So where is the 2009 MX-5 Miata anyways? Has anybody seen one on a dealers lot yet? Nope, not yet you haven’t, the build date for the first one is set for December 2nd. But some pictures have leaked out and the British magazine “Car” has even had the chance to drive one of the pre-production ‘09s.

       First of all, don’t expect an all new car, the next all new Miata won’t come for some years yet and apparently there will not be a Mazdaspeed version of the 2009 car either, at least not right away. But what we will get is a new front and rear fascia with new head and tail lamps and some interior and power-train improvements too.

     At the front look for the new grill opening that more closely resembles the RX-8 grill, as well as more prominent fog lights for a more aggressive look. To the rear new tail lights fit into a revised rear bumper, with the front and rear of the car connected by a new rocker panel molding. 

     Inside you’ll find the door mounted cup holders have disappeared and the center console has been revised to provide usable storage and a cushioned armrest for your elbow. The dash remains the same but for the replacement of the piano black trim panels with brushed aluminum look panels, new gauge faces and silver trim on the climate control knobs. Look for the Bose radio to power up from the current car’s sound system, include Blue-Tooth compatibility, MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary-audio input jack. Touring and GT models also get a trip computer (avg. mpg & ambient temperature) and an auto dimming rearview mirror. The PRHT should have more sound deadening material for a quieter top up ride and new seats are to be found in both the soft top and PRHT.

    Mechanically the six speed manual transmission is reported to have shorter, more precise throws and the engine will be getting stronger internal pieces-parts which will allow the redline to bump up to 7,000 rpm from the current 6500 rpm. Power and torque remain the same but the intake and exhaust sounds have been tuned for more of a sports car like zoom-zoom sound.

     Colors for ’09 are; Copper Red, Stormy Blue, Metropolitan Gray (listed as to be decided yet), Liquid Silver, Brilliant Black, True Red, Marble White (soft top only) and Competition Yellow (soft top only). Interior cloth is black and leather can be Black, Dune Beige or Havana Brown depending on the exterior color. Galaxy Gray Mica, Highland Green Mica and Sunlight Silver Metallic have been discontinued.

     Look for a real road test as soon as a car becomes available, until then the pictures will have to do. Full preliminary specs can be downloaded by clicking here.  Enjoy.