Today we woke up to the most wonderful of news: the all-new 2016 Mazda Miata is coming sooner than we expected. While it won't be on sale for some time, we'll get our first look in September.
We do know it will be some 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and it will share its platform with an upcoming Fiat or Alfa Romeo roadster (probably the former), and it will most likely have a small-displacement turbo engine.
It's off to a good start, I'd say. But I thought I would ask you fine people what you'd like to see on the next iteration of one of our favorite sports cars. I'll rattle off a few of my own.
More striking styling. I never really warmed up to the looks of the third-generation NC Miata, even after its facelift. I'd love to see a design that moves away from making people say "Cute!" to one that makes them say "Daaaaaaamn." Mazda has been putting out some attractive cars as of late, like the new Mazda3, so I hope they get this right.
Hydraulic steering. I just drove the new 2015 WRX STI, which has hydraulic steering, unlike the WRX's new electric rack. Everything is going electric these days in the name of efficiency, but to me even the best electric racks don't replicate the feel of a good hydraulic system. But I know this one's unlikely.
A more updated interior... The current Miata doesn't have USB ports or a navigation option, at least not in the U.S. It could use some freshening up.
...but the option to keep it light, simple and cheap if you want. Which is the way I'd go. Do you really need navigation in a Miata? Getting there isn't the point; how you get there is. Hopefully Mazda will allow some bare-bones models to keep the purists and weekend racers happy.
Your turn, what do you want on the next Miata?