Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 is a Japanese two door convertible roadster known as the Mazda Miata in North America and the Eunos Roadster in Japan. Lightweight, good balance, and a FR layout make the MX-5 an ideal car for autocross and drifting. Currently there are three generations of the MX-5: NA (1989–1997), NB (1998–2005), and NC (2006-Present).
The first NA generation Mazda MX-5, also referred to as M1, started off with a 120 horsepower (90kW) 1.6-liter straight 4 cylinder B6P engine from 1989-1993 and was upgraded to a 130 horsepower (97kW) 1.8-liter BP engine from 1994-1997. Perhaps the easiest way to identify a NA model is by its pop-up headlights.
The body of the NA is steel with an aluminium hood. Independent double wishbone suspension at all four corners and sway bars at the front and rear stiffen the ride while cornering and four wheel-disc brakes bring the MX-5 to a stop.
In 1993, 1500 Limited Edition (LE) MX-5s were built featuring a red leather interior, upgraded stereo, Nardi shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, limited slip differential, power windows, power mirrors, power steering, air conditioning, BBS 8.5 lb wheels, Bilstein shocks, front and rear spoilers, ABS brakes, stainless sill plates, and all limited edition cars came in black paint.
1994 introduced the more powerful 1.8-liter engine, dual airbags and a geared, torque-sensing limited slip differential. In order to meet new side-impact safety standards, the chassis was substantially reinforced by adding a “track bar” between the seatbelt towers inside the car and by strengthening the front and rear subframes. 1994 was the only year Mazda offered a metallic “Laguna Blue Mica” paint.
1994 also saw the introduction of the sportier R (Racing) package that removed all unnecessary parts like power windows to lighten the car and featured Bilstein shocks and subtle underbody spoilers to increase down force. Even though no body style changes were made to this model, sometimes it’s called the NA Generation 1.5 or even M1.5.
The 1996 model gained 4 horsepower but the extra power is nullified by an increase in weight. Some markets like Japan and Europe continued to offer the 1.6 engine as a lower cost option, but it was detuned to 88 horsepower (66 kW).
There are various trim levels and special editions available in the NA generation MX-5. In the UK a special edition was created to celebrate Mazda’s 24 hours of Le Mans win. The special edition MX-5 features the paint scheme from the winning Mazda 787B race car and comes equipped with a BBR (Brodie Brittain Racing) turbo kit. This is one of the most sought after MX-5s for collectors.
The second NB generation Mazda MX-5 was introduced in 1998 and was the first MX-5 to feature fixed headlights. Other modifications include a slight increase in horsepower, a slightly wider wheelbase, a glass rear window, larger sway bars front and rear, and improved wheel, tire, and brake options.
The engine remained 1.8 liters, but an increased compression ratio, a solid lifter design with stronger cam, straightened intake runners in the head, and mounting the intake manifold higher increased horsepower to 140 (105 kW) and 119 ft lbs (161 Nm) of torque. The 1.6-liter engine continued as an option in Europe and Japan.
In 1999, Mazda released a limited edition 10th Anniversary MX-5 featuring a six-speed transmission and Bilstein shocks. Acceleration slightly improved, but top speed was lower than the standard 1.8 NB.
The 2001 MX-5 featured minor exterior changes, a new instrument panel with white face and red numbers, upgraded seats, and a stiffer chassis. The top model MX-5 featured 16-inch wheels, low-profile tires, and larger brakes front and rear. Small modifications to the 1.8 BP-Z3 engine and minor improvements to the intake and exhaust system boosts power to 155 horsepower (117 kW) for Japanese and Australian models.
In North America and Europe a controversy arose when Mazda quoted the power output for the JDM model (155 hp) instead of the local market model (146 hp/110kW). Mazda offered to buy back the cars due to the misleading power claims. Owners who did not participate in the buy back were offered an apology and free servicing for the warranty period.
In 2002, a small number of turbocharged MX-5s were developed and sold in Australia. The turbocharged MX-5 was known as the MX-5 SP and produced 210 horsepower (157 kW). Only 100 of these cars were built.
As an effort to target younger drivers in 2003, Mazda introduced the Shinsen Version, “Shinsen” meaning “Fresh and New” in Japanese. The MX-5 Miata SV features cruise control and aluminum trim like the more expensive LS model.
2004 was the first year for a production turbocharged MX-5. Known as the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata in the States, and the Roadster Turbo in Japan, it features an IHI turbocharger producing 178 horsepower (133 kW), front-mounted intercooler, tuned suspension, upgraded transmission and clutch assemblies, upgraded drivetrain components, Racing Hart 17-inch alloy wheels, and special interior trim. The 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 was available in Velocity Red Mica and Titanium Gray Metallic while the 2005 model was available in Lava Orange Mica and Black Mica. In Japan, 350 convertible hardtop Roadster Coupés were built.
The third NC generation MX-5 introduced in 2005 continued with the fixed headlamps and is recognizable by the fender bulges over the wheel wells. The NC offers a wider range of options for customization than the earlier MX-5 generations. To promote the launch of the NC model, 3500 “3rd Generation Limited” edition MX-5s with added chrome trim and special wheels were built and delivered in advance of standard models.
In Europe there are two engine options. The same 2.0 MZR engine, but rated at 160 horsepower (118 kW) and 138 ft lbs (188 Nm) of torque with the 6-speed manual transmission; and the new 1.8 MZR engine rated at 126 hp (93 kW) and 123 ft lbs (167 Nm) of torque with the 5-speed manual transmission.
Suspension has changed from independent double wishbone suspension at all four corners to a front wishbone/rear multilink setup. Traction and stability control electronics were added to increase handling capabilities.
Mazda unveiled a folding hard top variant of the NC in 2006, named the “MX-5 Roadster Coupe” in Europe, “Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top” in Japan, and “MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hard Top” in North America. The hard top option added 79 lbs (36 kg) of weight compared to the soft top.
In 2008, Mazda produced 750 Special Edition MX-5s exclusively for the US in Icy Blue paint, Saddle Brown folding top, matching leather interior, silver accented shift knob, dark-silver finished instrument panel with chrome accents, special 17-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel MX-5 scuff plate, and chrome front headlight bezel, grill and fog lamp surround.
When it comes to sporty coupes nothing beats Miata!
I love my mazdaspeed miata mx-5, i went from a z-26 beretta to this and wow, I AM SOLD