a 1.4 turbo wouldn't weigh any less than a 1.8 NA. might be more economic though, and it could be much more powerful.
anyway something is wrong with the performance times, 8.9 seconds to 62mph with 124bhp/123lbft/995kgs???? it should be more like 7.9s.
the mx-5 1.8 current model is meant to be 1080kgs, so 160kgs off that is 920kgs, which seems a more realistic figure considering all the weight savings on this car. remember a 1.8 lotus elise was 690kgs when it first came out, and that had a soft roof.
i cant see mazda making a roofless sports car for sale. unless they have a range of models for the mx5. if they want to make a perfect version they it will have to be properly light weight, to lead by example it will have to be lighter than the mk1 elise so their target would need to be 650kgs and it all made of carbonfibre. but would they dare launch a premium segment costing over £30k for an mx5? would be nice though.
whatever route they choose they will do well to target lightweight performance, in a cheap a way as possible would lead to more sales aswell. but they need to make sure the power to weight ratio is very very good. otherwise its all just an illusion. no matter what the waffle is, as customers we only need to look at 2 numbers, the kerb weight and the power. then if they are good then a 3rd number can be looked at, the price.
as it is 995kgs and 124bhp (if autocar figures are correct) is nowhere near worthy to be even interesting. my 4 seat hatchback vw lupo does better (975kgs/124bhp) than that as standard. thats with modern comfort, old style iron block engine etc.. how have mazda managed to make the car so heavy while taking so much out?
