4th gen ND Mazda MX-5 Miata

[gymratter]

There's a telescoping steering wheel, too.

The rumors of Mazda developing a far more powerful MX-5 Miata were true. Japan's Car Watch had the opportunity to drive a prototype for the massively updated roadster, and the publication divulged all the details. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder now packs 182 horsepower at 7,000 rpm rather than 155 hp at 6,000 rpm in current form. Torque grows slightly to 151 pound-feet (205 Newton-meters) of torque from 148 lb-ft (201 Nm) in the existing model.

To achieve such a significant power bump, Mazda overhauls the powertrain. New pistons are 0.95 ounces (27 grams) lighter, and the connecting rods weigh 1.4 ounces (41 grams) less. To breathe better, the Miata's engine has a larger diameter throttle body, bigger exhaust valves, and wider exhaust piping. The improvements let the redline rise to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm on the existing roadster. In addition to more power, the tweaks also allegedly improve thermal efficiency and lower emissions, according to Car Watch. A dual-mass flywheel is among the new pieces, too.

While the engine is the heart of a sports car, it's not the only thing that matters. Mazda's engineers install softer suspension bushings at the back, which allegedly improves steering feel. Inside the cabin, drivers get a telescoping steering wheel for the first time in the Miata. According to Car Watch, it has 1.2 inches (30 millimeters) of adjustment, in addition to the existing tilt function that can move 1.7 inches (42 mm).

The photos from Car Watch's story don't show any major styling changes for the Miata. However, it does mention minor aesthetic tweaks like availability of a caramel brown top, tan leather interior, and bright finish for the wheels.

Now, here's the somewhat bad news. Motor1.com reached out to Mazda's representatives in the United States to ask about these changes for the American region. "As standard policy, we do not comment on speculation or future products that have not been announced for our market," the automaker responded.

It seems highly unlikely that Mazda would invest so much into upgrading the Miata and not bring the changes stateside. However, the automaker is remaining mum about when the arrival might happen.

https://www.motor1.com/news/245277/m...update-report/

[imhereforthecar]

Sometimes I wish I had the mx5, but until they fix those atrocious taillights, no thanks.

Originally Posted by vh_supra26

I miss Jason. At first, he was too dramatic, but I got used to him, and I'll be damned if I didn't start to actually like the guy. Shame he left MotorTrend. Also, RIP MotorTrend YouTube.

[JD001]

Just read that Mazda has upped the power for little MX5. The engine mods sound extensive with the raising of the red line but staying NA.

[WolfpackS2k]

Max engine speed raised from 6800 to 7500 rpm is quite significant. Way more becoming of a sports car!

[darksnyder]

Its official I believe, the Miata is getting the 26HP bump.


https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-...ngi-1826980844

[Sigh-on-Rice]

Originally Posted by darksnyder

Its official I believe, the Miata is getting the 26HP bump.


https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mazda-...ngi-1826980844

https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/pre...unch-features/

Yes, it's official. It's on mazdausa.com.

[Jordanwolf]

Originally Posted by Sigh-on-Rice

https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/pre...unch-features/

Yes, it's official. It's on mazdausa.com.

All those people that thought they knew better than Mazda eh..

[Spuds]

Your turn, Toyoburu?

[TylerLieberman]

Puts me in an interesting predicament. My STI is almost entirely back to stock. The updated on the Miata are very tempting

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Your turn, Toyoburu?

Nope. They still have 24 more years of production before they have to up it the same percentage.

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

The 2018 already does

That doesn't count, they were trying to call it a day with 204hp but then ppl can round it off so they added 1 more hp.

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

A factory Miata with 300HP would be something special. A factor Miata with 181 is whatever. It doesn't fundamentally change what a Miata is, just like another 50 HP doesn't fundamentally change the twins. 350HP in a twin might be another story.

In your dream world, that's catching the current P:W ratio of the current V6 Exige

[Lantanafrs2]

That should really widen the gap between it and the 86.

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

A lousy outdated Impreza trim.

Get 'em while you can. Fourteen years virtually unchanged engine and transmission.

Well at least they had a red intake manifold from day one. lol

If only the twin's transmission could withstand the torque an STI one can.

Plus, if you want for a several hundred you can buy a Cobb AP for the cheapest legitimate additional power you could ever get similar to Dinan with BMW, etc. That is part of the appeal for some.

They are spartan sports sedans, and for that reason they are criticised for interior quality compared to VW for example but you are getting better features specific to the model, not paying for a fancy textured door skin.

The specific STI packaging where things like hydraulic steering is retained plus a host of available STI accessories such as the flexible strut tower brace and draw stiffeners make it an appealing package. But Audi, BMW, Mercedes do offer a more luxurious package if you will pay for it. And VW gets Audi's hand me downs so still better dash face, door skin, infotainment.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by Lantanafrs2

That should really widen the gap between it and the 86.

Or narrow it depending on your perspective.