Mazda offers a tease of its Miata concept.

Potential buyers won’t get a chance to slip behind the wheel of the fourth-generation Mazda Miata for some months, but the Japanese maker is already reaching out to those looking to customize the little roadster with what it has dubbed the “2016 MX-5 accessories design concept.”

Set to make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show later this week, it will anchor Mazda’s new Heritage Collection, three apparel lines “inspired by key themes of Mazda’s past, present and future,” the maker says.

Mazda isn’t saying much about the accessories concept before the maker’s Thursday news conference in the Windy City. No surprise. It has been dribbling out details about the 2016 MX-5 since it was unveiled last September, only this month confirming that the SkyActiv 2.0-liter inline-four engine that will be standard on U.S. models will make 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

Surprisingly, that’s actually a bit of a dip on the pony side from the outgoing Miata which made 167 hp and 140 lb-ft from its older-design 2.0-liter four.  But the new model is expected to come in about 150 pounds lighter, in U.S. trim, compared to the current, 2,480-lb roadster.

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The new model, codenamed ND, will stick with the basic formula that dates back to the original NA model – which happened to be introduced in Chicago 26 years ago. If anything, it should enhance its road manners with a new design that is lower and wider than the outgoing gen-3, or NC, model.

Since the original Mazda Miata was introduced, it has become the most widely raced vehicle in the world. And one reason is the extensive catalogue of accessories available for the little roadster. Mazda insiders have told TheDetroitBureau.com they made an aggressive effort to ensure there would continue to be plenty of options for racers and tinkerers even before the ND model reached showrooms later this year.

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What precisely will be in the kit remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if the Chicago accessories concept showcases various appearance and performance options, including alternate wheels, aero body accessories, perhaps even some engine tuning gear. And considering Mazda has already promised to go racing with the new MX-5 Miata, look for key track accessories such as a rollbar kit.

Mazda plans to offer Chicago showgoers a chance to drive some of its products one the event opens its doors to the public over the weekend. Sadly, the new Miata will not be available or a cadre of journalists would likely be pushing their way into the head of the queue.

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