Driving Sports

The Mazda MX-5 (better known as the Miata) is one of the most influential sports cars of all time. Partially because it's by far the best selling roadster, with over 800,000 sold since its 1989 introduction, and partially because it's just so damn good.

Now, before your run down to your local Mazda dealer, keep in mind that this info is for the Japanese Domestic Market (where the MX-5 is known simply as the Mazda Roadster), not necessary for North America. It's pretty common for Japanese makers to introduce refreshes to their local markets before shipping the changes overseas. Keeping that in mind, many or all of these changes may appear on the USDM model later in 2009. However, if you live in Japan, this newly revised Roadster will be available starting December 2008.

If you were sitting on the fence, waiting for an all-new model, you'll have to wait a bit longer. This next model will only receive a refresh; otherwise known as some nips and tucks. Of course even a modest refresh can yield significant improvements in both curb appeal and performance, as we witnessed in the RX-8 R3, launched earlier this year.

Talking a look at the pictures below, you'll notice the new Roadster looks almost identical to the outgoing model, but with sharper lines, giving it a more aggressive stance and a  stronger resemblance to the rest of the Mazda family. In Japan at least, models equipped with the 6-speed manual will now wind all the way to 7,500 rpm - a very welcome improvement, if that motor makes it to the States. The already decent suspension setup has also been tweaked to provide tighter handling and improved turn-in. I can't say that the old springs were bad, but anything that improves handling is welcome.

Sunflower Yellow is making a reappearance in the Japanese market for the first time in many years. The North American equivalent, Competition Yellow, has yet to be confirmed for this revised model. Other than that it seems the best-selling roadster has received plenty of minor improvements that may add up to significant gains. We'll now hold our collective breath to see if any or all of these changes make it down the pike for the US market, whose lineup should be known by February 2009.

More info after the Gallery.

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Driving performance
By reviewing and evolving the basic aspects of the vehicle’s dynamics, such as acceleration, cornering, and braking, Mazda further enhanced the “Jinba Ittai” (“rider and horse as one”) feel that the Roadster has become famous for since the original version was introduced.

Powertrains
-    The 2.0-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) engine features a newly forged crankshaft for extra strength. Additionally, new full floating piston pins and revised valve springs raise the engine’s overall operational precision. Maximum output is now generated at 7,000 rpm, up from 6,700 rpm, and the rev limit has been increased from 7,000 to 7,500 rpm. These changes result in a stretched power band at higher engine speeds (for manual transmission models).
-    The highly rigid forged crankshaft, together with a stiffer plastic surge tank, contributes to improved quietness when cruising. At the same time, these changes bring out a clearer sound when driving at medium to high speeds. Six-speed manual transmission models also feature a newly developed Induction Sound Enhancer. This amplifies the throbbing noise generated as air is sucked into the engine and reverberates it around the cabin for an even better driving experience.
-    The updated six-speed manual transmission provides an even smoother shift feel thanks to the carbon-coated meshing surfaces on the first to fourth triple-cone synchronizers and a larger diameter third to fourth synchronizer.
-    The electrically-controlled six-speed automatic (Activematic) transmission now has a “Direct mode” and Active Adoptive Shift (AAS) which enhance the sporty driving experience and provide better response to driver inputs.

Body and chassis
-    By lowering the front roll center height by 26 mm, the added vertical load on the outer wheels when cornering is minimized. This results in a more natural amount of body roll when cornering and more linear response to steering inputs. With added improvements to the suspension, the updated Roadster offers improved “Jinba Ittai” handling balanced with a higher quality ride.
-    The protruding design of the front bumper corners and the rear combination lights, together with wider front under-floor tire deflectors, contribute to improved aerodynamics.

Quietness
The door modules are made from a stiffer new material and feature a reinforcement rib for extra rigidity. Together with a stronger number two crossmember, these changes make sound insulation better than ever. For RHT models, road noise is further reduced due to the addition of urethane foam filling in the front suspension crossmember and extra sound insulation in the roof.

Environmental and safety features
Mazda evolved the eco-friendly and safety features of the Mazda Roadster to increase its fun-to-drive qualities.
-    All models qualify as Super-Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SU-LEV) by achieving exhaust emissions that are at least 75% lower than the levels required by the Japanese government’s 2005 exhaust emissions standard.
-    A display on the instrument panel shows the average fuel consumption and ambient temperature.
-    The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system supports linear and confident driving by helping to prevent loss of control when cornering (standard equipment on the RS, RS RHT, and VS RHT grades).
-    The Roadster offers excellent collision safety performance thanks to a version of Mazda’s highly rigid Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System that has been specially adapted for an open-top car. Other safety equipment to mitigate potential injuries to occupants and pedestrians includes an airbag system and a bonnet with Mazda’s shock cone structure.