4th gen ND Mazda MX-5 Miata

[RichardsFRS]

They already have a hardtop retractable. It was one of the cars my wife wanted but they are hard to find. I guess when she sees this, she'll go gaga nuts over it. She loves the FRS and wants another Miata. I told her, get us into a utility vehicle and a miata for the same price were paying for the Soul, I'm all game. Don't think that will happen. Don't mind two sports cars but we can't lose the utility aspect

I don't like that car with targa look, looks way better as a coupe

[Irace86]

This new generation is pretty awesome, especially in looks, but in general, they really nailed it. And the hardtop is no exception. The removable hardtops of the past had a bubble look and a set of hook/clamps to latch the top down. The late model retractable hardtops were nice, but this fastback look is unique compared to the others, and the fact that they went the extra mile to engineer a seamless look goes far to make this the desirable model--not the odd duck.

[ZionsWrath]

What? Semantics aside it's still a vert.

[Zaku]

Saw it in person and thought well of it, but I still have the issue of it not being able to be race on tracks because of the ill designed roll hoops, and the roof doesn't add anymore protection it's just a piece of plastic, a very thin one. (same problem the NC had)

Great for the none racing people(target market), not so great for those that want to race it. Which is kinda funny since it's the most raced car in the world. You'll need to mod a roll bar into it(at least a 4 point brace for HPDE), and now it be much harder with the gimmick top(or you can just buy the normal one).

For comparison a Boxster/SLK/SLC/FTYPE/S2000(AP2)(some track/organization only) can be raced right out of the box.

I know speaking for a small population here. lol

[ZionsWrath]

Yea, 2 reasons I didn't get a miata. And let me tell you I really want to want a miata it would have saved me a lot of $.

1. IMO it is ugly as sin

2. Don't want a vert, issues it comes with, hauling a tire trailer for track days etc.

Did I mention you can't fit your track gear in it?

[Zaku]

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

Yea, 2 reasons I didn't get a miata. And let me tell you I really want to want a miata it would have saved me a lot of $.

1. IMO it is ugly as sin

2. Don't want a vert, issues it comes with, hauling a tire trailer for track days etc.

Did I mention you can't fit your track gear in it?

ND is great for what it is. I had an NB and it carried more for example, in my opinion it was sort of a better car and didn't have as much body roll, was easy to modify.
\That said the ND is a much better car, but you expect that for 2016.

[Nevermore]

I'd still rather have a coupe, but the more I look at this the more I kind of like it. My FR-S lease is up in November and if I hadn't bought summer wheels/tires for it, I'd be tempted to turn it in and get one of the RFs. But then again it would be right at the start of winter and that would be a pointless time to get a targa Miata.

[JD001]

Yesterday I happen to be walking down a high street and spotted a Mazda dealer. Couldn't resist having a look at the MX5. The sales guy knew nothing about the Fiat 124 but mentions Alfa Romeo were thinking about using the MX5 platform... anyway, he had 4 brand new MX5s in stock, showed me round and then goes to demonstrate that the roof although canvas is covering a hard shell by thumping the roof!!

[vh_supra26]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02cCXkFPmAc"]First start of the 525 hp LS3-powered ND Miata - YouTube[/ame]

Due to its no-nonsense, straightforward and simple performance, the Mazda MX-5 quickly gained a massive following. But this ND model is a little bit different.

Unlike the regular NDs, which are propelled by small (but frisky) four-pots, this particular model was converted to accommodate a 6.2-litre, 430 hp, LS3 V8 engine (from a 2015 Camaro SS) under its bonnet. A far cry from the stock 1.5-litre, 129 hp and 2.0-litre, 158 hp engines, to say the least.

But the company responsible for the build, Flyin' Miata, didn’t stop there, as it also offers some alternatives, including an LS3 E-Rod Big Block crate engine or an LS376/525, which develops 525 hp, 489 ft-lb of torque.

Those are crank figures, by the way, and to cope with them, Flyin’ Miata offers a long list of upgrades, including a carbon fiber driveshaft, bigger brakes, ceramic coating for the headers and cat pipes.

All parts used in the conversion are brand new, as the company utilizes as many factory parts as possible in order to ease servicing right down to the rubber in the motor mounts, and provide a warranty. Moreover, apart from the traction control, all other functions are left intact, albeit the electric power steering is replaced with a hydraulically assisted unit with a variable ratio.

The conversion adds approximately 250 lbs (113 kg), but Flyin’ Miata says that they’ve taken great pains to retain the Miata’s handling and character, without transforming it into an uncontrollable monster. In fact, Mazda’s weight distribution remains nearly unchanged, with a 53:47 front/rear weight bias comparable to the stock 52:48.

Otherwise, the car was kept almost completely stock, the only giveaway being the V8’s howl. Flyin’ Miata says they can also convert the Retractable Fastback variant of the ND, or the Fiat 124 Spider – if you’re looking for a retro-vintage look. Pretty neat!

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/08/thi...hp-ls3-v8.html

[vh_supra26]

Japanese tuner Kuhl Racing has made a name for itself with its Nissan GT-R bodykits and most recently, its outlandish list of visual upgrades for the Toyota 86. Now, the company has shown off its kit for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 and as you'd expect, it's outlandish to say the least.

At the front, the company's kit is quite restrained and incorporates a new splitter but the bumper itself hasn't been touched. The same however can't be said of the bonnet which has been adorned in a bold paint design like something out of a different universe.

As for the sides of the popular Japanese sports car, they are dominated by the distinctive set of tightly-spoked aftermarket wheels as well as the lowered skirts sitting just an inch above the ground. While far from practical, the new skirts do complement the front splitter and give the MX-5 a real Japanese tuner car vibe.

The modifications are then completed at the rear with arguably the most eye-popping elements of the entire kit. Most significantly, there is a custom diffuser that's been painted red and bolts onto the standard bumper. Complementing the diffuser are two prominent titanium tailpipes with blue tips. Completing the changes is the carbon fiber wing.

Although Kuhl's MX-5 upgrades limit the vehicle's practicality and everyday driveability, they will ensure any owner can fit in with the country's insane neon-lit supercars.

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/09/kuh...-crazy-as.html

[Mr.Impreza]

^
Errr...no thanks. The stock body looks so clean and classy. Should be left untouched.

[vh_supra26]

Just a few hours before pre-orders for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition kick off, the limited-run model has been priced.

Limited to just 1,000 units, interested customers can purchase the six-speed manual-equipped model from $33,850. Units installed with the six-speed automatic transmission are slightly pricier, starting at $34,925. Both will be available for pre-order online for a $500 refundable deposit.

Discussing the successful launch of the car, senior vice president of U.S. Operations for Mazda North American Operations said “After a tremendously positive response to our global reveal of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, we knew we had to do something unique for the MX-5 RF Launch Edition. Exclusive access to the presale is a way we can offer something special to our most loyal customers who can’t wait to get behind the wheel of one of the most anticipated vehicles in Mazda history.”

Based around the Grand Touring trim level equipped MX-5 Miata RF, the Launch Edition stands out thanks to its Machine Gray Metallic paint scheme, black roof panel and Auburn Nappa leather interior. Additionally, Launch Edition models come complete with distinctive doorsill plates with Advanced Keyless Entry.

Alongside these selection of add-ons, the RF Launch Edition will be delivered to customers with a 42 mm Tourneau watch, custom-designed to match the car.

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/09/maz...on-priced.html

[jmark]

Originally Posted by vh_supra26

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/09/maz...on-priced.html

Over priced IMHO. Way more expensive than a new Twin. Even a standard ND Club is a over a grand more than a new Twin PP.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by jmark

Over priced IMHO. Way more expensive than a new Twin. Even a standard ND Club is a over a grand more than a new Twin PP.

Agreed, it's getting expensive at nearly $34k. I might have still considered it at that price if it was an actual coupe. Oh well.