2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specs and Details Announced

• The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer 155 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque
• Curb weight is down about 150 pounds from today's 2,500-lb figure
• Mazda has not yet announced when the MX-5 Miata will go on sale

Mazda has officially announced several new details about its all-new, fully redesigned 2016 MX-5 Miata, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year. The new details include final weight, horsepower and torque figures as well as other specifications of importance to fans of the popular sports car.

The most eagerly anticipated new piece of information from Mazda is the 2016 MX-5's horsepower figure. According to the automaker, the new Miata will use a 2.0-liter SkyActiv4-cylinder that will make 155 hp, which is down 12 hp from the current model. But the 2016 MX-5 Miata's torque figure, 148 lb-ft, is up 8 notches from last year's number, suggesting that acceleration will be roughly the same.

In fact, the new Miata might even be a little faster than last year's model. Mazda recently confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 will boast a 150-lb weight reduction compared to its predecessor. That's not a small figure, considering last year's model weighed in at just 2,500 lbs.

Beyond the weight and power numbers, Mazda has announced a few other key details about the new MX-5 Miata. Among them are dimensions, with the new Miata measuring 154.1 inches in length, about 3 inches shorter than the current model, and transmissions, which will include a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic. The new MX-5 Miata will also offer two wheel sizes: 17-in alloys in Club and GT trim, or 16 in base-level Sport guise.

Unfortunately, Mazda has not yet announced pricing for the 2016 MX-5 Miata, though we expect it'll be close to today's base price of around $25,000 with shipping. Mazda also hasn't announced when the new MX-5 Miata will reach dealers, though we're expecting to see it this spring or summer.

What it means to you: The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will boast more torque and a lighter curb weight than its predecessor, but it'll make less horsepower.

Mazda CX-3 Crossover Coming to LA | Maita Mazda Sacramento CA

The Mazda booth at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show will showcase some new crossovers. In addition to the refreshed CX-5 that we're expecting, the Japanese automaker has announced plans to unveil its new CX-3 compact crossover.

According to Mazda, the brand's entry into the compact CUV market will feature "the full range of SKYACTIV technology and KODO – Soul of Motion design." We take that to mean lightweight chassis and body architectures along with fuel-sipping gasoline and, perhaps, diesel engines.

The CX-3 will have to take on a slew of upcoming competitors, including the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade, and reports indicate it will share a platform with the Mazda2, which is just starting production in Mexico. We don't yet know if it will be front-wheel drive only or if all-wheel drive will be optional. The CUV is also likely to share the Mazda2's engine, which isn't yet revealed for the North American market. Japan gets the 2 with either a 1.3-liter gasoline engine or a 1.5-liter diesel.

Mazda6 Coupe Coming Along With More Mazdaspeed Models? | Maita Mazda Sacramento CA

The predecessor to the Mazda6, the Mazda 626, was sold in a multitude of body styles across the globe. It could, of course, be had as a sedan, but a two-door coupe, known stateside as the MX-6, was also available on the same platform. Now, a new report from Motor Trend claims that a two-door version of the modern Mazda6 could be on the way.

This would be remarkable for a number of reasons, as automakers have been abandoning this type of non-luxury coupe for decades. A class that counted entries from Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, Dodgeand Chrysler is now occupied solely by Honda with its Accord Coupe.

Ignoring that, though, MT claims we’ll see a two-door Mazda6 in the second half of 2016. When that new variant arrives, it will be with an even more dramatic version of the sedan’s Kodo design language. Mazda could rely even more heavily on styling inspiration of the Shinari Concept, which already informs the design of the current 6 sedan, when the two-door model arrives.

As for the eagerly anticipated, third-generation Mazdaspeed3, we’ll also be waiting until 2016 for that one, according to MT. When it arrives, though, it should be appropriately wild, offering up 300 turbocharged horsepowers from a blown, 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine. Unlike the past two MS3s, the next-gen model will reportedly (finally) adopt all-wheel drive, likely in the form of some lightweight contraption. As if that’s not enough good news, Motor Trend also seems to think aMazdaspeed2 and a reborn Mazdaspeed6 are on the way. It scarcely needs mentioning, but we’re doing our happy dance over this news.

Mazda6 Coupe coming along with more Mazdaspeed models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST.