Possible upgrades for the ND MX-5 Miata are introduced at Chicago Auto Show.
Even before the 2016 MX-5 Miata is available to enthusiasts and racers, Mazda is already showing off some possible upgrades that may be of interest to both parties. And it’s doing it where the Miata was first shown 25 years ago, at the Chicago Auto Show.
“There is so much MX-5 history at the Chicago Auto Show, and we wanted to continue building on that,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “The MX-5 is the soul of our company, and its enthusiast following both inside and outside of Mazda drives us to keep innovating new ideas for it and the rest of our lineup.”
The 2016 MX-5 accessories concept on display at the show features an Aero Kit, BBS wheels and Brembo brakes.
The Aero Kit includes a front air dam, side sill extensions, rear bumper skirt and rear lip spoiler. These pieces, all in gloss black, are the same ones found on the MX-5 Global Cup concept that was shown at the SEMA show and is also on display in Chicago.
Black 17x7J 45mm offset forged BBS wheels wrap around lightweight Brembo calipers (red, of course) at the front and red brake calipers at the rear.
“For our next-generation MX-5, our designers and engineers obsessively focused on heightening the joy that comes with driving our signature sports car,” said O’Sullivan. “The concept parts and accessories we have showcased at the Chicago Auto Show were developed to give customers a look at what is possible for the new cars to make them truly one-of-a-kind, adding to that excitement.”
Mazda has revealed a few details about the 2016 MX-5 that goes on sale this summer, including that it will be powered by a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four cylinder producing 155hp and 148lb.-ft. of torque. Given that Mazda has also promised that the ND MX-5 will be about 150lbs. lighter than the NC, thanks in part to it being 4.1in. shorter, it should be quite the performer, retaining the fun-to-drive nature of its predecessors both on the road and the racetrack.
The Chicago Auto Show runs through Feb. 22.