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Tag Archives: Miata
Mazda MX-5 Miata Sales Are Down Nearly 50 Percent This Year
Judging by the newest gross sales report from Mazda, it seems as if the Miata is not at all times the reply. The petite sports activities automobile had a weak first quarter of the yr contemplating deliveries plummeted by 45.5 % in comparison with Q1 2023. Only 1,411 Americans purchased the tossable roadster by means of March 2024.
It was notably dangerous for the soft-top model since demand declined by 66 % to 457 models whereas the hardtop RF went down by 23.5 % to 954 models. Yes, the RF deliveries have been greater than double these of the usual Miata. Looking on the larger image, the scenario is just not that dangerous contemplating 2023 was a wonderful yr for the MX-5 after shipments grew by 45.4 percent.
Mazda Might Be Planning Its First Carbon Fiber Chassis
Mazda likes to save lots of weight wherever it will probably. Its flagship sports activities automotive, the MX-5 Miata, weighs beneath 2,400 kilos because of a method of shaving off the grams wherever potential. Eventually, extra elementary adjustments need to occur although, and it appears the Japanese automaker is wanting into new supplies for a potential upcoming product.
A patent granted to the automaker just some days in the past goes into element in regards to the strategies and processes it will use to construct such a car. It doesn’t describe a particular automotive past the truth that it’ll have four doors. Sadly, this does not seem like a sports activities automotive if the automaker decides to supply it. Based on the included artwork, it might be a sedan.
Patent artwork is not at all times consultant of a possible product, however the textual content of the doc does describe 4 doorways.
Mazda is probably going wanting into this know-how to shed weight within the period of electrification. Other patents printed just lately by the automaker point out it is laborious at work creating more hybrids and full EVs, each of that are sometimes heavier than pure ICE automobiles. One strategy to combat this additional mass is by eradicating it from the next-heaviest a part of the automotive after the drivetrain, the physique and chassis.
The automaker appears notably serious about crossing carbon fiber laminations in several instructions to create what it calls a “quasi-isotropic” materials, aka one that’s robust in each route load is utilized to it. It not solely defines how it will create this materials but in addition lays out a number of profiles it will use for various elements of the automotive. The roof-supporting pillars, body rails, and crash bumpers are all proven to have completely different cross-sections.
With carbon weaves in several instructions, Mazda hopes to create a composite that is robust in a number of axes.
Based on the authorized particulars of the doc, Mazda is not going to be alone in growing this chassis. The patent was assigned to each the Japanese automaker in addition to the Nippon Steel Chemical & Material Co., Ltd. In different phrases, it is working with a associate who has expertise growing carbon fiber buildings.
Needless to say, we do not know when or if a carbon-chassis Mazda will ever hit the streets, nevertheless it’s at all times fascinating to search out out what an enthusiast-focused automaker like Mazda is researching behind the scenes. It might be at some point quickly that Mazda sells a hybrid or electrical sedan that, because of a carbon body, is significantly lighter than its competitors. We’ll simply have to attend and see.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pricing and Packaging
MX-5 Miata receives key updates inside and outside that additional refine the roadster’s profitable method.
- New accessible Asymmetric limited-slip differential improves MX-5 Miata’s famend progressive, enjoyable dealing with traits
- Upgraded Mazda Connect system brings host of technological updates and new, bigger show
- DSC-Track Mode added to Miata Club MX-5 to offer drivers a further choice for closed circuit driving
IRVINE, Calif. (January 25, 2024) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) right now publicizes pricing for the up to date 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which continues its long-standing custom as a pure expression of easy, joyful driving. Well-balanced, light-weight, and an impressive power-to-weight ratio all assist make MX-5 Miata a preferred driver’s automotive. On sale this winter, MX-5 Miata has been up to date with a bunch of adjustments that each one followers are certain to understand.
All MX-5 Miata fashions have a entrance engine, rear-wheel drive structure, with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering an inspiring 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm routed by a six-speed transmission. The MX-5 Miata Sport and Club fashions are solely paired with a six-speed guide transmission and MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is obtainable in both a guide transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed computerized transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The 2024 MX-5 Miata will proceed to characteristic the well-received and appreciated Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), a software-based suspension efficiency know-how developed by Mazda that manages totally different car methods to assist present MX-5 Miata with improved precision and confidence in high-g cornering and behave as a harmonious extension of the driving force’s physique with out including a single gram of weight. Taking benefit of present rear suspension geometry designed to maintain the MX-5 Miata planted beneath braking, KPC applies a really slight brake to the internal rear wheel throughout high-g cornering. This pulls down on that nook, suppressing physique roll, and making steering response really feel extra linear by tight or tough corners. Slightly stronger braking is used when accelerating by a nook, enhancing the restricted slip impact.
Building off this already robust package deal, MX-5 Miata receives main updates to the electrical power-assisted steering (EPAS) system for 2024 together with a brand new steering rack. The rack has been revised internally, leading to decreased friction, in addition to accompanying adjustments to the electrical help calibration by new software program. This all ends in smoother steering motion with a extra outlined ‘on-center’ feeling for relaxed freeway cruising, but better precision because the entrance tires are loaded up beneath laborious cornering.
MX-5 Miata’s exterior sees adjustments as effectively, with up to date headlights that incorporate a brand new LED DRL component, new LED taillights and new wheel designs. With the addition of Zircon Sand Metallic in 2023, one other new exterior colour has been added to the roster for 2024 with Aero Gray, which presents a cool tone that contrasts properly towards MX-5 Miata’s accessible darkish trim and wheels.
Inside, drivers profit from a revised inside which will get a number of key updates. The middle console receives further padding for improved driver consolation. A revised gauge cluster now options simplified, high-contrast graphics for simpler readability at a look. All MX-5 Miata fashions additionally profit from a brand new, bigger 8.8-inch infotainment show, with contact performance when utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Paired with this new show is Mazda’s first ever integration of Alexa, which provides additional flexibility, with hands-free instructions for issues like HVAC, radio and extra. Alexa is ready to settle for instructions for issues contained in the car, in addition to join and management your sensible dwelling units remotely. In the 2024 MX-5 Miata, this increased stage of flexibility minimizes driver distraction, permitting them to stay targeted on the winding roads forward.
MX-5 MIATA SPORT
The MX-5 Miata Sport, solely accessible with a black fabric gentle prime, consists of an abundance of normal options, along with what has been outlined above. Safety is a main focus of the two-seat roadster that includes twin entrance airbags, side-impact airbags, and side-impact door beams along with many i-Activsense security options that embrace Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, and Lane Departure Warning. The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel has a tilt and telescoping perform to assist permit a wider vary of householders discover their supreme seating place. The steering wheel additionally has mounted buttons to simply management the audio, Bluetooth, and cruise management. Leather shift knob and parking brake, fabric bucket seats, six-speaker audio, twin USB inputs, Mazda Advanced keyless entry, local weather management, two detachable cup holders, padded door armrest, energy doorways, and energy home windows with one-touch down characteristic full the inside ambiance. Standard exterior options embrace metallic black 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-tip exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, gloss black door mirrors and excessive mount brake gentle cowl, daytime working lights, variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and rear glass window with defogger.
MX-5 MIATA CLUB
The MX-5 Miata Club additional enhances enthusiastic driver’s expectations within the roadster’s improved dynamics. This mannequin is sport-tuned with Bilstein dampers, a entrance shock tower brace and a brand new Asymmetric LSD. This conical clutch LSD has been re-designed with a cam mechanism which permits for various ramp angles on acceleration and deceleration to offer supreme yaw damping management by the totally different phases of cornering. A stronger lockup beneath engine braking improves stability at nook entry, resisting undesirable oversteer. Reduced lockup throughout acceleration reduces undesirable understeer.
For those that wish to expertise the capabilities of their MX-5 on a closed circuit, a brand new DSC-Track characteristic has been added to MX-5’s Dynamic Stability Control program. DSC-Track raises the edge of the DSC system, between being absolutely engaged or absolutely disabled, permitting drivers who select to activate this characteristic to work on their on-track driving expertise, whereas nonetheless providing some quantity of brake intervention ought to or not it’s wanted[1].
To match the thrilling dynamics, the Club provides sporty design components similar to a gloss black entrance air dam, and rear lip spoiler. The seats have been revised for 2024, with the inclusion of black suede accents inset within the black fabric materials. Moving up from the Sport mannequin, the Club provides black metallic 17-inch wheels, LED daytime working lights (DRL), a trunk lid-mounted shark fin antenna, physique colour high-mount brake gentle cowl, and vinyl-leather materials all through the inside.
All Clubs fashions characteristic wi-fi Apple CarPlay connectivity, which permits occupants to simply join their enabled iPhone as soon as they enter MX-5 Miata and assist them get on the street faster. Including all commonplace Sport options, this mannequin provides SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio with a three-month trial subscription and Bose nine-speaker premium audio that features a subwoofer and headrest audio system for the driving force and passenger seats to take care of the premium expertise even with the highest down.
MX-5 MIATA CLUB WITH BREMBO BBS RECARO PACKAGE
Driving aficionados alike will admire the additions discovered within the MX-5 Miata Club with Brembo BBS Recaro package deal. The package deal consists of Brembo entrance brakes with red-painted entrance and rear calipers, darkish gunmetal 17-inch BBS solid wheels, and heated Recaro sport seats. Added design options on this package deal embrace an aero equipment with gloss black aspect sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.
The Brembo BBS Recaro Package is on the market on gentle prime MX-5 Miata Club fashions and commonplace gear on the MX-5 Miata RF Club mannequin, which will be denoted with its contrasting black roof. The RF – or retractable fastback – can open or shut its roof in about 13 seconds by pushing a button, offering the MX-5 Miata RF with the texture of each a sporty coupe and a trendy convertible.
MX-5 MIATA GRAND TOURING
The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring carries all the dear efficiency and dynamic options of the MX-5 Miata Club and provides extra comforts with out compromising on being an genuine, light-weight MX-5 Miata. The MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is on the market in a black gentle prime or body-color RF. Additional security options for this mannequin embrace an Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The Grand Touring fashions commerce the Club’s gloss black entrance air dam and rear lip spoiler for black and machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels, body-color heated door aspect mirrors with auto-dim driver’s door mirror, and door sill trim plates. The headlights characteristic computerized on and off perform and the windshield wipers are rain-sensing.
Tan Nappa leather-based seats are a brand new upgradable choice to the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring’s commonplace black leather-based seats. Furthermore, the darkish inside accents are exchanged for vivid silver finishes whereas including heated leather-based seats, Mazda Navigation system, computerized local weather management, and a frameless auto-dim rearview mirror with HomeLink.
With complete updates throughout, the 2024 MX-5 Miata is probably the most succesful evolution of our iconic roadster but. For extra info on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, please go to MazdaUSA.com.
STARTING MSRP FOR THE 2024 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA IS AS FOLLOWS2:
|
Package |
Soft Top |
RF |
|
MX-5 Miata Sport 6MT |
$28,985 |
|
|
MX-5 Miata Club 6MT |
$32,485 |
$40,210 |
|
$4,800 |
INCL. ON RF CLUB |
|
MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 6MT |
$34,285 |
$37,010 |
|
MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 6AT |
$35,205 |
$37,980 |
|
$300 |
$300 |
PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:
|
Aero Gray |
$450 |
|
Snowflake White Pearl |
$450 |
|
Soul Red Crystal Metallic |
$595 |
|
Machine Gray Metallic |
$595 |
|
Zircon Sand Metallic |
$450 |
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the gross sales, advertising, elements, and customer support assist of Mazda automobiles within the United States, Canada, and Mexico by roughly 780 sellers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For extra info on Mazda automobiles, together with pictures and B-roll, please go to the net Mazda media middle at News.MazdaUSA.com.
Follow MNAO’s social media channels by Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.
1 DSC-Track shouldn’t be used on public roads and may solely be used throughout sports activities driving on closed circuits with using applicable security gear. It will not be an alternative to secure and attentive driving. Please see your Owner’s Manual for additional particulars.
2 MSRP doesn’t embrace $1,165 for vacation spot and dealing with ($1,210 in Alaska), taxes, title or further charges. Dealers set precise sale costs.
Mazda Just Gave the 2024 MX-5 Miata A Ton Of Useful Updates
For its ninth yr in manufacturing, Mazda is freshening the MX-5 Miata. Both the soft-top and metal-roof RF get a slight facelift and a number of very welcome mechanical, beauty, and know-how upgrades. Along with them, the brand new “ND3” Miata brings a slight value enhance for all fashions.
Here’s how pricing compares to final yr’s mannequin:
| Model | 2024 Price | 2023 Price |
| MX-5 Sport | $30,150 | $29,215 |
| MX-5 Club | $33,650 | $32,715 |
| MX-5 Grand Touring | $35,450 | $34,215 |
| MX-5 Club RF | $41,375 | $40,115 |
| MX-5 Grand Touring RF | $38,175 | $37,215 |
Note: These costs embody a supply price of $1,165. The supply price for Alaska is $1,210. If you are an Alaskan Miata purchaser, good on you.
We’ll cope with the mechanical modifications first, as a result of frankly, that is what’s most enjoyable. All 2024 MX-5 Miata fashions get a brand new steering rack with diminished inner friction and a brand new tune for the ability steering system. Mazda says the modifications lead to “smoother steering action with a more defined ‘on-center’ feeling for relaxed freeway cruising, yet greater precision as the front tires are loaded up under hard cornering.” All sounds good to us.
The Story Of Flyin’ Miata And What Makes Them So Special
Summary
- The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a well-loved sports car known for its lightweight design and excellent handling, but it has been criticized for its lack of power.
- Flyin’ Miata provides V-8 conversion kits for Miatas, using LS crate engines from GM. These kits include sub-frame reinforcement, chassis bracing, and upgraded suspension and brakes.
- The ND generation Miata is considered the best for V-8 conversions, with the Flyin’ Miata team pairing it with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers 525 horsepower, resulting in impressive performance. Unfortunately, Flyin’ Miata has stopped making these conversions since 2019.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most beloved automobiles in history, so much so in fact, that it holds the record for the best-selling sports car of all time. In its three-decade production run, it has gone through four different generations and a lot of changes. However, in its essence, the Miata stayed true to what made it so great; a front-engined RWD lightweight sports car with a near-perfect distribution ratio and great handling. Jeremy Clarkson famously once said, “It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it”.
The only persistent criticism that the Miata has faced in its long life has been its lack of power. This is where Flyin’ Miata comes into the picture. Every Miata owner has heard of Flyin’ Miata. Based in Colorado, the company which started out in the service business, has been around for four decades and offers a wide selection of bolt-on parts designed to make your Miatas fly. Back in 2009, they built their first Miata Habu, a 480 horsepower small-block LS engine swapped MX-5, nicknamed “Elvis”. This was the car they perfected their V-8 conversion kits on, before making it available to the general public.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Flyin’ Miata, Car and Driver, and Road & Track.
Turning The Dial Upto 11 On The Miata
The habu is a small venomous snake native to Japan and is an apt name for the converted Miata. Elvis has been with Flyin’ Miata company since 2003 and started its life as a white NB-generation MX-5. This car was initially donated by Mazda to Flyin’ Miata to be used as a development car. Elvis has been Flyin’ Miata’s test mule on various concept builds for the past two decades, including the V-8 conversion. Over its lifetime, Elvis has had four engines, so far, and is currently a hill-climb race car built to take part in one of America’s oldest and most prestigious races – the Colorado Hill Climb.
The company’s team has done V-8 conversions for every generation of Miata. Every build features a version of an LS crate engine from GM, which has been chosen for its widespread availability, power, and cost. The team begins the build by
- Reinforcing the base car with sub-frames
- Seam welding
- Chassis bracing
- A “Big Mama Jama Brake” kit which consists of a Wilwood Stage 1 braking setup
- Coilover suspension
- A custom exhaust system
A conversion would set you back $49,995, which does not include the cost of the car and every build can be endlessly customized to exactly your taste. If you are more into DIY, Flyin’ Miata also sells subframe kits which you can buy and do your conversion with a scavenged LS motor. Imagine everything good about the Miata combined with one of the most versatile American engines ever made – that’s in a nutshell what the Miata Habu is all about.
Here’s What Makes The MX-5 ND “Indy” A Noteworthy V-8 Miata
The ND generation Miata is widely considered by many as the best handling Miata ever. In 2016, Flyin’ Miata paired the ND Miata with a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 LS376/525 crate engine, and named it “Indy”, get it? This engine is essentially the LS3 engine from a fifth-generation Camaro SS with a modified camshaft for use in American Speed Association stock-car racing. This modified engine has an output of 525 horsepower at 6200 RPM. Flyin’ Miata has claimed that the ND Miata is the best generation for an engine swap due to its more spacious engine bay when compared to previous generations.
Performance
|
Engine |
6.2-Liter NA V-8 |
|
Output |
525 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
486 pound-feet |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.5 seconds |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
(Data sourced from Flyin’ Miata)
The ND Miata also gets a handful of modifications to make it gel with the larger engine, including a new Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission and, an aluminum driveshaft with a rear differential borrowed from a Camaro. It also ditches its electronic steering rack for a hydraulic one, also from the Camaro. The result is a fire-breathing, tarmac-eating, force of combustion that accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds.
If you are wondering whether the heavier engine affects the legendary Miata’s weight distribution, you will be happy to hear that it does not. Fortunately due to the LS engine being all-aluminium and some meticulous fabrication work by the Flyin’ Miata team – the weight distribution is at 53.4-percent front, 46.6-percent rear weight distribution. The team also sources a controller area network (CAN) computer from MRS Electronic in Germany to ensure that the Miata’s computers can communicate with GM’s computers. And before you ask, yes, these conversions work on the Fiat 124 Abarth Spider as well.
There Have Been Some Insane V-8 Miata Conversions Over The Years
Over the years there have been several versions of V-8 Miatas from FM including:
- Atomic Betty: A bright red 2009 MX-5 NC with a Corvette V-8 engine under the hood. Atomic Betty is a more refined V-8-powered roadster when compared to Elvis.
- Catfish: A Miata with a more streamlined body kit made by Bauer Limited Productions which is lighter than the stock Miata by 600 pounds.
- Exocet: An Ariel Atom-inspired bare-bones track weapon designed to be wicked fun on the track.
One-Of-A-Kind V-8 Conversions From Flyin’ Miata Will Be Getting Rarer From Now On
Unfortunately, Flyin’ Miata has stopped making these wild conversions since 2019, for purely business reasons. Kieth Tanner from FM recently made a video going into detail on why they had to stop offering V-8 conversions. However, if you are in the market for one there are plenty of V-8 converted Miatas out in the wild, still available used car sites like Bring-a-trailer. If you are looking for a V-8 conversion for your own Miata, other brands like V-8 Roadsters offer turnkey packages to turn a stock Miata.
As for Flyin’ Miata, their builds are a testament to the inherent versatility of the Miata platform and the only limit is your imagination. Even though they do not do V-8 conversions anymore, they still make a wide range of products specially designed to make your Miata go fast. Even after three decades the passionate team at FM remains dedicated to producing great products for your Miata. With the next generation release of the Miata just around the corner, the team is hard at work dreaming up some premium products.
Mazda Miata Owner Regrets Choosing Retractable Hardtop
Mazda introduced the Miata RF in late 2016, offering a retractable hardtop option for the fourth-generation roadster. However, a 2023 model owner of the Miata RF now regrets their decision and prefers the ragtop version.
Although the Miata RF has a solid roof, it is still considered a convertible for track-day purposes. This means that if the owner wishes to compete in their local time-attack series, they would need to install a roll bar. While retailers do offer roll bars, installing one interferes with the retractable functionality of the roof. As a result, once the roll bar is installed, the roof cannot be lowered, which is a feature the owner enjoys.
Mazda Miata Drag Race Reveals Turbocharger vs. Supercharger Debate
A new drag racing video highlights the impact of different forced induction upgrades on the straight-line performance of the third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata.
In the video, a supercharged Miata, a turbocharged Miata, and a Miata equipped with independent throttle bodies face off against each other. The stock Miata serves as the control and doesn’t directly compete with the tuned versions. The stock Miata features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque.
The supercharged Miata, with a Stage 1 upgrade, delivers 248 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful of the three vehicles is the turbocharged Miata, which churns out 262 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The other modified Miata has a larger 2.5-liter engine with upgraded camshafts and independent throttle bodies, resulting in 240 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. All three cars have been tuned by BRR and feature various suspension and brake enhancements.
In the quarter-mile race, the supercharged Miata comes out on top with a time of 13.7 seconds. The turbocharged Miata finishes second with a time of 14.5 seconds, followed by the Miata with independent throttle bodies at 14.9 seconds. The stock Miata takes 16.2 seconds to complete the race.
In rolling races, the turbocharged Miata emerges as the winner in both runs, with the supercharged Miata coming in second and the stock model in last place.
Mazda produced the third-generation Miata NC from 2005 to 2015. Recently, the automaker introduced updates for the fourth-generation ND in Japan, including new headlights, a limited-slip differential, and an upgraded infotainment screen. Mazda has no plans to discontinue the Miata and has even pledged that it will “never die.” However, there are speculations about the possibility of an electric version in the future.
You Can Purchase Engineering Explained’s Supercharged Miata
When it comes to determining the best generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we won’t choose sides because the answer is always Miata. Now, let’s focus on a specific 2016 model that you might be interested in. This vibrant yellow MX-5 Miata is currently up for auction on Cars & Bids. If the color seems familiar, it’s because this car once belonged to Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained, a popular YouTube automotive channel.
Originally, this 2016 MX-5 Miata was a stock triple-black model. However, Fenske decided to add a yellow body wrap to enhance its appearance. But the real excitement lies under the hood. The auction listing states that you’ll discover an Edelbrock supercharger attached. If you’re doubtful, you can watch Fenske’s video on Engineering Explained’s YouTube channel, where he showcases the installation of the supercharger. This modification still provides a significant boost to the performance of this sports car.
Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Buy A Mazda MX-5 Miata
Summary
- The Mazda MX5 Miata remains popular because it is small, cheap, reliable, and fun to drive, but it may not remain the same due to stricter emissions regulations.
- Despite its limitations in stock form, the MX5 delivers a unique open-top, sporty feeling and can easily be improved with aftermarket upgrades.
- The current generation MX5 offers a good interior, modern conveniences, and a 2.0L Skyactive engine, but future models may become heavier and less pure due to the potential inclusion of hybrid technology.
There is no denying that the Mazda MX5 Miata is one of the most famous and loved roadsters ever made. This makes sense; it is the vehicle that made roadsters appeal to everyone. With a low price, Japanese reliability, and fun driving characteristics, it seemed like a no-brainer.
Now, more than three decades after its inception, the Mazda Miata MX5 continues to remain popular. The best part is that it hasn’t lost its identity. The current MX5 ND generation remains small, cheap, reliable, and fun. However, it may not remain exactly like this for much longer.
Regulations with regards to emissions are getting stricter, and cars and car manufacturers need to comply. Whether this is the correct step forward is a debate for another time. However, what is for sure is that enthusiasts are starting to lose great models because of it. With Mazda’s intent to electrify 25 percent of its model lineup by 2030, there is a chance that the current generation of MX5 may very well be the last model powered solely by internal combustion with hybridization on the horizon.
We’ve looked up information from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Best Car Web to put this feature together on the Mazda Miata MX-5.
How The Mazda MX5 Came To Be
Before we dive into the reason why you should buy a current generation MX5, we shall first cover the history of the Miata. Back in the 1980s, Mazda had a mission. That mission was to create a sports car that offered similar driving characteristics to British models of the time but infused Japanese build quality and reliability.
The way Mazda did this is relatively simple. They took an engine from a normal Mazda hatchback and dropped it into a much lighter and stiffer soft-top roadster body. This meant that upon release, the MX5 already had reliable and proven underpinnings; the only thing left for it was the driving experience.
Specifications
|
Feature |
2022 Mazda MX5 2.0L SKYACTIV-G I4 |
|
Engine Power |
181 hp & 151 lb-ft of torque |
|
0-60 Time |
5.7 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
135 mph |
|
Drive Type |
Rear-Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
Now, to be completely honest, the driving experience of an MX5 is often over-exaggerated. The car is certainly fun; however, in stock form, the vehicle has body roll, it isn’t all that quick, and models without a rear limited-slip differential can be unpredictable through corners. That being said, for the price, there aren’t many cars that come close to the open-top, sporty feeling the Miata provides and, most of the issues mentioned above, can be easily fixed with aftermarket upgrades.
The Current Generation Miata Offers More Than Ever
The first two generations of the MX5 remained small and agile. In fact, underneath, they were pretty much the same car. However, when the third generation came around fans were a bit disappointed as the car grew both in size and weight. The good thing, however, is that Mazda realized the mistake made and for the current fourth-generation Miata opted to go for once again a small and agile vehicle. This brought the car back to its original dimensions.
So, the MX5 still drives brilliantly, but it also offers a good interior. Modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, and AC controls remain on normal physical buttons akin to touch screens on so many modern cars. More premium models also get a Bose sound system, Napa leather, a reverse camera, and a limited-slip rear differential.
The engine under the hood is a 2.0-liter Skyactive unit that pumps out 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from 0-60 mph happens in 6.8 seconds. Now, if you take into account that we now have 300 horsepower hot hatchbacks, the Mazda’s numbers seem low. But the MX5 isn’t about all-out speed; it is about the enjoyment of driving, and it should remain that way forever.
The MX5 Might Be About To Change
Japanese automakers like to keep models around for a long time. The current generation MX5 has been out for seven years now and it is nearing the end of its life cycle. You might be thinking that that is actually a good thing. If the car is nearing the end of its life it means we will be getting a newer and better model. Well, maybe, but that isn’t always the case. Automakers are in a bit of a weird spot right now. Governments demand that vehicle emissions be lowered; therefore, automotive brands are trying to find ways to adhere to those rules.
Since many have opted to go electric, other brands seem to follow in an attempt to ensure that they don’t fall behind in terms of technological advancement in the electric car field. This means that more and more new models are going electric without any sure indication that the future is actually electric (there are other alternatives such as hydrogen as well).
This Presents Challenges for the Next Generation Miata
When cars of this size get larger and heavier, the effects on weight can many times have an effect on the driving experience. However, the most important bit of all is the drivetrain. Full electrification isn’t in the making yet. We just don’t have batteries that are small and light enough to be used in a vehicle like the MX5. Normal batteries in a sports car the size of the MX5 will lead to a small vehicle that is heavy and not so impressive driving range numbers. This would completely kill the appeal of the Miata.
What might happen, however, is a hybrid system that is expected to be paired with a two-liter four-cylinder engine. Rumors suggest that the upcoming Miata will retain its six-speed manual transmission and may replace the six-speed automatic with an eight-speed dual-clutch unit.
While a hybrid isn’t the end of the world, but it will certainly dilute the purity of the MX5. The car will probably be heavier and maybe larger as it will need to accommodate a battery and an electric motor. The new generation Miata is expected to be released in 2025, so if you want the purest and most enjoyable driving experience possible, head out and buy the current generation Miata. There is a high possibility that this is the last pure and fully mechanical MX5.