Yesterday we told you that Mazda would be celebrating the past 25 years of its MX-5 Miata sports car at the 2014 New York Auto Show next month, and that there would be 15 significant models on display spanning concepts, race cars and production cars. Now we’ve learned that we may just get a preview of the next-generation ‘ND’ MX-5 in New York in the form of the car’s bare chassis.

The information comes by way of Motoring, which also reports that the new MX-5 will debut in 2015 and feature Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV fuel-saving technology. Compared to the outgoing model, a major change in the floorpan and locations of hard points is said to have been necessary in order to accommodate the new SKYACTIV engine’s unique manifold design.

Test mules for the car were seen wearing longer front overhangs, suggesting major changes in the engine bay. As for powerplant Mazda has selected, there isn’t much solid information. The smart money is on Mazda going with a four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G gasoline unit, possibly displacing as little as 1.5 liters.

Importantly, the new MX-5 chassis will also form the basis of a new model from Fiat Chrysler. It was supposed to form the basis for a new Alfa Romeo Spider, but Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne has reportedly ordered a rethink of that plan. It’s more likely we’ll see the chassis used for a new Fiat model or possibly one from the Abarth performance brand.

The 2014 New York Auto Show gets underway April 16. For more from the show, head to our dedicated hub.

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