Mazda’s Next generation MX-5 to be revealed at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

After the huge success of two-seater roadster Mazda MX-5, the Japanese brand is all set to go for the next generation MX-5. To be revealed at next year’s Tokyo motor show; Mazda’s next-generation MX-5 roadster is to adopt the principle from the RX-8 in a bid to overcome the current car’s kerb weight and balance. For the layout ideas, the vehicle will borrow from the Ibuki concept (pictured) which was displayed in the same motor show in 2003.

Thought the show car was a preview for the current MX-5; however, Mazda is believed to use a revised version of that construction and built the next generation vehicle on the RX-8’s philosophy to adopt a super front-midship four-cylinder layout. That means new MX-5 will have its powerplant placed behind the front axle to achieve optimum weight distribution; whereas fuel tank and main exhaust will be mounted in front of the rear axle, thus placing all the components inside the wheelbase.

The new vehicle will feature a revised version of the twin-backbone frame and the vehicle will also incorporate elements from the Shinari concept revealed in Milan in August. Power for the vehicle is likely to come from one of Mazda’s all new Skyactive powerplants which is expected to be a 1.5 liter, reports Autocar. The powerplant seems good enough for that spectaculr performance, particularly when the MX-5 weighs less than 1000kg on the track.