2010 Featured Marque - Mazda Miata
The MX-5 Mazda Miata
'Award-winning,' 'segment-saving,' 'world's best' — are just a few phrases used over the years to describe
the Mazda MX-5. Since its inception in 1989, MX-5 has received more than 150 awards, including being named
Car and Driver '10 Best' seven times. MX-5's success is due to its simple concept, minimal necessary
weight and mechanical complexity, affordability and fun-to-drive characteristics. With more than 800,000
units sold, MX-5 continues to set sales records, making it the world's best-selling two-seat roadster, and
cementing Mazda's place in the annals of sports car manufacturers.
Rumored to be designed after the Lotus Elan, the Mazda Miata is the world's best selling sports car. The
history of the Miata is one of interest and success. Unveiled in 1989 as the 'Eunos Roadser', prior to the
name change to the Miata, it was a designed collaboration between the USA and England. Created to be
a basic roadster without unnecessary weight, it was an instant success.
Jinba ittai
The design credo Mazda has used across the three generations of the MX5's development was the
Japanese phrase Jinba ittai which translates loosely into English as "rider” (jin) “horse” (ba) “as one”
(ittai). It is an ancient Samurai philosophy citing that the rider and horse must be as one in order for the
warrior to effectively deploy his weapons in battle. Hence the razor-precise steering of the Miata that
makes the car feel as an extension of the driver.
Simplicity and Balance
The shell of the Miata is all steel with an aluminum bonnet. Originally weighing in at over 2,380 pounds,
the Miata confirmed its small roadster appeal. The trusswork is uniquely called the 'Powerplant Frame',
which connects the engine to the differential, creating a more firm and responsive feel. It's quick and
responsive handling is helped due to independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an
anti-roll bar at the front. Optional paddle shifting was available with the six speed automatic versions of
the Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models. With power to the rear wheels, drivers thirst for corners
even if they're beginners.
With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. Inducing overseer is easy and very controllable, thus making the MX-5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing, including, in the USA, the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross and Spec Miata race series.
Three Generations
The MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989, with a price tag of US$13,800
(US$24,100 in 2008 adjusted for inflation). In 1998, Mazda released the second-generation MX-5 for the
1999 model year. The roadster featured a more powerful engine and external styling cues borrowed from
the third generation Mazda RX-7 model. Production of the third-generation MX-5 began May 17, 2005.
Mazdaspeed
In 2004 and 2005, Mazda unveiled a limited production MX-5 Mazdaspeed version designed by its racing
division in Hiroshima, Japan. This racing version featured more than 1000 modifications to the design of
the basic factory car, including dramatically increase horsepower thanks to a factory turbo, performance
transmission and clutch components, upgraded drivetrain components, and racing suspension, among
others. Only 5,423 of these cars were produced worldwide – 4000 in 2004 and 1, 423 in 2005.
Special Editions: Touring Edition, M edition, Club Spec, Anniversary Edition, MX-5 Mazdaspeed