The iconic Mazda MX-5 (the Miata name was recently dropped, but owners still refer to it as such), will have a redesign coming out sometime in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model. This will be the fourth generation of the car and fans are eager to see what changes are coming. Well, be careful what you wished for. Early reports are indicating that Mazda plans to make this latest generation a radical departure from previous versions.

One of the main complaints from some buyers and Mazda engineers is that the car as gained extra weight with each subsequent generation. In other words, it has veered away from its lightweight roadster origins. The new model is said to shed nearly 250 lbs from the current version. To give you an idea as to how heavy the MX-5 has become, the original 1989 car weighed 2100 lbs and the 2010 model now weighs in at 2460 lbs. Call this a back to basics approach, as performance should also be significantly improved.

As far as the design goes, it's safe to assume the new model will continue with Mazda's controversial Nagare design language. Since its introduction in 1989, the MX-5 has sold over 710,000 units and counting.