Spy Shots: ’06 Mazda Miata
Not as radical as expected – but certainly more rotary.
by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image
The Car Connection
These latest photos, taken at the German race track Nürburgring, capture a prototype of the next generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The overall shape and size of the new Miata is so close to the current model that at first it appears to be the current model with little disguise on it. Looking more closely, however, one can see that this is an entirely new car. The most apparent clue that this is indeed a new car is the shape of the doors and the side windows. The rear edge of the current Miata's doors is nearly vertical, while the doors on the prototype have an angled rear edge. Also, the current Miata has a large triangular section of fixed glass at the leading edge of the window, behind which is a rectangular retractable window. The new Miata has a very small triangle of fixed glass, behind which is an enlarged window that is tapered at the front to fit against the windshield pillar.
At the rear the gas filler of the new Miata is located further to the rear, and the rear fenders are more rounded on top. Taillights are also entirely new, with the clear plastic over chrome look now used on several other Mazda cars.
The disguised front end is also completely new, with a flatter hood and a higher cutline between the hood and the front bumper/grille. All these changes will bring the Miata a modern look, while still leaving the car instantly recognizable.
A rotary engine is expected as an option on the new Miata, due in dealerships late in 2005.
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