Nother CarGuy

It's only been a couple of years since Mazda rolled out the latest ND-generation MX-5 Miata, so we'd expect it to stick around for a while before it'll need replacement. That won't stop the Japanese automaker from rolling out incremental updates, though, like it has today at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it was easily overshadowed by the unveilings of the Kai and Vision Coupe concepts. For 2018, Mazda is adjusting the exterior color choices. The soft-top version is also being offered with a special package including a dark red fabric roof, Nappa leather, and black BBS alloys. Meanwhile the Retractable Fastback version gains an optional contrasting black hardtop. Mazda's also added more sound insulation, more readable gauges, and heated cloth seats. Features like stop/start and brake energy recuperation are also now part of the update across the range, and there are adaptive LED headlamps available, too. At present, these updates are being rolled...

A hardtopped variant of the Fiat 124 Spider could launch as early as next year according to a report from  Autocar . It is thought that Fiat has been spurred on by the success of the  Mazda MX-5  based model and wants to create a dedicated coupe variant with higher performance capabilities. The creation of such a model will also help to distinguish the 124 further from its Mazda sibling and provide the Italian manufacturer with an even sportier model. The world got its first taster of a Fiat 124 Coupe at March's Geneva Motor Show when Abarth unveiled its  rally-spec 124  with a fixed roof and racing livery. There's a good chance that the production 124 Coupe will utilize a very similar roof design or potentially, adopt a slightly extended roofline which would result in a shorter decklid. In either case, it seems probable that engines will differ depending on the market. Some are thought to be happy with the Spider's entry-level 1.4-liter 138 hp engine while o...

The hard-top Miata is getting ready for its market launch and Mazda will mark the occasion with a limited ‘Launch Edition’ offered in the US market.  After the model’s universal appraisal  at the last New York Auto Show , Mazda will offer the exact same specification of that show car in the first 1,000 copies. That means that the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Launch Edition will be finished in  Machine Grey Metallic with a black roof panel over an Auburn Nappa leather interior trim . The rest of the specs are based on the Grand Touring trim level, with Mazda only offering one option to prospective customers between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.  This special edition is destined for Mazda’s most loyal customers. The company will initially open up the preorders to a select group of customers who will be notified via email. Mazda will give them a specific window of time to preorder the RF Launch Edition before ordering opens to the general public.  “...