2013 Mazda MX-5

With a history that began in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is one of the best sold convertibles on the market. In its 21 years of history, the MX-5 saw three different generations, numerous design updates, and even more engine changes. However, the most impressive update has been announced for the fourth generation that is set to be launched in 2012.

The Mazda MX-5 will remain a rear-wheel drive compact sports coupe with exterior design inspired by the Shinari Concept unveiled earlier this year. With the new generation, Mazda will focus on reducing the total weight to less than 1,000 kilos.

At the launch of the Shinari concept, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda Motor Corp.’s design division said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements." Guess the MX-5 will be among the first to adopt Mazda’s new "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language.

Updated 06/09/2011: Inside Line has released today new details on the next generation Mazda MX-5 roadster. It seems that one of their insiders confirmed them the next model will loose no less than 720 pounds from the 2,480-pound curb weight of today’s Miata. In order to obtain this impressive weight reduction the company will use high-strength steels for the body, a smaller, lighter engine and a more minimalist specification. The model will be offered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine equipped with direct injection and variable cam phasing as part of Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering efficiency program.

Updated 07/04/2011: The British company Autocar has revealed new details about the next generation MX-5’s turbocharged four cylinder engine. According to the magazine the new engine, a 1.5 liter one, and not 1.4, will feature variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold design, all of them as part of Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering campaign. The body will be made in steel, but it will feature high-strength panels, and some ingenious structural solutions, such as a twin-backbone frame, to solve the problem of open-top rigidity.

Hit the jump to read more about the fourth generation Mazda MX-5.

Exterior and Interior The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 will feature a large five-point grille and fluid lines, just like the Shinari concept. Headlamps will get LED lights technology and everything will be a combination of sportiness and elegance. The interior will get sports seats and different aluminum insertions. The latest technologies will also appear in the future MX5. The Engine Under the hood of the future Mazda MX-5 there will be a newly developed four-cylinder engine with up to 160 hp. It will be a direct injection engine and will come with a start-stop system. These two features are new for the MX-5 and will help in improving the car’s fuel consumption. The standard gearbox will be a six-speed manual, but buyers who don’t want to use this car to it’s full potential can get a dual-clutch semi-automatic. The Competition The new Mazda MX-5 will have to face models like the Mini Cooper S Convertible and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. However, Kia has also recently announced that the company plans a small sports car due out in early 2013 that will take on models like the MX-5. Some good news for Mazda is that Mitsubishi plans to drop the Eclipse model, so that will be one less vehicle nipping at the Mazda;s heels. The real competition sits with the Cooper S which is getting better with every year. For 2011, it will be offered with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter. The model is offered with high-quality materials and an extremely harmonious color scheme. When Can I Buy One? The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 with sales beginning in early 2013.