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Mazda planning MX-5 coupe for the U.S.?

02/13/2008, 12:58 PM

By Drew Johnson

Mazda is considering launching a coupe-variant of its MX-5 convertible in the U.S., a new report finds. Mazda produced a fixed-roof version of the last generation car, but it was only available in the Japanese market.

According to Best Car Magazine, the MX-5 coupe could hit the U.S. market as early as 2010. That date also coincides with the MX-5’s refresh schedule, so Mazda could be planning the coupe to boost the car’s sales late in its life cycle.

An MX-5 coupe also seems to make sense since there aren’t really any cars to fill that niche. It is believed that General Motors is developing a fixed-roof version of the Pontiac Solstice, but outside of that, the rear-drive, four-cylinder coupe segment is wide open.

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02/13, 1:02 PM

posted by:

livelyjay

From the pictures it looks pretty nice. The racing crowd might be interested in this since it would make the chassis a bit more solid and might possibly reduce weight.

02/13, 1:04 PM

posted by:

atourya

yes yes yes yes. Seriously, I will make a deposit.

They might be girly in proportion… but man that is one of the most exciting cars I have driven.

02/13, 1:14 PM

posted by:

carguy70

Do it Mazda and do it Pontiac!! This is a market that has been abandoned here for to long. And build a stripper version for cheap then a higher performance version in coupe body also! This could be GREAT!!

02/13, 1:18 PM

posted by:

SS4LIFE

That would be awesome if they came out with this. The Mazda Miata is a great track car, the only problem is that since it’s only available in a roadster form, aside from the new hardtop convertible, many race regulations require that has a roll bar, or roll cage. Which adds weight as well. If they came out with this I know a lot of people including myself that would be very happy if they offered this in the U.S.

02/13, 1:26 PM

posted by:

Impulsive

With all due respect to its build quality and fun-to-drive character, why can’t they make it look less effeminate … I’d buy one for fun if it didn’t look so gay.

02/13, 1:45 PM

posted by:

Shismo

Nice. I’ve always been a big Mazda fan. Imagine a Mazdaspeed Miata coupe!

02/13, 1:56 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

Impulsive: you are so right. Unless they came out with Victoria’s Secret for men, it would be a tough stretch.

02/13, 2:05 PM

posted by:

Buivrolet

I would much prefer this hardtop coupe to the convertible version. Though as others have pointed out, it still looks rather feminine.

02/13, 2:05 PM

posted by:

vLane

Isn’t that a 99 Miata in the picture?
Yes, we cheap speed RWD peoples have wanted this forever. Just stretch the length and wheelbase half a foot so we can have a back seat (read: package shelf), please.

02/13, 2:29 PM

posted by:

zoomzoomr

That photo is not the current model.. but the shape is extremely interesting.. almost reminds me of the Karmann Ghia! If Mazda does decide to make a coupe version of the MX-5, I’d rather it resemble the modern Kabura than the retro Miata.

02/13, 3:24 PM

posted by:

corvette

it looks ok.

02/13, 3:26 PM

posted by:

SwerveEarly

Looks like the definitio of cheap 4 wheeled fun!

02/13, 3:40 PM

posted by:

meanpants555

At 6′1″ I don’t fit into Miatas, but the track crowd swears by them.

02/13, 4:47 PM

posted by:

RicardoHead

I hope so because I’m tired of crossing my fingers waiting for Pontiac to come out with the Solstice Coupe.

02/13, 5:30 PM

posted by:

C6Racer

You’re right, vLane. This is definitely not a new Miata in the pic.

02/13, 5:44 PM

posted by:

sharpie

Yum!!!!! This car has such a cult following WORLDWIDE (fun to drive, good handling, affordable, reliability). Can’t say that for ANY stupid American cars that not even stupid American will want to buy! Alas, GM is turning its boat around (kudos!). Just don’t knock an otherwise good car because your homeland lacks such product.

02/13, 8:51 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

Two recommended options:
1. A high performance engine that can take advantage of the stiffer chassis.
2. A Club Racer edition that removes everything that’s not necessary to accelerate, turn, brake, or keep the car glued together.

02/14, 12:28 AM

posted by:

buytheredcar

Needs to be more of a fastback shape, kinda like the cayman.
the one on the picture looks bad.

02/14, 8:46 AM

posted by:

DeansterTJ

Looks a bit like a 911 !

02/14, 9:04 AM

posted by:

Htay9500

shismo: they have one, but I think the dealer sells mazdaspeed parts though.

02/14, 10:33 AM

posted by:

sharpie

Interesting suggestions, global_lightning, did you have the Lotus Elise in mind? Ford made a version of Mustang that way. The only problem is that the Miata is not a high volume car like the Mustang, but that’s just more of a reason for limited edition!

02/14, 11:55 AM

posted by:

Madcapp

That’s pretty damn cool.

02/14, 12:12 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

Actually I was thinking more of the Honda S2000, another car where enthusiasts have asked for a closed coupe.

02/15, 1:28 AM

posted by:

C6Racer

I wish GM would make the Solstice Club Racer concept a reality.

 
 
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