After 15 years with the same underlying design, Miata gets a total makeover for 2006 on a modified version of Mazda's RX-8 sports-car platform. Mazda officials say the recent Ibuki concept is a "50 percent" preview of the new production model, though lines will be "more flowing." Look for slight gains in length and width on a wheelbase stretched some 2.6 inches to 91.7. That should mean more cockpit space, plus room for the big accessory wheels and tires the youth market craves. Despite its new relationship to the rotary-powered RX-8, Miata will stick with conventional 4-cyl engines. The U.S. version should use an updated version of the current twincam 1.8 or the similar 2.0-liter from the new Mazda 3 subcompact. Look for a manual cloth roof to continue for the sake of tradition and a lower list price. A 200-hp turbo version is rumored for the Japan market and is said to a strong U.S. prospect as the next MazdaSpeed Miata.