Can there be an elegant lead-over from Maybach to Mazda? Not really, and so itll be rude anyway: The next generation Mazda MX5 is about to continue the success of the current car of which the predecessor has revived the roadster philosophy in the early 1990s though with modern interpretation. Only 14 years old but already a legend, it is the roadster.
Offered again in typical transaxle-style (engine at front combined with rear-wheel drive), the new MX5 will again be available with a choice of two four-cylinder 16-valve fuel engines delivering around 110 HP and 150 HP respectively. A much more sculpted bonnet with huge air-intakes and massive front wings housing 17-inch wheels dominate the new cars appearance. Expect the new Mazda Roadster to be at the dealers in early 2004.
Having the worlds best-selling roadster, Mazdas engineers arent resting on their laurels. Instead, the Japanese firm is currently developing a drop-top version of their new RX-8 coupé, hoping to create yet another evergreen. The incoming car will have a scaled-down version of the 2-litre four-cylinder engine of the Mazda 6, reduced in capacity to 1.8 litre because the standard unit was thought too powerful.
In its new guise, the unit will develop 177 HP at 7000 rpm. A six-speed gearbox will be used, keeping the models traditional set-up. Styling follows Mazdas new range, with familiar headlamps and a rakish nose. Expected in 2004, the RX-8 roadster will lose none of the MX-5s fun.