Mazda: MX-5 News
12-30-2003, 05:30 PM
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Mazda: MX-5 News
This is the hottest version ever made of the world?s biggest-selling roadster. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazdaspeed Miata pumps out 178 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, 25 and 33 percent more respectively than the normally aspirated Miata. Chief engineer Takao Kijima says the new Miata is more like a low-pressure turbo in which a higher priority has been placed on beefing up low- to midrange torque than ultimate horsepower. Peak torque is now on tap at 4500 rpm, compared with the normal engine?s 5000-rpm peak. The horsepower peak is down from 7000 to 6000 rpm versus the stock unit.
Due to go on sale in limited numbers early this year for around $27,000, the Mazdaspeed Miata also has reinforced drivetrain components, a Bosch torque-sensing limited-slip differential, a stiffer suspension, 17-inch Racing Hart aluminum alloy wheels, Toyo Proxes R28 205/40R17 80W high-performance tires, a six-speed manual, and a revamped interior. Velocity Red Mica and Titanium Gray Metallic will be the only exterior colors.
Source: Car and Driver Mag.
12-30-2003, 05:31 PM
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Lotus Elise
We seem to have been promising a fully certified, street-legal Lotus Elise for years. That?s because Lotus for years has been saying it?s coming to the U.S.—since 1997, in fact. Well, now at last it is ready, shown in production form at L.A. The first federalized Elises should arrive in May. The good news is that it is a better car than the spartan original. It has 60 percent more power but is only 14 percent heavier than the existing European model. It has the airbags, the anti-lock brakes, and the air-conditioning that the car has lacked until now. Perhaps not so good is its sticker of $39,000, but it?s a fair price for the nearest thing to a modern race car you can drive on the road. You sit on a thinly padded seat in an aluminum tub (the Elise chassis is made from aluminum extrusions bonded together).
There is hardly enough room for two, so the driver?s seat is adjustable but the passenger?s is fixed—and the cockpit space on the right-hand side is just two-thirds of that provided for the driver. Toyota?s 1.8-liter VVTL-i engine from the Celica GT-S and its accompanying C64 six-speed gearbox power the Elise. Although the internals of the engine are standard Toyota, Lotus fits different intake and exhaust systems and, significantly, has devised its own engine control electronics. The result is 190 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 6800 rpm. Lotus claims the Elise will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and run to 141 mph. Installation of the Toyota engine required a new subframe and modifications to the rear of the aluminum chassis. The suspension—double control arms front and rear—needed only minor changes in spring and damping rates to cope with 154 additional pounds of weight. U.S.-bound Elises will use a unique Yokohama tire.
Source: Car and Driver Mag
We seem to have been promising a fully certified, street-legal Lotus Elise for years. That?s because Lotus for years has been saying it?s coming to the U.S.—since 1997, in fact. Well, now at last it is ready, shown in production form at L.A. The first federalized Elises should arrive in May. The good news is that it is a better car than the spartan original. It has 60 percent more power but is only 14 percent heavier than the existing European model. It has the airbags, the anti-lock brakes, and the air-conditioning that the car has lacked until now. Perhaps not so good is its sticker of $39,000, but it?s a fair price for the nearest thing to a modern race car you can drive on the road. You sit on a thinly padded seat in an aluminum tub (the Elise chassis is made from aluminum extrusions bonded together).
There is hardly enough room for two, so the driver?s seat is adjustable but the passenger?s is fixed—and the cockpit space on the right-hand side is just two-thirds of that provided for the driver. Toyota?s 1.8-liter VVTL-i engine from the Celica GT-S and its accompanying C64 six-speed gearbox power the Elise. Although the internals of the engine are standard Toyota, Lotus fits different intake and exhaust systems and, significantly, has devised its own engine control electronics. The result is 190 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 6800 rpm. Lotus claims the Elise will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and run to 141 mph. Installation of the Toyota engine required a new subframe and modifications to the rear of the aluminum chassis. The suspension—double control arms front and rear—needed only minor changes in spring and damping rates to cope with 154 additional pounds of weight. U.S.-bound Elises will use a unique Yokohama tire.
Source: Car and Driver Mag
03-14-2004, 07:21 PM
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Mazda: MX-5 news **2014 Revealed (page 8)**
Countdown For MX-5 - - -Source: Autoexpress
Bosses at Mazda said the firm's eagerly awaited next-generation MX-5 will debut at the 2005 Geneva show. But anyone expecting something as radical as the Ibuki concept, which debuted at 2003's Tokyo expo, will be disappointed. Insiders described the car as more evolution than revolution.
03-23-2004, 09:15 PM
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Shock metal roof for MX-5 - - Source: Autocar
Mazda has a huge surprise up its sleeve with the next MX-5: it will split into two models next time, with a classic soft-top roadster due in autumn 2005, while a folding metal coupé-cabriolet will arrive a few months later.
The Japanese firm is developing the metal roof in-house, instead of taking the supplier route picked by GM, Peugeot, Renault and Mercedes, who rely on the likes of Karmann and Heuliez to devise and build their folding roof systems.
Having two roof designs should attract those currently turned off by the security and refinement sacrifices of a cloth top, without alienating the cult following built up by the current car over the past 15 years.
A senior Mazda source told Autocar that the MX-5’s rear end has been redesigned to accommodate the shape of a folding metal roof. Inevitably, boot space will suffer.
Although fundamentally a 15-year-old design, the MX-5 was last year crowned best driver’s car by Autocar, and the new model will be based on the RX-8 platform with more electronic driver aids. ‘The engineers know that if it doesn’t handle better than the current car then we have failed,’ said an insider.
The engine line-up will mirror the current car’s, although Mazda promises to go beyond today’s 146bhp 1.8. Bigger engines could take it into BMW Z4 territory.
The MX-5 is so recognisable that Mazda won’t introduce the family nose and styling cues; instead it will become a more muscular take on the classic roadster shape. ‘The Mazda 2, 3 and 6 are a deliberate attempt to give Mazda an identity, the MX-5 has its own identity,’ said Mazda design boss Moray Callum.
The Ibuki concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show doesn’t give many clues towards the new car’s styling. ‘The Ibuki was a car that suited the Tokyo show,’ said Callum. ‘It’s not the MX-5.’
However, that concept’s interior reflects the production car’s. The dividing line styling cue down the centre of the cockpit is carried over from the RX-8 and the drab black plastics of the current car are dumped.
Stephen Odell, Mazda’s head of sales and marketing, revealed that the MX-5’s design has already been signed off and the production car will appear at next February’s Geneva show. UK sales follow in October 2005.
Mazda’s design boss Moray Callum has also confirmed the possibility of another, larger convertible based on the RX-8’s platform. The car is likely to be a drop-top version of the RX-7 sports car, due to arrive in two years’ time. The RX-8’s ‘Freestyle’ suicide doors and lack of a B-pillar mean that there is already enough torsional rigidity in the car to chop the top off without the need for further strengthening.
The Japanese firm is developing the metal roof in-house, instead of taking the supplier route picked by GM, Peugeot, Renault and Mercedes, who rely on the likes of Karmann and Heuliez to devise and build their folding roof systems.
Having two roof designs should attract those currently turned off by the security and refinement sacrifices of a cloth top, without alienating the cult following built up by the current car over the past 15 years.
A senior Mazda source told Autocar that the MX-5’s rear end has been redesigned to accommodate the shape of a folding metal roof. Inevitably, boot space will suffer.
Although fundamentally a 15-year-old design, the MX-5 was last year crowned best driver’s car by Autocar, and the new model will be based on the RX-8 platform with more electronic driver aids. ‘The engineers know that if it doesn’t handle better than the current car then we have failed,’ said an insider.
The engine line-up will mirror the current car’s, although Mazda promises to go beyond today’s 146bhp 1.8. Bigger engines could take it into BMW Z4 territory.
The MX-5 is so recognisable that Mazda won’t introduce the family nose and styling cues; instead it will become a more muscular take on the classic roadster shape. ‘The Mazda 2, 3 and 6 are a deliberate attempt to give Mazda an identity, the MX-5 has its own identity,’ said Mazda design boss Moray Callum.
The Ibuki concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show doesn’t give many clues towards the new car’s styling. ‘The Ibuki was a car that suited the Tokyo show,’ said Callum. ‘It’s not the MX-5.’
However, that concept’s interior reflects the production car’s. The dividing line styling cue down the centre of the cockpit is carried over from the RX-8 and the drab black plastics of the current car are dumped.
Stephen Odell, Mazda’s head of sales and marketing, revealed that the MX-5’s design has already been signed off and the production car will appear at next February’s Geneva show. UK sales follow in October 2005.
Mazda’s design boss Moray Callum has also confirmed the possibility of another, larger convertible based on the RX-8’s platform. The car is likely to be a drop-top version of the RX-7 sports car, due to arrive in two years’ time. The RX-8’s ‘Freestyle’ suicide doors and lack of a B-pillar mean that there is already enough torsional rigidity in the car to chop the top off without the need for further strengthening.
05-21-2004, 02:59 PM
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From the front, you could be fooled into thinking that this first glimpse is of a Mazda RX-8 coupe, not the next MX-5 roadster. It's got an RX-8 nosejob, after all. But this cobbled-together test mule is, we're told, the platform on which the next MX-5 will ride. The styling of the finished product is likely to follow on from that of the distinctive Ibuki concept that made its debut last year, though. That design study was clean and simple, reminiscent of the original MX-5, with a wide and stable stance, stubby front and rear overhangs, and the classy use of oval shapes throughout.
The next generation of one of the world's best-selling roadsters is due in late 2005 or early 2006, so we've got a long time to wait. Despite its age (the original came out fifteen years ago), the MX-5, or Miata as it's know Stateside, is still one of the best-handling, finely balanced sports cars around. It's all in the simplicity of the approach. But with high-tech electronic brake/steer/throttle-by-wire systems being introduced to more and more sports-leaning cars, we're interested to see where Mazda goes with the next MX-5.
The next generation of one of the world's best-selling roadsters is due in late 2005 or early 2006, so we've got a long time to wait. Despite its age (the original came out fifteen years ago), the MX-5, or Miata as it's know Stateside, is still one of the best-handling, finely balanced sports cars around. It's all in the simplicity of the approach. But with high-tech electronic brake/steer/throttle-by-wire systems being introduced to more and more sports-leaning cars, we're interested to see where Mazda goes with the next MX-5.
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05-23-2004, 01:22 PM
#9
The Creator
i wouldnt comment on the rear or anythign yet.
that car looks heavily camo'd.
i wouldnt be surprised if their using old body parts to hide it.
it might just have the new nose exposed to test aerodynamics or radiotor cooling or whatever.
that car looks heavily camo'd.
i wouldnt be surprised if their using old body parts to hide it.
it might just have the new nose exposed to test aerodynamics or radiotor cooling or whatever.
05-23-2004, 05:58 PM
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Mazda has been doing some good shit recently, so lets give em the benefit of the doubt for now and reserve judgement until we see a less camouflaged pic.
05-24-2004, 11:59 AM
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Mazdaspeed miata has some balls....
Anyway, this is definitly a camo version with just old parts put on the back so it dosnt look to different, it will not look that much like the current one.
Anyway, this is definitly a camo version with just old parts put on the back so it dosnt look to different, it will not look that much like the current one.
05-24-2004, 12:01 PM
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Originally posted by Black CL-S 4-Life
I would become a fan of the Miata if Mazda ever decided to give it some balls.
I would become a fan of the Miata if Mazda ever decided to give it some balls.
05-26-2004, 12:19 AM
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I shoot people
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm that front kinda looks like a.... S2000?
05-26-2004, 10:01 AM
#26
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the car is a pos
05-26-2004, 12:11 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by HQuakers
Mid-life crisis men drive those..they think they are cool when they drive their pos, tiny-ass miata convertible.
05-26-2004, 12:44 PM
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Being a former Miata owner...yes I owned one back in 1993 and I'm not 28 yet so I don't classify as a mid life crisis guy. I've got to say the car is fun as hell to drive. It's peppy and quick due to it's weight...of course the TL is faster no question. I hate to say it but get that car in the twisties and it will hand the TL it's ass hands down. Unless you've ever driven one you don't know what it's capable of cornering. Believe me I put that car through it's paces when I was 18 (the car was new with no mods). Now as for that spy model...it is UGLY as hell.
05-27-2004, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by SlyTLS
Being a former Miata owner...yes I owned one back in 1993 and I'm not 28 yet so I don't classify as a mid life crisis guy. I've got to say the car is fun as hell to drive. It's peppy and quick due to it's weight...of course the TL is faster no question. I hate to say it but get that car in the twisties and it will hand the TL it's ass hands down. Unless you've ever driven one you don't know what it's capable of cornering. Believe me I put that car through it's paces when I was 18 (the car was new with no mods). Now as for that spy model...it is UGLY as hell.
I agree. A little underpowered but there's a Mazdaspeed Turbocharged Miata coming out that should make it more respectable. It's one of the best handling car I've ever driven and I've driven alot of cars. Very nimble with great tossability. The Miata will hand the TL it's ass in the twisties.
05-27-2004, 02:56 PM
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The Miata and S2000 are the few purists cars out there. If you don't like them, you don't appreciate a true roadster. Both of those cars will hand your ass to you in the twisties as mentioned. Think of the S2000 as the $33,000 dollar Miata on steroids. I'd love to have a Miata but i can't sit in one with the top up, so its an S2000 for me. 
05-27-2004, 09:13 PM
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It's a test mule, you can't expect it to actually look any good..Say what you want about the Miata, it might not be too powerful, but it's one hell of a fun car to drive. Excellent for solo 2 autocrossing too! I miss my '99..
Always kept it EXTRA clean..That's the reflection off the hood
Ed
Always kept it EXTRA clean..That's the reflection off the hood
Ed
05-27-2004, 09:45 PM
#39
Suzuka Master
Just another case of people following the crowd. One person think the car is a pos therefore everyone else must too. A roadster that has a nice interior, handles better than just about anything on the road today or in the past, and not too expensive. What exactly makes it a POS? The fact that it doesn't do the 1/4 in 12 seconds? It's built to be fun, and it IS fun.
Ed, fix your damn links
Ed, fix your damn links
