadster. This is because the company believed that its current model had become too heavy, losing its basic foundation of a sports roadster. The original MX-5 had a target weight of 1000 kg during development, and Mazda has set itself the same goal for the new model.
As for the powertrain, the automaker is currently evaluating engine options. However, we could expect the engine range to include two Sky-G petrol units that include a 1.6 liter and a 1.8 liter variants. The engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual as standard and Mazda’s upcoming dual-clutch automatic is expected to be made available as an option.
In another news from the company, Mazda plans to launch a new small SUV
badged CX-5, to go on sale at the end of next year. Previewed by the 2008 Kazamai concept, the car will also be the first production Mazda to be powered by the new generation of ultra-efficient Sky engines.-nitrobahn.
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