Dodge readies Solstice-fighting roadster
 

Interesting... the Miata still dominates that market though.

Ford too needs roadster to compet. GM has two, Chrysler will have one, so Ford should have one too.

Have they killed off the crossfire yet?

Nope. Chrysler stopped importing them for 2006 because of slow sales, but they are back for 2007.

I basically want Ford (or someone) to mass produce a Lotus Elise style "Miata" using the most affordable components possible. I want: a rigid, lightweight chassis-- as cheap to build as possible, probably front mid-engine--propelled by some sort of jazzed up Zetec or D24 (maybe a D35 variant for the top of the line model), a solid well-built five speed (6 speed for top of the line I guess), ridiculously simple/minimalist but attractively well laid-out interior, all in a good looking body (much more conservative than the Elise, but far more muscular than the Miata). I want innovative cost/weight saving. Exposed frame everwhere of course, no carpeting, exposed driveline tunnel between aluminum frame seats with taut strong fabric webbed between the shaped structure. Gimme the steering wheel (and steering feel) out of the Z4M, the pedals and shifter feel out of the S2000, and everything besides those driver interfaces should either not exist or be as light/cheap/attractive as possible. I don't even know... I guess I basically want an Elise/S2000 at Miata price.

Ford has one....the Miata dominates.

IF Ford were to get a domestic brand into the act: I think a derivative of the Miata in the Mercury Mesenger style would be nice.

Looks like a Saturn Sky screwed an Audi TT.

I would have to agree. I read a comparo between the miata and solstice. The Miata is about 500 pounds lighter than the pontiac..:doh: and far more refined. Maybe Chrysler can do better..:dunno:

But Solstice is better seller :nice:

I'd take an S-duece over the Miata anyday.

Id take my Si over the miata...

Oh god...how much you wanna bet this thing is gonna end up as a Cherypar vehicle? :eyebrow:

If Mazda ever comes out with a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5/Miata, that would make things even more interesting. Don't know if that would happen since that would make it the "top dog" in the Mazda lineup instead of the RX-8.
Anyone remember the Copperhead concept? IMO, a "baby Viper" would be a lot better looking than the Razor though DCX probably doesn't want to alienate female buyers with something that looks "too aggressive."

It would do wonders for Mazda if the Miata looked as good as it drove. Put simply the Miata has a pretty homely mug this go 'round, and she didn't exactly have a supermodel past so that is saying something.

I'd like to see three changes to the current Miata.

1. Make it a looker (the RX8 could use some help here too)
2. Build a fixed roof coupe. (not everybody wants droptop ventilation)
3. Build a Mazdaspeed version employing the 3's turbo four (A 300+hp Miata would be a mover)

Will Dodge do it better than Mazda or Pontiac? I doubt it given recent efforts like the Sebring and Caliber. The only hope I hold out for it is that it employs enough Mercedes know-how and bits to make it a player.

Chrysler just can't build trouble free vehicle(s).

I've got to disagree on this. IMO, the Miata has a clean, uncluttered look to it. I think it's the best looking Miata ever.

As for the Solstice selling more, 2007 will be a telling a year. We'll see if it continues to sell at the same pace now that the "new" has worn off of it.

While we may not agree on the Miata's appearance, I absolutely agree regarding the possibility that the Solstice wont likely be able to maintain it's 'stellar' sales for long. Especially not now that it has an arguably better looking corporate twin to fend off along with the dynamically superior Miata.

I agree. 2006 was first year of Solstice and good sales were expected.

I'll say this: I'll take my 97 Miata's top over the one for the solstice. My ex boss got the ponty, and that top was 10 kinds of crap. Looked like hell, bad seal, sounded lousy, looked like hell, and did I mention looked like hell?