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Originally Posted by Lazerbrainz2k3
I know this is pretty far off the beaten path for a muscle car forum, but...
A co-worker recently got himself a brand new Mazda Miata RF, the first I've seen up close "in the wild," so to speak. My God, what a gorgeous little car. I've always liked the Miata, but this latest generation ditches the charming-cute style for such upscale sheet metal that i can't help but turn my head every time i walk by the thing. Seems like the Japanese came up with the best take on the very best modern interpretation of classic European sports car heritage out there (and considering Fiat has its own Miata-clone on the market, that's saying something).
If GM ever decided to do another roadster to replace the dearly departed Solstice and Sky (RIP), they'd really have their work cut out for them to compete with that Miata. Still think they should try, but with not-muscle cars dropping like flies, i don't see it.
In the meantime, the RF moves way up the list of cars I'd buy if i could afford a second fun car.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMR Sales
I've been involved with Mazda Racing Programs in IMSA, I just wish they would make a bigger Sportscar. And get rid of the gimmicks, like SkyActive Technology - what are they getting, Cloud Power?
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Keeping those two bolded ideas in mind ... a while ago I thought of something that GM could do if they were going to create a Corvette sub-brand. Something sort of in between the Miata and C7 Corvette in terms of size & performance. Maybe about 100 inch wheelbase, and about 13 & a half foot overall length. Weight of around 3000 lbs. Think roughly Nissan 370Z sized. And for simplicity's sake, maybe make it V6 only (which could include a high performing twin turbo version).
It would be an add-on to the Corvette family, alongside the mid engined car and the regular one. In essence, it would be the Cayman to the conventional Corvette's 911.
If it could be priced reasonably, I think it could carve out a decent niche for itself. If GM were to make a Miata competitor, they'd have to out Miata the Miata ... which includes turning the opinion of Miata loving car journalists. But go a slightly different route, and there is a bigger pool of potential buyers
and an easier target to benchmark.