Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 and Alfa Romeo Spyder

Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 and Alfa Romeo Spyder

Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 and Alfa Romeo are joining forces to build the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 and Spyder. The 2-passenger roadsters will place a priority on keeping things simple, and small. As we already noted a couple months ago, Mazda’s engineers are working hard to trim weight (reportedly as much as 200 lb.) from the 2015 Miata. This could be aided by the Japanese automaker’s growing lineup of SkyActiv models, which offer improved performance and fuel economy thanks to their significantly lighter chassis and powertrains. That same engineering approach will certainly be applied here.

For the moment, Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 and Alfa are keeping the specifics of the arrangement under wraps. In a previous statement, the two companies said they would "develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific lightweight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand." Judging from these artist illustrations – not official images, mind you, but a pretty good guess – it appears each car has its own unique shape and personality.

The next Miata should sport much more pronounced fenders and a blunter front and rear end. Horizontal bars and a large Mazda emblem dominate the bigger grille. Those over 6-foot have always struggled to squeeze into the Miata cabin, so expect Mazda to focus some attention on boosting interior room and comfort. Considering the car's ongoing weight loss regime, it’s possible Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015 could eliminate heavy and complex features like the current model’s optional retractable folding hardtop.

In comparison, the Alfa Romeo Spyder has a sleeker and more expensive look to it – no surprise, since the Alfa is likely to cost more. There is definitely a hint of the classic “boat-tail” Spyder that Dustin Hoffman drove in the film “The Graduate.” Unlike the wide-eyed Miata, the Alfa could feature LED-intensive lighting at the front and rear. Ornamentation and superfluous details appear to be kept to an absolute minimum on this Alfa. A character line runs from the front fender to the door handles, and that’s pretty much it.

View Gallery Picture : Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015

These are pint-sized roadsters, so the engine lineup is guaranteed to consist of rev-happy 4-cylinders. We’ve speculated that Mazda could opt for a normally aspirated 1.8-liter, or turbocharged 1.3 or 1.5-liter engine. Personally, the latter options sound the most intriguing – come on, Mazda! Alfa can easily dip into the Fiat parts-bin and install the highly entertaining and turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir 4-cylinder into the engine bay for the Spyder. A choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic equipped with paddle-shifters should be available in either vehicle. Expect Mazda to try to peg pricing as close as possible to the current Miata’s base price of approximately $25,000. We’d expect the Alfa price tag to fall closer to $30,000.

View Gallery Picture : Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015

 

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BMW i8 Concept Spyder

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

The BMW i8 Concept has officially lost its lid, as the Bavarian automaker’s fuel mileage masterpiece is being shown for the first time in convertible format. Intended to display BMW’s prowess when it comes to mpg-related technology, the i8 will be the range-topping model of the upcoming “i” brand. Additional vehicles in the range will include the i3, an electric-powered city car.

We’ve already spotted the i8 Coupe undergoing testing, wearing only minimal camouflage and looking almost identical to the concept version. BMW appears to be serious about expanding the range, even if the i8 will remain a niche product due a starting price that’s expected to be well over $100,000. A convertible version, if one does come to market, is likely to carry an even higher price tag.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder has the same dramatic and flowing lines as the coupe, complete with a rollover bar that extends elegantly backwards to serve as the rear spoiler. As we’ve already noted with the i8 Coupe prototype recently spotted by our spy photographers, the doors swing upwards and forward, ensuring a touch of drama any time you exit or enter the vehicle. It’s a nice touch, and it’s good to see it being used in the drop-top variant.

Inside the Spyder’s 2-passenger cabin is a “layered” design with 3-dimensional displays, along with an exotic-looking mix of carbon fiber, leather and plastic surfaces. One notable piece missing from the design puzzle is the car’s top, or more to the point, whether it’s a removable hardtop or folds backwards somehow. There doesn’t appear to be an excess of stowage space in the i8 Spyder’s lean silhouette, so a folding top seems unlikely at this point.

Beneath the bodywork is the same all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the i8 Coupe. This includes a 131-hp electric motor linked to the front wheels, along with a 223-bhp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to the rears. The combined output of 354 hp is enough to motivate the i8 Convertible from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, according to BMW. Top speed is reportedly 155 mph.

The battery pack is located in the central tunnel, to ensure a 50:50 weight balance, and power can be routed to the front, rear, or all four wheels at the same time.

Like the i8 Coupe, when the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged the i8 Spyder has a pure electric driving range of approximately 19 miles. BMW states that the i8 can be recharged in less than two hours using a standard household outlet. A high-voltage alternator coupled to the gasoline engine provides extra power, or additional driving range, when needed.

Look for the BMW i8 Coupe to arrive sometime in 2014, with the Spyder variant to follow shortly thereafter.

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Ford Mustang Sedan 2014

Ford Mustang Sedan 2014

In a move certain to elicit praise from muscle car fans with kids—and perhaps an equally huge outcry from automotive purists with a fondness for coupes—Ford Motor Company has announced plans to introduce a sedan variant of the Ford Mustang. With sales of rivals, especially the Chevrolet Camaro, eating into Ford’s share of the pony car segment, the Dearborn automaker has decided to take a radical new approach by introducing this 4-door offering in 2014.

The horsepower battle that has been raging between Ford and Chevy recently culminated in the 650-bhp Ford Mustang GT500and 550-bhp Camaro ZL1. During the 2013 New York Auto Show, a 1000-bhp Mustang, the Shelby 1000, will be on display. While this kind of firepower is impressive for drag-strip figures, these ultimate speed machines make up only a tiny sliver of sales output.

Ford representatives explained that the addition of two doors makes the Mustang more user-friendly, and its spacious back seat will make the car appeal to an entirely new type of buyer. The benefit, at least from Ford’s point of view, will be a noticeable boost in sales output for the ‘Stang. Even though the Mustang will no longer be such a narrowly focused niche product aimed at enthusiasts, the new Mustang sedan will offer much the same performance as its coupe sibling.

While this prototype has the look of a Boss 302, production models will more closely mimic the look of the standard Mustang. The mechanicals are not confirmed, but we can assume the base engine will be the same 305-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 found in the Mustang coupe and convertible. A 412-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 will be optional, and buyers will have a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The ride and handling balance will undoubtedly lean toward comfort, if only because of the added length and expected weight gain. The 2014 Ford Mustang sedan is approximately 11 in. longer than the coupe, though the extra length is balanced by shorter front doors and a significantly reworked C-pillar. While a Boss 302 sedan like the one pictured is not all that likely, Ford reps have confirmed that even more changes could be in store for the Mustang.

A hybrid-powered variant, or possibly even a diesel version, could be introduced to increase the Mustang’s hitherto dismal ratings when it comes to fuel efficiency. The move might sound drastic, but stricter fuel economy regulations could force the muscle car and pony car market into even more unfamiliar territory. And think of all that torque!

Look for the 2014 Ford Mustang sedan to make an appearance later this year, possibly during the Los Angeles Auto Show, or in Detroit in early 2013. Sales begin next year, with pricing to be revealed closer to the on-sale date.

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