Mazda Miata

Production figures from official Mazda records:. This version is rumoured to be released in 2006. The NC was named the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year and also the Australian Car of the Year. Recent signtings of the mk 4 suggest that it will be more in line with the mk 2 as the size of the car has once again increased. 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. However, the MR2 was discontinued after the 2005 model year. In the November 2004 edition of Sports Car International magazine, the Miata was chosen as the best sports car of the 1990s. There was speculation that the 2005 model could be a hybrid car.

The NA was also Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year for 1989 with the NC taking the award for 2005. Many had hoped that Toyota would continue MR2 production because the leap along the price-axis to the next alternatives (Porsche Boxster, Lotus Elise and Exige, Honda NSX) is so large that many enthusiasts would have to settle for a front-engined car, should the MR2 be discontinued. 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. Toyota is cutting down its selection of sports cars and replacing them with less aggressive "sports packages" offered on their more sedate cars. The MX-5 Hardtop will retail for US$2,000–3,000 more than the soft top model. For two decades, the MR2 has been a delight to car enthusiasts around the world, offering an affordable way to experience the marvellous handling of a mid-engine sports car. Mazda will reportedly launch a coupé convertible version of the MX-5 with a three-piece folding metal hardtop for 2006. [4] The ZZW30 sold just 7,233 units in its debut year, falling to 6,254 in 2001 and 4,705 in 2002.

The 2006 special edition "3rd Generation Limited" featured added chrome accents and special wheels. In July 2004, Toyota announced that the MR2 would be discontinued in the US at the end of the 2005 model year because of increasing competition and lack of sales. A Car and Driver test revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds for the NC. For 2004, the body was strengthened, adding 10 kg to the vehicle's weight. 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. The suspension was uprated with new springs and shock absorbers and a brace was added to the bottom of the car to improve rigidity. Some design elements have been adopted to reinforce the family relationship with the RX-8. The rear wheels were increased to 16" while the front ones remained 15", and both transmissions received an additional gear.

The styling harkens back to the original design while adopting a clean, more muscular profile reminiscent of the Audi TT. The air intakes on the sides of the car were now color coded and the interior was modified with new seats and a gauge cluster. 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. For 2003, the ZZW30 received some exterior changes, including a new front bumper, front and rear lights, a new rear grille, and the computer also received an upgrade allowing the gears to change and engage much quicker than the pre-2003 models which were equipped with the sequential transmission. The frame was developed specifically for the new MX-5 only. The MR-S was originally introduced in October of 1999 and received a sequential transmission in August 2000. Despite internet rumors, the 3rd generation shares no structural components with the RX-8. Although it lost, the ZZW30 proved the top-class handling abilities of the ZZW30.

5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions are offered as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. However, the driver of the ZZW30, Manabu Orido, allowed the other vehicles (a much higher powered S15 Silvia, S14 Silvia, and Amuse S2000) to catch up and ended in the ZZW30 losing to the much quicker S15 Silvia. Despite the engine upgrade, impressive engineering allows the car to maintain a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Turbo", the Techno Spirits ZZW30, outdrove several more powerful cars. It uses Mazda's 16-valve, 2.0 L MZR I4 engine, producing 170 hp (128 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m). During a comparison test during a Japanese motorsports show, "NA vs. Production of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 (NC) began in May 2005 and went on sale in August, for the 2006 model year. Although some complained of the relative lack of power the vehicle had, many owners have recently discovered a way to switch out the 1ZZ-FE engine in exchange for the 2ZZ-GE, bringing up the power to 190 hp, drastically bringing up the accelerating properties of the ZZW30.

Though not officially a "Limited Edition" production run, only a small number of Mazdaspeed Miatas were produced during model years 2004 and 2005. For example, Tiff Needell, a very experienced race driver and the former host of the BBC TV show Top Gear, praised the handling of the ZZW30. 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. The ZZW30 is considered to be the best-handling MR2. It featured a light-pressure turbo BPT engine for 178 hp rather than the S-VT BP-Z3. All agreed, however, that the ZZW30 had nearly perfect handling, allowing one to brake into corners and throw the car through the corner in slight drift. 2004 saw the introduction of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5. The feedback for the new model was somewhat mixed - others liked its return to the AW11's design concept, while the fans of the SW20 would've liked it to continue along the path of the previous model.

32,000 2001 and 2002 model year Miatas were recalled in December of 2005 for excessive emissions. In addition to the 5-speed manual transmission, a sequential transmission controllable from the steering wheel was also available. Owners who did not take up the buy back offer were offered an apology and free servicing for the warranty period. The 140 hp (104 kW) maximum power was quite a drop from the SW20 GT, but thanks to the lightness of the car it could move quite quickly, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 to 7.9 s. 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. Unlike its predecessors, however, the engine was placed onto the car the other way round, making the exhaust manifold point towards the rear of the car. In the United States, Mazda erroneously quoted the power figure for the Japanese and Australian model in early catalogues. The intake camshaft's timing was adjustable via the VVT-i system, which was introduced earlier on the 1998 SW20.

The same engine produced 110 kW (146 hp) in vehicles sold in the United States and Europe (likely due to more restrictive emission standards). Like its predecessors, the engine used dual overhead camshafts and 16 valves. These modifications resulted in power output of 117 kW (155 bhp) for models delivered in Japan and Australia. The engine of the ZZW30 was the brand-new all-aluminium 1ZZ-FE, a 1794 cc I4. The intake and exhaust system also received a minor upgrade. Toyota changed the American name to "MR2 Spyder" reportedly because the idea of a car with the nickname of "Mrs." would sound funny. The 1.8 L BP-Z3 engine was slightly modified and now featured variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In Japan, the car is called the MR-S, which purportedly is derived from the forementioned designation.

With the minimum of options the 2001 model weighed 1065 kilograms. The biggest change was, however, the replacement of either the solid or targa top with a convertible soft top, giving the car the 'Spyder' designation. The body was strengthened, gaining 16% in bending rigidity and 22% in tortional rigidity. The new MR2 was, in a way, return to the design concept of the AW11 since the weight of the car was once again dropped below a metric ton and it was significantly smaller than the SW20. The upgraded tyres and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.88g in lateral grip in tests by Car & Driver. After having been in the market for almost ten years, the SW20 had to move aside as Toyota released the new MR2, designated ZZW30. 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). Very little is known about these cars outside of Japan.[3].

The seats were upgraded also, incorporating more support in the side areas. The car track width is extended and body dimensions dramatically changing the cars overall visuals, giving the car a "supercar" look, and also better handling and weight reduction. Some cockpit elements were also changed, with instrument panel guages having a white face and red numbers. In many respects the extended body can be compared to that of a Porsche Turbo widebody. 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". It is unknown how many original (non factory replica) cars still exist today. In 2001, a facelift to the NB was released. This makes these officially built TRD2000GTs the rarest of all MR2s and ultimately the most sought after and difficult to find.

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). Only 3 complete cars are known to have been shipped into Europe with only 10 complete kit conversions allocated to TRD USA for the entire American market. Performance. TRD Japan never sold body parts for third-party conversion separately (except rear wing), they transformed complete cars. Power output of the new engine is quoted at 105 kW (140 hp) with 119lbft of torque. Some cars left the factory boasting up to 500 PS (493 hp/368 kW) and less than 1100 kg (2425 lb) for a very impressive power to weight ratio. 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. Virtually every car converted also had other TRD parts fitted too including extensive changes to both the suspension and engine.

The intake runners in the head were straightened and the intake manifold was mounted higher up. All official TRD2000GT's had a 60 mm (2.4 in) wider front and rear track which improved handling considerably over the original suspension design. The intake cam was changed to a solid lifter design with a stronger cam. Each official car converted was made using lightweight fibreglass components (in place of heavy steel original parts, front wings/fenders, boot lid, rear quarter panels, front and rear bumpers, etc.) and re-classified as completely new cars (with their own specially numbered TRD vin plate rivited to the body to indicate their authenticity and rarity). The engine compression ratio was raised from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 by adding slightly domed pistons. In order to ensure exclusivity, a high price tag was charged and total of just 35 factory car conversions where completed by Toyota Technocraft Ltd. The BP-4W engine remained at 1.8 L but received several minor updates. Toyota also did the same with their Supra Twin Turbo model, offering a conversion service to transform these cars into a TRD3000GT[2].

Engine. This was to pay homage to the wins by their TRD2000GTs in the GT-C Japanese racing series, the TRD2000GT racing series cars where based on the SW20 floorpan. Sports models were equipped with the wider wheels and 195/50VR15 tires. In 1998, Toyota Racing Development [1] offered an official kit body conversion and tuning programme for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) owners to transform their existing SW20 MR2 into a widebody TRD2000GT kit replica car. Alloy wheels were now of 14 inch or 15 inch diameter of either 5.5 or 6 inch width, depending on the model. Some of these V6 MR2 owners have claimed to have been able complete the swap within the price range of $2,500 USD without the labor. ABS was offered as an option. The 1MZFE motor that comes from the V6 powered Solara and Camry, has quickly become a popular modification as it is relatively cheap and easy to modify to.

Front brakes were of 255 mm (10 in) diameter with 251 mm (9.9 in) at the rear. The SW20 has become a major collector's car since the 2003 Ultimate Street Car Challenge win of Brad Bedell and his yellow V6-powered MR2. The wheel, tyre and brakes package on the second generation Miata was significantly upgraded. All models also received new wheels, optional Recaro seats, and a three-way adjustable rear spoiler. 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. This, and some other changes improved the engine's power output to a respectable 198 hp (148 kW). Suspension and wheels. While the turbocharged engine remained the same, in JDM models the normally aspirated 3S-GE engine was equipped with Toyota's VVT-i system which allowed the timing of the intake camshafts to be modified according to the engine's rotation speed and load.

The new model was slightly more aerodynamic than the original, with a Cd figure of 0.36. On the SW20's last production year in 1999, the car was updated with a few significant changes. With the minimum of options, the NB weighed 1000 kilograms. In 1996, the front and side signals were changed to use a clear lens but no other modifications were made. Ground clearance was a slightly reduced 135 mm (5.3 in). The side stripes and skirts were also color coded. 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). The original three-piece rear spoiler was replaced with the lighter one-piece spoiler which attached only to the trunklid.

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. New round taillights and a color-coded center panel replaced the old square-shaped lights and the rear grille. Body and chassis. Having been an option earlier, a limited-slip differential was introduced as standard on all turbocharged models. Specifications. The normally aspirated 3S-GE received fewer changes but still improved its maximum power to 172 hp (128.3 kW). Prices in the United States, the main market for the Miata, started at US$19,770. For 3S-GTE the use a MAP-sensor, the removal T-VIS in favor of smaller intake ports and the new CT20B turbocharger increased the maximum power to 240 hp (179 kW).

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 next big change occurred in 1994, when SW20 received all-new engines for each model and some considerable changes to its exterior. The NB features a more-powerful engine and more modern styling cues borrowed from the aggressive RX-7. Some shifting problems which plagued the first revisions were remedied with stronger synchronization rings. With its introduction, the earlier MX-5 Miata became known as the NA or Mark 1. Along with the suspension changes, the SW20 also got new 15" wheels to fit the larger brakes that were also introduced. This model is known as the NB (referring to the model number printed on the VIN plate) or Mark 2. To respond to the feedback they had received, Toyota changed the 1993 model to include wider rear tires and changed the rear suspension, mainly the vehicle's height, shock absorbing properties and a larger rear crossmember, so that the car would be more prone to understeer, thus making it more difficult to push the car into "snap oversteer".

In 1998, Mazda released the updated model year 1999 MX-5 Miata. Some magazines made overstatements where they claimed that the SW20 was downright dangerous to drive. (These special editions refer to North American markets only). This trait was not considered very desirable among the press, because the MR2, unlike expensive supercars, was priced so that even "average people" were able to buy one. 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. This made the SW20's cornering abilities quite excellent, but it was much too easy for an inexperienced driver to make a mistake, leading to sudden oversteer (also called "snap oversteer") which can result in a spin unless the driver reacts both quickly and correctly. These included all of the luxury options from the C package as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. Toyota's goal was to make the car's suspension geometry work the same way that true supercars do.

A special "R Package" was introduced for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". The SW20's entry to the market was not quite as smooth as the AW11's. A "B Package" added some options, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top and leather seats. The Japanese MR2 GT model was able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a stunning 5.9 to 6.2 s. The standard model was called the "A Package" for the Miata models. The most powerful engine was the turbocharged 3S-GTE, which was again only available in Japan at 220 hp (164 kW) (as the MR2 GT) and the USA at 200 hp (149 kW) (as the MR2 Turbo) so Europeans had to settle with the naturally-aspirated 156 hp (116 kW) 3S-GE engine. There were a number of trim levels and special editions available. All engines were 2000 cc I4 engines with DOHC and 16 valves, excluding the naturally-aspirated US model which used the 2200 cc 5S-FE engine.

Later 1.8 engines were up in power to 133 bhp due to the use of a more sophisticated engine management system (OBD-II). When the SW20 went on sale in spring 1990, it was offered with four different engine choices depending on the market area. 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. Since the resemblance between the Ferrari 348tb and the Ferrari F355 and the new MR2 was quite striking, the SW20 is sometimes referred to as a "poor man's Ferrari". The new engine produced 98 kW (130 hp) and the standard model weighed 990 kilograms (2183 lbs). While the AW11 was a pure sports car, made in the spirit of Lotuses, the SW20, being quite larger, could be classed as a GT-car. 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 new MR2, designated SW20 (in America the chassis codes were SW20 for the turbocharged model and SW21 for the naturally-aspirated model), was longer, wider and heavier than its predecessor and had smoother bodylines.

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). The MR2 went through a complete redesigned in 1989, when the new Mk II body was produced. Performance. http://www.padandwheels.com/mr2/index.html. The engine employs an L-Jetronic fuel injection system and a crank angle sensor instead of a distributor. http://shell.deru.com/~sgn1/AW11/Mkifaq.htm. 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. http://shell.deru.com/~sgn1/AW11/4age.htm.

Engine. http://www.benreedjohnson.com. 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. http://www.mr2oc.com. The Miata employs independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an 18 mm (0.71 in) anti-roll bar at the front. For more information about the Mark I visit these websites:. Suspension and wheels. The MR2 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1986 and 1987.

The body was reasonably aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.38. In 2004, Sports Car International named the MR2 number eight on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. Without options, the NA model MX-5 weighed 940 kilograms. The MR2 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1985. Ground clearance is 140mm (5.5 in). The Australian Wheels magazine chose the 1988 AW11 as its favourite sports car. 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). American car magazines Road & Track and Car and Driver both chose the AW11 on their lists of ten best cars which included some tough competition, such as the Ferrari Testarossa.

The body shell of the Miata is all-steel with an aluminium bonnet. The press received the AW11 with open arms and praised its innovation, great feeling, and responsive engine. Body and chassis. Unfortunately, this model was never sold in European markets, although some cars were privately imported. Specifications. In addition to the new engine, the MR2 SC was also equipped with stiffer stabilizer bars and reinforcements in the bodyshell to improve rigidity. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was called the Eunos Roadster in its own market. The engine produced a maximum power of 145 hp (108 kW) and accelerated the small car from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 6.7 to 7.0s.

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. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a roots-type supercharger and therefore the compression ratio, valve timing and ports were modified. The Miata would be available for purchase by the public from July 1989 as a 1990 model. In 1988, Toyota brought a new choice for an engine for people longing for more power. The Miata was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989, with a price tag of US$13,800. Some further changes were made to the exterior the following year, but more notable were the addition of larger brakes and a heavier C52 transmission which replaced the older C50. The Miata meets the public. Other new options included a leather interior and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The project then returned to Japan for final engineering details and production issues to be decided. The exterior was modified by color-coding the bumpers and side stripes, adding small side skirts and a translucent spoiler to the rear of the roof. 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 most important addition was probably having the option of a removable targa top, not available in the US. The project was now code-named P729 by Mazda. For the 1986 model year, the AW11 went through several changes which affected both its looks and performance. 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. There was also a JDM model AW10 which used the more economical 1500 cc 3A-U engine, but it didn't gain too much popularity.

The prototype was completed in August 1985 and code-named the V705 by Mazda. The engine had already been introduced earlier on the sportier Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno, gathering a lot of positive publicity. 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. US-spec engines were rated at 112 hp (84 kW), Euro-spec at 124 hp (93 kW). 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 engine was also equipped with a Bosch L-Jetronic type multi-point fuel injection and a variable intake geometry (T-VIS), giving the engine a maximum power output of 128 hp (95 kW). 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. As a powerplant, Toyota chose to use the 4A-GE 1600 cc I4 engine with two overhead camshafts which allowed the use of 16 valves for a better gas flow through the combustion chamber.

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. Toyota's cooperation with Lotus during the prototype phase can be seen in the AW11, and it owes much to Lotus's legendary sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Designs were presented on paper. Its behavior mimics that of highly expensive supercars and is easy to control and nimble in its movements. The first round of judging the competing designs for the MX-5 was held in April 1984. Thanks to these features, the AW11 is considered by many to be very enjoyable to drive. 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 most important features of the AW11 were its light body, superior handling and relatively powerful, small-displacement engine.

The design of the first generation Miata was the result of a competition between Mazda (North America) and the Tokyo Design Studio. The two-seat MR2 was definitely not practical as a family car, but the design criteria were different from that of most previous cars. A competition to design a light-weight sports car. The small and light MR2, designated AW11, was perhaps something no one had expected from any of the Japanese car manufacturers, known for their economical and practical cars. 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 car, scheduled to be launched in spring 1984 in the Japanese market under the name MR2 (initially standing for "Midship Runabout, 2-seater" but later claimed to be "Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive, 2-seater") was to become the first mass-produced mid-engined car to come from a Japanese manufacturer. 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. Toyota made its SV-3 concept car public in the autumn of 1983 at the Tokyo Motor Show, gathering a huge amount of publicity both from the press and the audience.

Inducing oversteer is easy and well controllable. A significant amount of testing was performed on actual race circuits such as Willow Springs, where former Formula One driver Dan Gurney tested the car. 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. From its base design, the car began evolving into an actual sports car, and further prototypes were tested intensely both in Japan and in California. Many Miatas feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes, but none have traction control. The result was the first prototype in 1981, dubbed the SA-X. 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. It was finally decided to place the engine transversely in the middle of the car.

The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. The actual designwork began in 1979 when Akio Yoshida from Toyota's testing department started to evaluate different alternatives for engine placement and drive method. 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). Initially, the purpose of the project was not a sports car. The Miata has a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. The MR2's life began in 1976 when Toyota launched a design project with the goal of producing a car which would be both enjoyable to drive, yet still provide decent fuel economy. 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 MR2 was eventually designed by Toyota with Lotus engineer Roger Becker involved on its suspension and handling. The Miata was designed to be a basic roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity. the X100) project was scrapped and Lotus was later bought out by GM. . Actually the Lotus M90 (a.k.a. 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 is a common misconception that the MR2 was Lotus designed, but assembled and distributed by Toyota.

It was initially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989. Thus, the car was sold there only as the MR. 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. When said in French, the name MR2 [ɛm ɛʀ ˈdø] sounds like merde [ˈmɛʀd] (fr: shit). The Mazda MX-5 is a popular sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. The latest version was called the Toyota MR-S in Japan, the Toyota MR2 Spyder in the United States, and the Toyota MR2 Roadster in Europe. 2000: 47496. The Toyota MR2 was a two-seat, mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2005.

1999: 44851. 1998: 58682. 1997: 27037. 1996: 33610.

1995: 31886. 1994: 39623. 1993: 44743. 1992: 52712.

1991: 63434. 1990: 95640. 1989: 45266. 1988: 12.