New MX-5 styling explained
Mazda designers walk us round their fourth-generation roadsterWe spent some time with Mazda design chief Derek Jenkins and interior design manager Julien Montousse at the reveal of the new MX-5 in Monterey yesterday, and gained this insight into what sets the new roadster apart from all others.
Front-end
The lower bonnet and fascia are sculpted to meet pedestrian impact rules, but also help to give the car a sucked-down-to-the-road kind of look. We resisted using the winged trim of the Mazda2, 3 and 6 because chrome has no place on a sports car like the MX-5.
Lighting
The headlights, signature lamps and front fog lights are all LED. The headlights are impossibly slim and we couldn't have done that without LED technology. Also, these lights may give a hint as to the future of KODO-inspired front-ends.
Windscreen frame
The gloss-black windscreen frame and mirror caps, inspired by Mazda's last SEMA car, not only look cool but aim to reduce the visual height of the car.
Profile
The low belt line accentuates the front guards but the lack of line work controls the highlights along the profile. These taut surfaces help to stop the car from looking puffy, the sheer sides draw reference from the original MX-5, while the sharp tension line at the peak of the rear fender [behind the door] feeds energy towards the rear of the car.
Wheels
This is the 16-inch lightweight wheel. We also have a 17-inch lightweight wheel. The design is simple yet recognisable as an MX-5 wheel.
Soft-top
Classic black, the fabric top can be easily operated by the driver without getting out of the seat, and he or she can open or close the roof with just one hand. The first panel of the folding soft-top is rigid to improve longevity and help reduce wind noise.
Rear-end
The taper at the rear is dramatic. The volume [of the body] pulls inwards to the tail-lights. This was done to accentuate the rear fenders and exaggerate the classic FR [front-engine/rear-wheel drive] proportions. It keeps it looking slim.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
