All-New Mazda MX-5 debuts in Geneva

March 3, 2005 UPDATED IMAGES Sixteen years after Mazda first showed what was to become the best selling two-seat sportscar in history (the MX-5), it has taken the covers off an all-new, third-generation MX-5 at the 2005 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva. Mazda has thoroughly reworked every aspect of the MX-5’s design, mechanical function, and dynamic response with a view to infusing more fun and driving satisfaction. The new MX-5 is more powerful, more capable, more comfortable, offers better occupant protection yet its curb weight has increased by just 10 kg. In addition to saving weight, the torsional rigidity of the body structure has been improved 47% and a true 50:50 weight distribution has been achieved, significantly reducing the MX-5’s moment of inertia about the vertical (yaw) axis. The most notable change to the MX-5’s shape is the elimination of the "Coke bottle" shape of the contours. The nose and tail are smoothly tapered, as before, but now the surfaces wrap smoothly between the wheels without narrowing. The functional benefit of this change is a wider cockpit with additional hip, shoulder, and elbowroom. In addition, the space needed for side air bags is available.

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