The 2016 Mazda MX-5 will be making its first appearance at a major auto show at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show later tonight.
What is it?
"Innovate in order to preserve" was the development team's motto for the fourth generation, as they looked for innovations that go past simple evolution.
Environmental and safety demands are more important than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but fans will find that the most recent MX-5 stays true to the automaker's original aim of offering '"pure driving fun."
The 2016 vehicle achieves this through the introduction of SKYACTIV Technology and an updated design that will appeal to the senses and sensations Mazda fans have grown to love.
What's new?
Design cues include blacked-out A-pillars and mirrors, exterior LED lights, and a lower hood. The fourth-generation MX-Miata is lower, lighter and wider than its predecessor.
Inside, the car will borrow from the Mazda3 in some ways with the same touch screen, control knobs and air vents.
Red sport stitching can be found on the leather seats, a custom-designed binnacle with a three-gauge instrument cluster and plastic panels on the inside of the doors, which were painted to match the exterior.
What's changed?
Mazda's 2016 MX-5 Miata will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder engine and will feature a manual transmission as well as an automatic, in order to satisfy purists. The exact transmission numbers are expected to be announced at the LA Auto Show.
Technical specs have not been confirmed yet by the automaker, and are expected to be announced later tonight.
The use of lighter materials helped the vehicle drop approximately 220 pounds off its current weight of 2,500 pounds, which should improve the vehicle's fuel economy.
Fuel economy estimates for the 2016 vehicle have also not been released yet, but the 2015 model returns 21 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
Auto World News is in Los Angeles covering the auto show. Check back throughout the week for updates on the latest debuts and concept cars.
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