February13
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
Nice. I’ve always been a big Mazda fan. Imagine a Mazdaspeed Miata coupe!
Impulsive: you are so right. Unless they came out with Victoria’s Secret for men, it would be a tough stretch.
I would much prefer this hardtop coupe to the convertible version. Though as others have pointed out, it still looks rather feminine.
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.
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.
it looks ok.
Looks like the definitio of cheap 4 wheeled fun!
At 6′1″ I don’t fit into Miatas, but the track crowd swears by them.
I hope so because I’m tired of crossing my fingers waiting for Pontiac to come out with the Solstice Coupe.
You’re right, vLane. This is definitely not a new Miata in the pic.
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.
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.
Needs to be more of a fastback shape, kinda like the cayman.
the one on the picture looks bad.
Looks a bit like a 911 !
shismo: they have one, but I think the dealer sells mazdaspeed parts though.
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!
That’s pretty damn cool.
Actually I was thinking more of the Honda S2000, another car where enthusiasts have asked for a closed coupe.
I wish GM would make the Solstice Club Racer concept a reality.