New Mazda MX-5 in 2012... now with more BALLS

Mazda is preparing to launch the next generation MX-5, a model that will feature a radical rethink. “The next MX-5 needs to be a big step,” said Mazda’s Chief designer Lauren Van den Acker. “The last one was too conservative and we can’t do another car like that. We need to make it more dramatic and give it some balls.”

The next MX-5 will make its debut in 2012, and Mazda wants it to be a no-nonsense small rear-drive roadster. Expect the new one to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than the current model.

For the 2008 Paris Auto Show Mazda is preparing a small facelift of current MX-5. The MazdaSpeed version will be dropped.