Mazda teases new MX-5

The first teaser image of Mazda's fourth-generation MX-5 has surfaced three weeks ahead of its official global reveal early next month.

Although it's draped by a thin veil, the rear side angle seen in the image reveals key design details for the first time, including the familiar long-bonnet silhouette that's been synonymous with the world's top-selling two-seat sports car since its inception in 1989.

However, adding weight to recent comments by senior Mazda executives that the Mk4 MX-5 "will look nothing like" the model it replaces is the appearance of far more muscular sheet metal.

The more aggressive body shell design is clearly evident in a higher, more square rear decklid complete with what appears to be a subtle bootlid spoiler, lending more of a wedge shape to its side profile.

Further aggression is added by bulging wheel-arches and more pronounced rear shoulders behind what looks like a smoother fabric soft-top profile.

Although the front- and rear-end designs cannot be seen, they're also likely to be less effeminate than the designs they replace.

As we've reported, the new MX-5 will make its simultaneous world premiere at Monterey in California, Barcelona in Spain and Maihama Amphitheater near Tokyo's Disneyland in Japan on September 3.

It will then make its global public debut at the Paris motor show a month later on October 2, before being launched around the world early next year – 25 years after the first MX-5 was released.

The next MX-5 will be based on an all-new platform – the first rear-wheel derivative of Mazda's latest SKYACTIV chassis architecture – and should be powered by new 1.5- and 2.0-litre SKYACTIV direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engines.

Kerb weight will return to below 1000kg for the first time since the original NA series, and Mazda has hinted pricing will also reduce – potentially from under $40,000.