Motor Trend: 2016 Miata vs 2015 BRZ

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Entroper

Look 3 posts up from yours.

Or the last 25 years of the Miata's lineup...

*insert picture of the one time they made a Miata coupe*

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by Entroper

So much for that rumor: http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015...-5-coupe-52152


Like I said earlier, the biggest problem with the initial rumor was the chassis being designed for a roadster rather than a coupe.

Not really though, considering the coy comments at the end about being able to stretch the chassis wheelbase to create a new RX7. I imagine the same would be true if it were used for a new Toyota car. It wouldn't just be a "licensed platform"... It would be a starting point to base something new off of. In the same way that the RX8 was loosely based on the NC MX-5 (or vice versa).

[Poodles]

I'd be really surprised if they don't have at least the removable hard top as it's required for racing.


Power retractable hard top is likely going to happen as it seemed to sell well (at least around here I see a ton).

[tahdizzle]

Because a power retractable hard top won't add a gazillion pounds to the car :p

[Entroper]

Originally Posted by Poodles

I'd be really surprised if they don't have at least the removable hard top as it's required for racing.

Nah, just need rollover protection. This is the official car for the new MX-5 Cup series:

Power retractable hard top is likely going to happen as it seemed to sell well (at least around here I see a ton).

This I do agree with, and Mazda reps have confirmed they're working on it. Some guys over at miata.net have apparently been to focus group meetings where a concept was shown.

Originally Posted by tahdizzle

Because a power retractable hard top won't add a gazillion pounds to the car :p

It added about 70 lbs to the NC Miata, so a similar implementation would be right around ~2400 lbs. Still 350 lighter than an 86.

[tahdizzle]

Originally Posted by Entroper

It added about 70 lbs to the NC Miata, so a similar implementation would be right around ~2400 lbs. Still 350 lighter than an 86.

It added about 80lbs to the NC miata and about 2 tenths in 0-60 times.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by tahdizzle

It added about 80lbs to the NC miata and about 2 tenths in 0-60 times.

80 is a lot closer to 70 than it is to a gazillion. besides, if you dont want a prht, dont buy one.

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by Entroper

Nah, just need rollover protection. This is the official car for the new MX-5 Cup series:

For professional racing, in both the Continental Tire Sports Car series and the Pirelli World Challenge Series, the MX-5 (and every other convertible) is required to have a hard top. It can be a fiberglass RHT but it has to be bolted on permanently in order to race. I do not believe the PRHT would qualify. I expect either Mazda or the aftermarket will fill the need in short order.

[Entroper]

Originally Posted by Rampage

For professional racing, in both the Continental Tire Sports Car series and the Pirelli World Challenge Series, the MX-5 (and every other convertible) is required to have a hard top. It can be a fiberglass RHT but it has to be bolted on permanently in order to race. I do not believe the PRHT would qualify. I expect either Mazda or the aftermarket will fill the need in short order.

Fair enough. FWIW, while there are no attachment points visible on the rear deck, there are two small panels where the attachment points would be. So they do seem to have left the door open whether they plan to sell their own RHT or not.

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by Entroper

Fair enough. FWIW, while there are no attachment points visible on the rear deck, there are two small panels where the attachment points would be. So they do seem to have left the door open whether they plan to sell their own RHT or not.

This is what I was curious about as it wasn't apparent if the Frankenstein bolts would have a place to go.


Seeing how Spec-Miata is, I doubt Mazda would shoot themselves in the foot and not get a hard top out.

[WolfpackS2k]

Every previous version of the Miata had an available removable hardtop. I'm not sure why any of you are even discussing this. Pretty obvious a removable hardtop is coming.

[Futaba]

Just me of course but I think the new Miata looks awful.

[abraxis]

Originally Posted by Futaba

Just me of course but I think the new Miata looks awful.

You aren't alone actually. I think people are just happy because it doesn't look like it would be driven by a giant vagina. Just a smaller one.

[swarb]

It looks good in pictures. Then you see it in person and realize you aren't two feet tall and the top is always down. Because it doesn't look as good otherwise.



That hood line and the tall fenders kill it for me.