Mazda MX-5/Miata/Roadster (NC) 2005-2014

[lilcraigford]

I just get a whole overall BMW Z4 kinda shape from this car... like a longer frond end with the "stumpier" rear...

[Matt]

All-New Mazda MX-5 Unleashed in Geneva

New third generation two-seater signifies another zenith of Zoom-Zoom



Mazda Motor Corporation revealed the all-new MX-5 to the world at a press conference held today at the 75th Geneva International Motor Show (Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva). Updated, improved, and at long last unleashed, the all-new, third-generation Mazda MX-5 is the latest and most-advanced evolution of the world's best-selling lightweight sports car. Takao Kijima, program manager for the new vehicle, said, "Our effort with the all-new MX-5 was to retain the key roadster attributes that made this car famous--the lightweight feeling, the balanced handling, the overall nimbleness of the product--but make the vehicle more useful for a wider range of customers, offering better value, more comfort, and overall higher levels of interior quality."

The MX-5 (known as the Roadster in Japan) debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, and since then Mazda has relentlessly pursued the fun found in a lightweight, open sports car. The Japanese expression jinba ittai (meaning the oneness of motion, "rider and horse as one") best describes this evolved MX-5's "fun-to-drive" character. Development focused on creating a car that would be enjoyable in any driving situation--whether it is sports driving or just daily use. It was designed and engineered to achieve a dynamic balance between a powerful engine and a more lightweight, compact body.

The all-new MX-5 will be launched in global markets in the latter half of 2005.


All-New Mazda MX-5

Evolution of "Jinba Ittai"- lighter, stiffer body

- For improved performance, safety, comfort and also to be more useful, Mazda employed a variety of new equipment and technologies to find any possible way to minimize weight and achieve a lighter model. The result: a total increase for the entire vehicle weight of only about 10 kg compared to the previous generation MX-5.

- Utilizing advanced materials such as ultra-high-tension steel, the new MX-5's unibody delivers an increase of 22 percent for flexural stiffness and 47 percent for torsional rigidity compared to its predecessor. Moving the engine rearward by 135 mm (5.3 inches) was a major step toward balancing front-to-rear weight distribution and reducing the yaw moment of inertia.


Delightful Design - Fun and Modern Styling

- The low, flowing shoulder lines established in the original roadster are still there. Long associated with being approachable and fun, the new version was further transformed into a lightweight sports car of simple functionality and athletic solidity, both of which remain obvious design DNA attributes. The fender arches are more pronounced for wider wheeltrack dimensions, providing a more athletic stance.

- The interior design themes of the new Mazda MX-5 are simple functionality and comfortable openness with high-quality craftsmanship. Four round heating and cooling vents help establish a straight reference line across the front of the cockpit. Several areas of the interior consist of a Piano-black finish that render a modern, high-quality surface. Five round gauges with metal-look trim have glass covers with a coating to reduce reflections and maintain legibility even in direct sunlight.

- Eight exterior colors are available. With base models, tasteful black upholstery and a matte-silver metallic finish can be selected. High-grade models offer two choices: a combination of saddle-tan and black leather or black leather in a monotone treatment.


Improved safety and comfort

- Although the new MX-5 is an open car boasting the Mazda Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System, Mazda sought--and achieved--higher collision safety performance. Newly developed side airbags protect the torso, and it is also equipped with a larger-volume head protection airbag.

- Various types of body statures can comfortably fit in the cockpit driver's seat. New waist-level vents and a mesh-type air deflector mounted behind the seats improve ventilation inside the cabin for an improved sense of open-air motoring.


Perfected Powertrain

- Equipped with a newly developed 2.0-liter MZR engine in all markets, models with a 1.8-liter engine are available for the European market.

- Throughout the engine development, work focused on what engineer's call "response", "expansion feel" and "pleasant engine sound." A lighter flywheel and a stiffer drive shaft contributed to realizing the responsive, direct feel of the new MX-5. Also, a 57 percent reduction in intake restriction was achieved. Pressure loss in the exhaust system was reduced 40 percent to keep the engine torque curve nearly level at high rpm. Furthermore, the intake manifold and the intake and exhaust system were tuned, and the engine sound that resulted is one of the pleasant appeals of the new MX-5.

- The newly developed 6-speed manual transmission is available in all markets. Shifting gears is a breeze--seems like just a flick of the wrist--when using the triple-cone synchronizers for the first four gears. The gearshift lever can also manually control five-speed manual and advanced six-speed automatic transmissions.


Predictable, lively handling

- Realizing a light-but-stiff unibody that serves as the chassis foundation, a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension system with optimized geometry help extract the best that 205/45WR-17 radial tires have to offer. Aluminum was used for some chassis parts to minimize unsprung weight, and attaching the rear cross member directly to the unibody with no rubber isolation enhances chassis rigidity while reinforcing the driver's feeling of oneness with the car.

- Unwanted steering and pitch motion of the body during acceleration and braking are tightly controlled by anti-drive, anti-squat geometry. Also, a 65 mm (2.56 inches) increase in the wheelbase helps balance the stable driving.

- The rack-and-pinion power steering gears yields low friction, high linearity, and delightfully smooth steering responses. Another significant change that induces improved handling is a 75 mm (3.0 inches) increase in the front track and a 55 mm (2.1 inches) increase in the rear track.

- Class-leading level stopping distances are achieved in the new MX-5 because front and rear rotors are increased in diameter and calipers are increased in its stiffness to engineer a precise brake pedal response with a high degree of linearity.


Mazda MX-5 Major Specifications

Dimensions Overall length 3,995 mm (157 inches)

Overall width 1,720 mm (67.7 inches)

Overall height 1,245 mm (49 inches)

Wheelbase 2,330 mm (91.7 inches)

Track (front&rear) 1,490 mm/1,495 mm (58.7 inches/58.9 inches)

Seating Capacity 2 persons

Engines Type MZR 1.8L Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve

MZR 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve

Max. output (target) 1.8L: 93kW<126PS>/6,500rpm
2.0L: 118kW<160PS>/6,700rpm

Max torque (target) 1.8L: 167N·m<17.0kg-m>/4,500rpm
2.0L: 188N·m<19.2kg-m>/5,000rpm

Bore x stroke 1.8L: 83.0 mm (3.3 inches) x 83.1 mm (3.3 inches)
2.0L: 87.5 mm(3.4 inches) x 83.1 mm (3.3 inches)

Transmission Type 5-speed MT
6-speed MT
6-speed AT

Steering Type Rack and pinion

Suspension Front/Rear Double wishbone/Multi-link

Brakes Front/Rear Ventilated disk/Solid disk

Tires & wheels Tires 16": 205/50R 16 (front & rear)
17": 205/45R 17 (front & rear)

Wheels 16": 16 x 6 1/2J (front & rear)
17": 17 x 7J (front & rear)

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #2

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #3

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #4

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #5

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #6

[Matt]

Mazda MX-5 Miata #7

[Colin17]

oh yes, sexy , thanks you very much, Matt

can you give me a link for the mediasite?

[gregvl52]

I'm not a fan of the dent in the hood. Looks better on the RX-8; here it just looks like a big horseshoe fell on the hood, or something.

[McReis]

I'm not a fan of the dent in the hood. Looks better on the RX-8; here it just looks like a big horseshoe fell on the hood, or something.

That dent is a trademark of the original Miata. That's why it is there.

[Manik]

I like the body styling more than last years thats for sure. I just can't determine if I like it, I would have to see it in real life, but it looks pretty cool in the pictures.

[TDI15]

Wow lovely

[whiteballz]

nice car.

[Timothy (in VA)]

(from Mazda Press Release) After turning the automotive world upside down in 1989 with the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mazda has re-established the benchmark for affordable sports-car excellence with the all-new 2006 Mazda MX-5. While the MX-5 will make its North American debut here in New York, a very limited run of MX-5 3rd Generation Limited models with special equipment will make their global debut here as well. Once again, Mazda has succeeded in injecting a sense of fun into the roadster segment with the same driver-vehicle oneness that made the first and second generation MX-5 a resounding success.

Jinba Ittai, a Japanese phrase that translates to "the rider and horse as one," has been the focus of the MX-5 Miata concept since its inception, and is the purest essence of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom spirit. Oneness is the cornerstone of the Jinba Ittai driving experience and occurs when the boundaries between driver and vehicle melt away and create one single being. Essentially, Jinba Ittai is a celebration of the simple delights of driving a lightweight, nimble, open-air roadster, and anyone who has driven a Miata knows the feeling.

"We improved the all-new MX-5 to meet the needs of modern motorists while maintaining the passionate spirit of the original, best envisioned in the expression ‘Jinba Ittai’," said Kory Koreeda, vice president, product development for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "As the range-topper, the MX-5 3rd Generation Limited’s eye-catching color and unique features will surely turn heads and bring pure driving excitement to all who sit behind the wheel."

Only 3,500 3rd Generation Limited cars will be available globally – each delineated by a numbered plate on the transmission tunnel – ensuring they’ll be in short supply and moving fast off of dealers’ lots.

The exclusive color for the MX-5 3rd Generation Limited is Velocity Red Mica. Front and rear bumpers feature the same distinctive red color, while the front bumper grille, A-pillar, outer door handle, head lamp bezel and foglamp cover all boast unique, silver trim. In addition, and to make the car stand out from a distance, the windshield frame is clad in silver trim. Between the Velocity Red Mica paint, dynamic 17-inch alloy wheels with exclusive silver finish and the exterior trim changes, onlookers and owners alike will recognize it as a truly exceptional – and collectable – vehicle.

Inside, the MX-5 3rd Generation Limited includes a Sirius® satellite radio-compatible seven-speaker BOSE® AM/FM/CD stereo, stainless steel scuff plates and a numbered badge. In addition, exclusive red leather seats nicely match the exterior of the car and offer excellent support and an ideal driving position. Black leather seats are optional.

Mazda’s success in creating a dynamic two-seat roadster is evident from the large number of Miatas sold since its introduction – more than 700,000 – and the more than 100 consumer and industry awards won, including 11 prestigious Automobile magazine "All Star" awards. More than 320,000 Miatas have been sold in the United States alone, and there are still in excess of 270,000 on the road – true testament to the car’s "cult" following.

Another measure of the MX-5’s success is its rampant popularity in motorsports. On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas speeding around the racetracks of North America in club racing and autocross competitions than any other brand of vehicle, many of them Miatas. In 2004, the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) fastest-growing regional racing class was the Spec Miata class. Racers piloting Miatas have won SCCA Showroom Stock races all over the country, including the SSB and SSC National Championships at the prestigious SCCA Runoffs. Sharing the same DNA as previous MX-5 generations, the 2006 MX-5 3rd Generation Limited is destined to exceed the high level of street and track performance expected of a vehicle bearing the MX-5 badge.

Although the 2006 MX-5 has grown in size relative to the previous generation MX-5, the exterior design and shape remain true to the lively roadster concept born by Mazda in 1989, while benefiting from modern style updates. The nose and tail are tapered as before, but on the new MX-5, the surfaces wrap smoothly between the wheels without narrowing, providing a wider cockpit with additional hip, shoulder and elbow room. The low, flowing shoulder line is complemented by body panels that smoothly wrap around the nose and tail.

The heart of the 2006 MX-5 is a highly-responsive MZR-series 2.0-liter, 170-horsepower (at 6700 rpm) powerplant, newly developed from the unit used in both MAZDA3 and MAZDA6. This is a light and compact engine, featuring chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing, electronically controlled port fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition. The block, head and oil pan are cast aluminum, while cast iron liners provide a durable bore surface.

Revving smoothly to its 7000 rpm redline, the 2.0-liter powerplant delivers 140 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm for driving exhilaration throughout the rev range. More importantly, the torque curve is wide and flat, making this the most responsive MX-5 Miata yet. A complete redesign of the intake and exhaust tracts resulted in a 57-percent reduction in intake restriction and 40-percent reduction of exhaust pressure.

Throughout the development process, work focused on what Mazda engineers called "response" and "expansion feel." A lighter flywheel, a quick response, an electric throttle and a stiff drive shaft all helped realize the responsive direct feel of the new Mazda MX-5.

In tuning the Mazda MX-5’s engine sound, a smooth, harmonic note was realized that increases with throttle opening. Above 5000 rpm, this becomes powerfully resonant, consistent with a spirited charge for the redline.

Throughout its storied history, the MX-5 Miata has been lauded for its positive shift action and short throws. Shifting gears in an MX-5 evokes the inherent oneness of the vehicle’s Zoom-Zoom driving experience. The all-new MX-5 benefits from three transmission choices: five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed Sport AT automatic. The all-new six-speed manual transmission boasts ultra-short throws, reminding the driver that Miata is the benchmark for manual transmission feel and performance. Triple-cone synchronizers for the first four gears reduce shift effort, while low-friction bushings and a guide plate for lever motion ensure repeatable shifting precision.

The single most important element in creating oneness between car and driver is the chassis. The first and second generation MX-5 set a benchmark for chassis performance in the automotive industry, and true to form, so has the third generation MX-5. The spectacular new MX-5 chassis is at once responsive, precise and nimble.

Two key words for the feeling Mazda’s engineering team pursued were precise and nimble. The goal was for a natural, lively feeling instead of the cold efficiency of some well-oiled machines. While solid stability is essential for safe driving, the ideal for the new Mazda MX-5 was to develop a chassis that is keen to alter speed or direction as swiftly as the driver changes his mind.

Every aspect of driver control had to be coordinated with steering, suspension, brakes, engine, and transmission responses. How the driver’s seat was configured, the distance to the steering wheel and shifter, the feeling of the brake pedal, the ability to heel and toe, all played a significant role in achieving the Jinba Ittai driving experience. The original Miata was quantified and higher targets of opportunity in all aspects were identified.

A lightweight, stiff unibody serves as the chassis’s foundation and provides the rigidity needed to deliver the performance synonymous with Mazda. The all-new MX-5 unibody boasts a 22 percent increase in flexural stiffness and a 47 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the previous generation MX-5 for a more direct, connected driving experience.