PDA

View Full Version : New MX-5 and Mazda's Identity Crisis



Tarmac02
01-02-2006, 11:16 AM
It seems Mazda has updated the look of the Miata. The car now wears only an MX-5 moniker on it's rear, and every advertisement of the car shows a man driving it. The new look is refreshing and a bit more masculine. The car looks like a miniature, convertible RX-8. It's obvious that the effort is being put forth by those at Mazda USA to cut back on the "chick car" stigma the car arries, when real car guys know that the car can be a very formitable autocrosser.

So with all this effort, why not just ditch the Miata name? Every car mag review dubs the car as simply the MX-5. It doesn't wear a Miata badge,... but why does Mazda advertise it on the web and in brochures as the MX-5 Miata?

Only car geeks would ask this question. Your average consumer doesn't really care about the name. Car geeks don't care about the stigma. Up on power and displacement, still down at 2500 lbs, it would seem we have the best Miata yet. Not necessarily so.

The new MX-5 lacks in adjustability in it's stock suspension, giving it less than optimal camber settings (max .5- in the front results in a harsh caster), putting it behind the class standard previous generation Miata. Bigger brakes, better weight distribution, and lower center of gravity attempt to make up for it. Despite Mazdas "every ounce counts" philosophy of designing the new car, designers still demanded dual exhaust and 17in wheels.

What it all comes down to is that the new Mazda Roadster is a more attractive, more powerful, and more commuter friendly car than it's older sibling. A more adjustable suspension is all the car needs to outshine the previous model on an autocross course. Hopefully this new model becomes more aftermarket friendly as well.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/gallery/MX5/pho_gallery_MX5_ext6.jpg

DTunedEvoX
01-02-2006, 11:27 AM
The Mazdaspeed Version with the Turbo should be a BLAST to drive in the canyons ..

Tarmac02
01-02-2006, 11:48 AM
I've actually driven one of these and an 05 MS Miata back to back,..

The power delivery on the new MX-5 is amazing in comparison. The Mazdaspeed had some boost management issues which makes it a little iffy,.. but the boost is beautiful. No surging on the new one make sit more predictable. Once Jackson Racing releases a CARB approved supercharger for the 06 it should be a blast to drive.

Miatas were always fun to drive, I just couldn't stand the way they looked.

DTunedEvoX
01-02-2006, 12:08 PM
I agree ... to gh3y ... :D

GOOSE_Ej
01-03-2006, 11:20 AM
isnt this a ghey car only ghey guys drive?

DTunedEvoX
01-03-2006, 11:25 AM
isnt this a ghey car only ghey guys drive?


Maybe if you were cruising around in west hollywood or pch bumping techno wearing a pink shirt ..

Some of the top AUTO-X's drive Miatas :-o

Tarmac02
01-03-2006, 11:54 AM
Yeah it's pretty flippin crazy when you see Evos, STis, and many other more expensive rides getting destroyed by little lightweight Miatas and EG Civics at an Auto-X.

Terry S
01-03-2006, 01:25 PM
Yeah it's pretty flippin crazy when you see Evos, STis, and many other more expensive rides getting destroyed by little lightweight Miatas and EG Civics at an Auto-X.


Power to Weight baby!

Oh yea, those new mazdaspeeds look like fun, but that intercooler looks like a perforated cigarette box...

Terry S