While we were hoping for a proper debut of the fourth generation Miata at this year’s New York Auto Show, when it comes to the forthcoming all-new Miata, we’ll take what we can get. And what we get is word from Mazda that the Skyactiv chassis of the newest MX-5 will be leaner, meaner, and more honest to the original intent of the diminutive sports car.
Mazda Motorsports has announced that it will run two Skyactiv-D diesel-powered prototype racecars in the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship series, which replaces both ALMS and Grand-Am racing series.
Most concept cars—especially the ones occupying the SEMA showfloor every year—are so outlandish it’s almost guaranteed they will never see production. And then there are concept vehicles like Hyundai’s Velocity Concept that make us giggle like a schoolgirl. The Velocity concept is wild enough to taunt the imagination, but realistic enough that spotting one on the street or the track someday could be a real possibility.
As ever, the Mazda3 has got to be seen as almost the default compact car choice for any driver that a) cares about handling and good driving dynamics, or b) wants a sizeable hatchback that still offers great fuel economy.
This year at SEMA, Mazda is displaying the Mazda MX-5 Cup car, built to the specifications of the MX-5 Cup racing series.