I don't want to sound like a M.net blowhard, but as a professional software tester my definition of 'fantastic' software is probably different from most. Admittedly I haven't used the one in the 3, but every other one I've ever used has been purely and utterly ****. Mostly it's an input problem, there's no good way to get user input in a car, and that's not something that is fixable by software unfortunately.

But even still, can I write a plugin for the screen in the 3 to display something different? Or download/purchase one? Can it display any of the million sensor readings the ECU has access to besides some factory default ones? These are not difficult things to do, but it takes development time, and development time is money, money that your average customer is not willing to pay.

Plus, the simple fact is even if it's literally a complete revolution in computing today, by the time the warranty runs out it will be horribly outdated. That's an inescapable fact for any built-in computer in a car. In that sense maybe a somewhat-removable tablet-like thing is the way to go.

 

Price! What have they said about MSRP?

All I have found is an article from the UK stating 20k, but in Pounds. That translates to well over $32k. I assume the US will be cheaper, but realistically, how much?

Frankly, if it's north of 25 grand by much, I'll buy a used Porsche or Z4 and call it a day.

 

Because it's the same unit in the 3, you'll be able to get it without the crazy touch screen stuff, i would imagine.

 

Touch screen might be preferable to the 'wheel' thing behind the shifter...

 

I've got the wheel thing in the 5 series. It's only a PITA to use for about the first 4 or 5 days - after that, it actually starts to make sense.

 

Unless if it's in a neat little chart on Mazda JP's website, the HP is at 160.

I don't know why setting reasonable expectations is such a difficult thing to understand. Yeah it's good to hope for the best and set lofty goals, but by managing your expectations, you get to be pleasantly surprised when reality exceeds them. It also cuts down on a lot of IM NOT GONNA BUY IT UNLESS IF IT HAS 200 HORSEPOWAH bullshit because saying **** like that is just concern trolling and you were never in the market to begin with.

 

I don't know why quoting a magazine article means I'm not setting realistic expectations. And my bad, it was just the magazine "source" not an exec, so that could be completely made up.

New Mazda MX-5 revealed | Autocar

"Both are reworked versions of engines already powering the company’s hatchbacks and are likely to offer around 140bhp and 180bhp respectively. This represents a small power advantage over current models – our source admitted that the "US market wouldn’t accept less power" – but with the weight savings they promises superior power-to-weight ratios, extra performance and considerable fuel economy and CO2 advantages. "

 

I wonder how soon i can go to the dealer and put a down payment down. Obviously no time soon. Maybe when they release more details and options.

I saw people driving around 2015 mustangs super super (snow still on the ground) early in the year so i know you can get vehicles soon.

 

You gonna get one, Erat? Actually, who is the first on mt.net to buy one? Maybe the dude that sold his 5.0 to get a NC? (sorry man forgot your name/handle). Who has money and wants this?

 

I'm throwing around the idea of selling my NB and buying one... Not very seriously though.

 

I'm currently within a single phone call from buying a bran new vehicle.

My dad told me he would give me his old 96 pickup for a winter beater after i told him i wanted a new miata.

So yeah. It's extremely likely that i hold out a little longer to buy one of these as a daily(minus snow of course).

 

Mazda has already signed on board with Android Auto (Android Auto). Letting whatever operating system drives the phone that is currently plugged in also drive the car's applications... that's brilliant IMO. You can't get much more open than that I think. If the ND doesn't have this initially, it should be along very shortly after.

Saves me a bolt-in tablet mount.

 

Coming from a guy who refuses to buy new cars on principle, this is a car that I would strongly consider buying off of a lease.

 

I normally hate having touch screens and extra computer **** in cars but that sounds awesome.

 

 

 

 

Bonus pic:


18psi's elbow

Sorry I missed the nose on the profile shot, I was just kinda pointing and shooting with the phone. I think Gesso may have some far better pics than I do.

 

I like that car a lot.

 

Thanks for the pics! How did it sound?