This page will contain blogs about Miata, as they become available.Mazda MiataThe Mazda MX-5 is a popular sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. Popularly known as Miata in North America, it is also known just as the Mazda MX-5 in Oceania and Europe and the Eunos Roadster or Mazda Roadster in Japan. It was initially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989. The Miata is the world's best-selling sports car, with 720,407 cars produced and sold between February 1989 and March 31, 2005. OverviewThe Miata was designed to be a basic roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity. The first Miata was designed in California, USA and Worthing, England. Its design is inspired by, some say copied from, the Lotus Elan, a 1960s roadster that is widely considered to be one of the best handling sports cars of its day. The Miata has a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It comes with a 1.6 L, 1.8 L or 2.0 L longitudinally mounted engine coupled to a manual transmission (an automatic transmission is available, though rare). The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. Miatas also incorporate a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. Many Miatas feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes, but none have traction control. With a 50:50 front/rear weight balance (when measured with an average weight driver and a 2/3 full gas tank), the car has a very neutral handling, which makes it easy to drive for the beginner, and fun for the advanced driver. Inducing oversteer is easy and well controllable. The Miata is popular in amateur and stock racing events, particularly the Sports Car Club of America's Solo-II autocross series, as well as Spec Miata driving. Since production began, over 700,000 Miatas have been made, leading the Guinness Book of Records to name it the world's best-selling sports car on February 13, 2002. Generation 1 (NA)A competition to design a light-weight sports car The design of the first generation Miata was the result of a competition between Mazda (North America) and the Tokyo Design Studio. The role of designing a front-engine, rear-wheel drive light-weight sports car was assigned to Mazda (North America) whilst the Tokyo Design Studio designed front engined, front-wheel drive and mid-engined, rear-wheel drive cars for the competition. The first round of judging the competing designs for the MX-5 was held in April 1984. Designs were presented on paper. On paper the mid-engined car appeared the most impressive, although it was known at the time that such a layout would struggle to meet the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) requirements of the project. It was at the second round of the competition in August 1984 , when full scale clay models were presented, that the front-engined rear-wheel drive design, code-named the Duo 101, was selected as the basis for Mazda's new light-weight sports car. The Duo 101 design, so named as either a soft-top or hard-top could be used, was referred to International Automotive Design in Worthing, England for the construction of a running prototype. The prototype was built with a fiberglass body, a 1.4 L engine from a Mazda Familia and other compenents from a variety of early Mazda models. The prototype was completed in August 1985 and code-named the V705 by Mazda. After some minor changes in the design, presented in clay model form by the designers from Mazda (North America), the project was given final approval on 18 January 1986. The project was now code-named P729 by Mazda. The task of constructing five engineering mules was again allocated to International Automotive Design, who also conducted the first front and rear crash tests on the prototype. The project then returned to Japan for final engineering details and production issues to be decided. The Miata meets the public The Miata was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989, with a price tag of US$13,800. The Miata would be available for purchase by the public from July 1989 as a 1990 model. In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was experimenting with the creation of different brands for deluxe models, similar to Nissan's Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was called the Eunos Roadster in its own market. Specifications Body and chassis The body shell of the Miata is all-steel with an aluminium bonnet. The overall dimensions are: length 3970 mm (156.3 in); width 1675 mm (65.9 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in); wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). Ground clearance is 140mm (5.5 in). Without options, the NA model MX-5 weighed 940 kilograms. The body was reasonably aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.38. Suspension and wheels The Miata employs independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an 18 mm (0.71 in) anti-roll bar at the front. Four wheel disc brakes of 235 mm (9.3 in) diameter (ventilated) at the front and 231 mm (9.1 in) at the rear stopped 5.5 inch wide 14 inch alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires. Engine The original Miata came with a 1.6 L double overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 90 kW (120 bhp) and 100 lbft of torque. The engine employs an L-Jetronic fuel injection system and a crank angle sensor instead of a distributor. Performance The first generation Miata could reach 60 MPH (96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and had a top speed of 119 MPH (190 km/h). 1995 M-Edition Miata (Generation 1.5)Generation 1.5The MX-5 Miata was freshened for 1994 with the introduction of a more powerful 1.8 L BP engine, dual airbags, a geared, torque-sensing limited slip differential, and other options. The new engine produced 98 kW (130 hp) and the standard model weighed 990 kilograms (2183 lbs). In some markets such as the UK the 1.6 engine continued to be available as a lower-cost option, but was detuned to only 88 bhp to make it less competitive with the 1.8. Later 1.8 engines were up in power to 133 bhp due to the use of a more sophisticated engine management system (OBD-II). There were a number of trim levels and special editions available. The standard model was called the "A Package" for the Miata models. A "B Package" added some options, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top and leather seats. A special "R Package" was introduced for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". These included all of the luxury options from the C package as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. This generation was phased out in the 1997 model year, with the final 1500 Mark-1 Miatas produced being the "STO" ("Still The One") versions. (These special editions refer to North American markets only) Generation 2 (NB)In 1998, Mazda released the updated model year 1999 MX-5 Miata. This model is known as the NB (referring to the model number printed on the VIN plate) or Mark 2. With its introduction, the earlier MX-5 Miata became known as the NA or Mark 1. The NB features a more-powerful engine and more modern styling cues borrowed from the aggressive RX-7. In Japan, the Eunos name was dropped, as the marque was considered a commercial failure, but the successful Roadster was incorporated into the Mazda brand. Prices in the United States, the main market for the Miata, started at US$19,770. 1999 Miata (Generation 2)Specifications Body and chassis Although almost all parts of the car were different, the most notable changes were the headlights: The first model's retractable headlights had been exchanged for fixed ones. The new car had grown slightly in width compared to the earlier model with dimensions: length 3955 mm (155.7 in); width 1680 mm (66.1 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in) and wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). Ground clearance was a slightly reduced 135 mm (5.3 in). With the minimum of options, the NB weighed 1000 kilograms. The new model was slightly more aerodynamic than the original, with a Cd figure of 0.36. Suspension and wheels The second generation Miata continued to employ four-wheel independent suspension, with enlarged anti-roll bars of 22 mm (0.87 in) at the front and 11 mm (0.43 in) at the rear. The wheel, tyre and brakes package on the second generation Miata was significantly upgraded. Front brakes were of 255 mm (10 in) diameter with 251 mm (9.9 in) at the rear. ABS was offered as an option. Alloy wheels were now of 14 inch or 15 inch diameter of either 5.5 or 6 inch width, depending on the model. Sports models were equipped with the wider wheels and 195/50VR15 tires. Engine The BP-4W engine remained at 1.8 L but received several minor updates. The engine compression ratio was raised from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 by adding slightly domed pistons. The intake cam was changed to a solid lifter design with a stronger cam. The intake runners in the head were straightened and the intake manifold was mounted higher up. The new intake manifold received a set of flappers that could uncover a resonance chamber - this was needed to fix a dead spot in the torque curve that the new head created. Power output of the new engine is quoted at 105 kW (140 hp) with 119lbft of torque. Performance The second generation Miata could reach 60 MPH (96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 123 MPH (197 km/h). Generation 2.5Example of UK Spec Mk2.5 - special edition Euphonic. 1.8iIn 2001, a facelift to the NB was released. There were some minor design changes, with the 18 July 2000 press release announcing the new model describing the changes as "resulting in an even sportier and more forceful look". Some cockpit elements were also changed, with instrument panel guages having a white face and red numbers. The seats were upgraded also, incorporating more support in the side areas. A 6-speed transmission became available for the top models, as well as 16 in (406 mm) rims with 205/45 low-profile tyres and larger brakes (10.6 inch diameter at the front and 10.9 inch at the rear). The upgraded tyres and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.88g in lateral grip in tests by Car & Driver. The body was strengthened, gaining 16% in bending rigidity and 22% in tortional rigidity. With the minimum of options the 2001 model weighed 1065 kilograms. The 1.8 L BP-Z3 engine was slightly modified and now featured variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. The intake and exhaust system also received a minor upgrade. These modifications resulted in power output of 117 kW (155 bhp) for models delivered in Japan and Australia. The same engine produced 110 kW (146 hp) in vehicles sold in the United States and Europe (likely due to more restrictive emission standards). In the United States, Mazda erroneously quoted the power figure for the Japanese and Australian model in early catalogues. Car and Driver magazine and numerous owners confirmed the missing power, and Mazda was forced to buy back a number of 2001 cars due to these misleading power claims. Owners who did not take up the buy back offer were offered an apology and free servicing for the warranty period. 32,000 2001 and 2002 model year Miatas were recalled in December of 2005 for excessive emissions. Mazdaspeed MX-52004 saw the introduction of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5. It featured a light-pressure turbo BPT engine for 178 hp rather than the S-VT BP-Z3. Other features included a special suspension, upgraded transmission and clutch assemblies, upgraded drivetrain components, Racing Hart 17 inch wheels, special interior trim, and special exterior paint. Though not officially a "Limited Edition" production run, only a small number of Mazdaspeed Miatas were produced during model years 2004 and 2005. Generation 3 (NC)Production of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 (NC) began in May 2005 and went on sale in August, for the 2006 model year. It uses Mazda's 16-valve, 2.0 L MZR I4 engine, producing 170 hp (128 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m). Despite the engine upgrade, impressive engineering allows the car to maintain a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions are offered as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Despite internet rumors, the 3rd generation shares no structural components with the RX-8. The frame was developed specifically for the new MX-5 only. Suspension has been changed from a 4-wheel double-wishbone setup to a front wishbone rear multilink setup and technologies like traction control and stability control have been added to increase drivability. The styling harkens back to the original design while adopting a clean, more muscular profile reminiscent of the Audi TT. Some design elements have been adopted to reinforce the family relationship with the RX-8. Unlike the NA to NB update, which was mostly a nose/tail/interior change, there are substantial differences in almost every body panel, so current accessories will not work with the new design. A Car and Driver test revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds for the NC. The 2006 special edition "3rd Generation Limited" featured added chrome accents and special wheels. MX-5 HardtopMazda will reportedly launch a coupé convertible version of the MX-5 with a three-piece folding metal hardtop for 2006. The MX-5 Hardtop will retail for US$2,000–3,000 more than the soft top model. AwardsThe Miata has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times: The NA from its introduction in 1990 through 1992; the NB on its introduction in 1998 as well as 1999 and 2001; and the NC on its introduction in 2006. The NA was also Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year for 1989 with the NC taking the award for 2005. In the November 2004 edition of Sports Car International magazine, the Miata was chosen as the best sports car of the 1990s. In the March 2005 edition of the same magazine, the six-decade countdown culminated in the "Ten Best Sports Cars of All Time" issue, of which the Miata secured the number 10 spot, bested only by the likes of exotics and otherwise unobtainable icons of automotive history. The NC was named the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year and also the Australian Car of the Year. Production figuresProduction figures from official Mazda records:
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Production figures from official Mazda records:. The NA was also Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year for 1989 with the NC taking the award for 2005. MTD Products, Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment such as the Cub Cadet in Cleveland, Ohio, United States;. The Miata has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times: The NA from its introduction in 1990 through 1992; the NB on its introduction in 1998 as well as 1999 and 2001; and the NC on its introduction in 2006. The Makkal Tamil Desam Katchi, "People's Tamil Land Party", a political party in Tamil Nadu, India;. The MX-5 Hardtop will retail for US$2,000–3,000 more than the soft top model. A mass transit district, such as the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District;. Mazda will reportedly launch a coupé convertible version of the MX-5 with a three-piece folding metal hardtop for 2006. An unemployed workers movement of Argentina (Spanish Movimiento de Trabajadores Desocupados) — see Piquetero;. The 2006 special edition "3rd Generation Limited" featured added chrome accents and special wheels. A Car and Driver test revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds for the NC. Unlike the NA to NB update, which was mostly a nose/tail/interior change, there are substantial differences in almost every body panel, so current accessories will not work with the new design. Some design elements have been adopted to reinforce the family relationship with the RX-8. The styling harkens back to the original design while adopting a clean, more muscular profile reminiscent of the Audi TT. Suspension has been changed from a 4-wheel double-wishbone setup to a front wishbone rear multilink setup and technologies like traction control and stability control have been added to increase drivability. The frame was developed specifically for the new MX-5 only. Despite internet rumors, the 3rd generation shares no structural components with the RX-8. 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions are offered as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Despite the engine upgrade, impressive engineering allows the car to maintain a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. It uses Mazda's 16-valve, 2.0 L MZR I4 engine, producing 170 hp (128 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m). Production of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 (NC) began in May 2005 and went on sale in August, for the 2006 model year. Though not officially a "Limited Edition" production run, only a small number of Mazdaspeed Miatas were produced during model years 2004 and 2005. Other features included a special suspension, upgraded transmission and clutch assemblies, upgraded drivetrain components, Racing Hart 17 inch wheels, special interior trim, and special exterior paint. It featured a light-pressure turbo BPT engine for 178 hp rather than the S-VT BP-Z3. 2004 saw the introduction of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5. 32,000 2001 and 2002 model year Miatas were recalled in December of 2005 for excessive emissions. Owners who did not take up the buy back offer were offered an apology and free servicing for the warranty period. Car and Driver magazine and numerous owners confirmed the missing power, and Mazda was forced to buy back a number of 2001 cars due to these misleading power claims. In the United States, Mazda erroneously quoted the power figure for the Japanese and Australian model in early catalogues. The same engine produced 110 kW (146 hp) in vehicles sold in the United States and Europe (likely due to more restrictive emission standards). These modifications resulted in power output of 117 kW (155 bhp) for models delivered in Japan and Australia. The intake and exhaust system also received a minor upgrade. The 1.8 L BP-Z3 engine was slightly modified and now featured variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. With the minimum of options the 2001 model weighed 1065 kilograms. The body was strengthened, gaining 16% in bending rigidity and 22% in tortional rigidity. The upgraded tyres and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.88g in lateral grip in tests by Car & Driver. A 6-speed transmission became available for the top models, as well as 16 in (406 mm) rims with 205/45 low-profile tyres and larger brakes (10.6 inch diameter at the front and 10.9 inch at the rear). The seats were upgraded also, incorporating more support in the side areas. Some cockpit elements were also changed, with instrument panel guages having a white face and red numbers. There were some minor design changes, with the 18 July 2000 press release announcing the new model describing the changes as "resulting in an even sportier and more forceful look". In 2001, a facelift to the NB was released. The second generation Miata could reach 60 MPH (96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 123 MPH (197 km/h). Performance. Power output of the new engine is quoted at 105 kW (140 hp) with 119lbft of torque. The new intake manifold received a set of flappers that could uncover a resonance chamber - this was needed to fix a dead spot in the torque curve that the new head created. The intake runners in the head were straightened and the intake manifold was mounted higher up. The intake cam was changed to a solid lifter design with a stronger cam. The engine compression ratio was raised from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 by adding slightly domed pistons. The BP-4W engine remained at 1.8 L but received several minor updates. Engine. Sports models were equipped with the wider wheels and 195/50VR15 tires. Alloy wheels were now of 14 inch or 15 inch diameter of either 5.5 or 6 inch width, depending on the model. ABS was offered as an option. Front brakes were of 255 mm (10 in) diameter with 251 mm (9.9 in) at the rear. The wheel, tyre and brakes package on the second generation Miata was significantly upgraded. The second generation Miata continued to employ four-wheel independent suspension, with enlarged anti-roll bars of 22 mm (0.87 in) at the front and 11 mm (0.43 in) at the rear. Suspension and wheels. The new model was slightly more aerodynamic than the original, with a Cd figure of 0.36. With the minimum of options, the NB weighed 1000 kilograms. Ground clearance was a slightly reduced 135 mm (5.3 in). The new car had grown slightly in width compared to the earlier model with dimensions: length 3955 mm (155.7 in); width 1680 mm (66.1 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in) and wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). Although almost all parts of the car were different, the most notable changes were the headlights: The first model's retractable headlights had been exchanged for fixed ones. Body and chassis. Specifications. Prices in the United States, the main market for the Miata, started at US$19,770. In Japan, the Eunos name was dropped, as the marque was considered a commercial failure, but the successful Roadster was incorporated into the Mazda brand. The NB features a more-powerful engine and more modern styling cues borrowed from the aggressive RX-7. With its introduction, the earlier MX-5 Miata became known as the NA or Mark 1. This model is known as the NB (referring to the model number printed on the VIN plate) or Mark 2. In 1998, Mazda released the updated model year 1999 MX-5 Miata. (These special editions refer to North American markets only). This generation was phased out in the 1997 model year, with the final 1500 Mark-1 Miatas produced being the "STO" ("Still The One") versions. These included all of the luxury options from the C package as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. A special "R Package" was introduced for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". A "B Package" added some options, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top and leather seats. The standard model was called the "A Package" for the Miata models. There were a number of trim levels and special editions available. Later 1.8 engines were up in power to 133 bhp due to the use of a more sophisticated engine management system (OBD-II). In some markets such as the UK the 1.6 engine continued to be available as a lower-cost option, but was detuned to only 88 bhp to make it less competitive with the 1.8. The new engine produced 98 kW (130 hp) and the standard model weighed 990 kilograms (2183 lbs). The MX-5 Miata was freshened for 1994 with the introduction of a more powerful 1.8 L BP engine, dual airbags, a geared, torque-sensing limited slip differential, and other options. The first generation Miata could reach 60 MPH (96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and had a top speed of 119 MPH (190 km/h). Performance. The engine employs an L-Jetronic fuel injection system and a crank angle sensor instead of a distributor. The original Miata came with a 1.6 L double overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 90 kW (120 bhp) and 100 lbft of torque. Engine. Four wheel disc brakes of 235 mm (9.3 in) diameter (ventilated) at the front and 231 mm (9.1 in) at the rear stopped 5.5 inch wide 14 inch alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires. The Miata employs independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an 18 mm (0.71 in) anti-roll bar at the front. Suspension and wheels. The body was reasonably aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.38. Without options, the NA model MX-5 weighed 940 kilograms. Ground clearance is 140mm (5.5 in). The overall dimensions are: length 3970 mm (156.3 in); width 1675 mm (65.9 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in); wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). The body shell of the Miata is all-steel with an aluminium bonnet. Body and chassis. Specifications. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was called the Eunos Roadster in its own market. In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was experimenting with the creation of different brands for deluxe models, similar to Nissan's Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. The Miata would be available for purchase by the public from July 1989 as a 1990 model. The Miata was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989, with a price tag of US$13,800. The Miata meets the public. The project then returned to Japan for final engineering details and production issues to be decided. The task of constructing five engineering mules was again allocated to International Automotive Design, who also conducted the first front and rear crash tests on the prototype. The project was now code-named P729 by Mazda. After some minor changes in the design, presented in clay model form by the designers from Mazda (North America), the project was given final approval on 18 January 1986. The prototype was completed in August 1985 and code-named the V705 by Mazda. The prototype was built with a fiberglass body, a 1.4 L engine from a Mazda Familia and other compenents from a variety of early Mazda models. The Duo 101 design, so named as either a soft-top or hard-top could be used, was referred to International Automotive Design in Worthing, England for the construction of a running prototype. It was at the second round of the competition in August 1984 , when full scale clay models were presented, that the front-engined rear-wheel drive design, code-named the Duo 101, was selected as the basis for Mazda's new light-weight sports car. On paper the mid-engined car appeared the most impressive, although it was known at the time that such a layout would struggle to meet the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) requirements of the project. Designs were presented on paper. The first round of judging the competing designs for the MX-5 was held in April 1984. The role of designing a front-engine, rear-wheel drive light-weight sports car was assigned to Mazda (North America) whilst the Tokyo Design Studio designed front engined, front-wheel drive and mid-engined, rear-wheel drive cars for the competition. The design of the first generation Miata was the result of a competition between Mazda (North America) and the Tokyo Design Studio. A competition to design a light-weight sports car. Since production began, over 700,000 Miatas have been made, leading the Guinness Book of Records to name it the world's best-selling sports car on February 13, 2002. The Miata is popular in amateur and stock racing events, particularly the Sports Car Club of America's Solo-II autocross series, as well as Spec Miata driving. Inducing oversteer is easy and well controllable. With a 50:50 front/rear weight balance (when measured with an average weight driver and a 2/3 full gas tank), the car has a very neutral handling, which makes it easy to drive for the beginner, and fun for the advanced driver. Many Miatas feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes, but none have traction control. Miatas also incorporate a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. It comes with a 1.6 L, 1.8 L or 2.0 L longitudinally mounted engine coupled to a manual transmission (an automatic transmission is available, though rare). The Miata has a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. Its design is inspired by, some say copied from, the Lotus Elan, a 1960s roadster that is widely considered to be one of the best handling sports cars of its day. The first Miata was designed in California, USA and Worthing, England. The Miata was designed to be a basic roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity. . The Miata is the world's best-selling sports car, with 720,407 cars produced and sold between February 1989 and March 31, 2005. It was initially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989. Popularly known as Miata in North America, it is also known just as the Mazda MX-5 in Oceania and Europe and the Eunos Roadster or Mazda Roadster in Japan. The Mazda MX-5 is a popular sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. 2000: 47496. 1999: 44851. 1998: 58682. 1997: 27037. 1996: 33610. 1995: 31886. 1994: 39623. 1993: 44743. 1992: 52712. 1991: 63434. 1990: 95640. 1989: 45266. 1988: 12. |