The
second generation Miata was introduced in 1998
with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed
headlights and the glass rear window. The third generation was introduced
in 2005 with a 2.0 L engine.
The MX-5 was conceived as an small roadster – with
light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety
requirements; technologically modern, but a philosophically direct descendant of
the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire,
Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget and Lotus Elan.
The MX-5 was designed with a traditional
front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and four-wheel independent double wishbone
suspension. It has a longitudinally-mounted four cylinder engine coupled to a
manual transmission; an automatic
transmission is a cost option.
The body is a conventional, but light, unibody or
monocoque construction, with a (detachable) rear sub frame. The MX-5 also
incorporates a truss marketed as the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the
engine to the differential, minimizing flex and contributing to responsive
handling. Some MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and anti-lock braking
system. Traction control is an option available on NC models. The earlier cars
weighed in at just over a ton, with engine power output usually 116 bhp (87 kW).
The later cars were heavier, with higher power engines.
With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight
balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. Inducing oversteer 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.
Beginning with the third generation, Mazda
consolidated worldwide marketing using the MX-5 name, though enthusiasts in the
USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means "reward" in Old High German.
Find Used Mazda Miata in Pennsylvania
The MX-5 has won over 150 awards in its history, including making Car and
Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times; Wheels Magazine 's Car of
the Year for 1989 and 2005; Sports Car International's "best sports car of the
1990s" and "ten best sports cars of all time"; 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan;
and 2005 Australian Car of the Year.
MX-5 Superlight is a concept car commemorating the
20th anniversary of MX-5, designed at Mazda's studio in Frankfurt, Germany. It
is made of lightweight materials to improve performance, handling, fuel economy,
and CO2 emissions. The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The vehicle included a MZR 1.8-litre petrol engine
rated 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp) at 6500 rpm and 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) at 4500 rpm,
5-speed manual transmission, Double wishbone front and Multi-link rear
suspension, Bilstein monotube damper, 205/45R17 tires, 300 mm (11.8 in)
ventilated front brake discs and 280 mm (11.0 in) solid rear brake discs. Sadly,
the "Superlight" weighs in at 2,200 lb (1,000 kg), making it 100 lb (45 kg).
heavier than the original NA series Miata. Find more information about Used
Mazda Miatas on
KBB.com