paul,
thanks for the tip about the video; i hadn't seen it. i did know about the engine change and the "perhaps" new platform, but not in the detail i just read. i'm not complaining about minor interior and exterior trim changes, but about a larger, longer wheelbase, has-to-be-heavier platform for the BASE car.
what's wrong with the current base car? they are backordered for months in the states WITHOUT any significant tv ads. not enough profit margin? well, raise the price or take out some of the unnecessary stuff ( body computer, electric windows, etc.) and do what many manufacturers do nowadays: improve the manufacturing processes. hard to manufacture design? tweak those areas. paint shop bottleneck? add one. but don't junk the whole platform.
my fear is that this car will go the way of the 240z and start pandering to the "it's too small, it's too light, it's too harsh, i want a lazy boy recliner to drive and pose with...." crowd with continuing "just a little more" additions.
the NC miata is rumored to be trying to "return to it's roots" with a 1 ton target weight, but i can't see it. the trend is larger, heavier, more fluff to appeal to the slobs.
i still think owners who adamantly DON'T want a larger, heavier, longer wheelbase car should say so NOW. let them build larger variants on another platform if they want. |