The photos: The body looks like a 2nd generation Miata from the bulkhead back, except for the rocker panels which don't seem to be there. It looks like they stuck on an RX-8 hood, front bumper, and front fenders, but they don't fit very well. The headlights actually look like the 2001+ Miata projection headlights. It does look like the body is sitting really high up above the wheels, but that could be because we're looking from the inside of a turn. I really doubt that this was done as a styling exercise.
The engine: It was made pretty clear that the next generation Miata will have a 4 cylinder engine from the Mazda3. I don't think anybody knows if it will be the 2.0L or the 2.3L version. You all do realize that the 2.0 and 2.3 both use the same block, so they weigh about the same, don't you? You do realize that the 1.8L engine in the current Miata has an iron block, and the new engines are aluminum? The new engine is likely to make the car lighter and improve the weight distribution, not make it heavier.
I doubt that they will make a rotary Miata, but I'd take a serious look if they did. The design would have to take full advantage of the rotary's light weight and small size (mounted as low and far back as possible) to make me want to buy.
