[car fanatics]

Source
Photo credit: MX-5 OC
July 2, 2012
By: CF staff

The face lift is official. Snaps taken in Japan from a dealership catalogue.

[REVolution]

Not bad, but damn the new generation cannot come soon enough.

[BasiliskSt]

I think the deal with FIAT's Alfa is an indication Mazda didn't have the money to finish the new generation MX-5 without help. This is clearly an interim solution, a mild refresh. I think Mazda is seriously hurting for cash given the exchange rates.

[REVolution]

Yea, I think so too. I'm told that Mazda already has a chassis and a body for the car, I think they don't have the money for production yet. This car has been out for a while and this is going to be its 3rd refresh.

[BasiliskSt]

Any chance this means the Alfa and the next generation Mazda Miata will be produced Stateside by FIAT?

That would be a good outcome for both -- North American production (finally) for Mazda and some volume to keep an introductory Alfa Spyder affordable. Good for both brands.

[REVolution]

To be honest, I don't know. The previous press releases all said the car was to be built in Japan, both the Alfa and the Mazda.