SPY PICS: Next-gen Mazda MX-5 prototype

Mazda is honing its replacement for the MX-5, and this prototype – captured at the Nurburgring by the Automedia lenses – previews the mechanicals (if not the bodywork) of the fourth-generation roadster due in 2015.

The new sports car departs somewhat from the existing formula as it’s the fruit of a joint development exercise between Mazda and Alfa Romeo – the venerable Italian brand will use much of the same hardware for its all-new Spider.

Don’t read too much into the look of the test mule pictured, as its bodywork has been cobbled up from the existing MX-5, but some clues to the new car’s proportions can be gleaned from the added-in section just forward of the A-pillar.

This suggests that despite presenting a similar two-door roadster layout, the all-new MX-5 will have GT-esque long-snout/short-tail proportions and the stance is also likely to be beefier as a result of wider front and rear tracks.

The lengthened doors indicate the wheelbase has also stretched, which is likely to result in greater levels of interior space.

Although sharing their platforms, the MX-5 and all-new Alfa Spider will be easily distinguishable from each other via bespoke exterior styling, and the differences will carry through to the engine bay.

That’s where the Alfa will use a derivative of the 1.75-litre turbo-petrol engine that propels the 4C, while the Mazda will feature the brand’s trademark SkyActiv engine (most probably displacing 1.6 litres).

It’s believed Mazda’s engineers are aiming for hefty weight savings for the new MX-5, thanks to the SkyActiv philosophy, which has shaved around 100kg from the girth of the latest 3 small car and 6 mid-sizer.

Naturally, the dieting regime will be more challenging for the MX-5, as the existing model is already no fatty at a lithe 1150kg.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of a high-performance version to scare the Porsche Boxster is virtually nil as Mazda’s SkyActiv policy is more concerned with minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

There’s also the fact that the high-compression SkyActiv engines don’t easily mate with turbochargers, so an additional power boost won’t be easy to come by.

However, the Alfa derivative could be an altogether more potent offering, thanks to the 4C-sourced 177kW turbo engine mated to a dual-clutch TCT paddleshift gearbox. It promises to be a much more engaging drive than the insipid Brera-based Spider that was axed in 2010.

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