In addition to the corporate grin, the face-lifted MX-5 receives new taillights and side skirts, intended to give the roadster a more mature, appealing look. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine also gets upgraded, with a forged steel crank and connecting rods, stronger wrist pins and firmer valve springs combine with a new oil-cooler to make possible a 500 RPM higher redline; now 7,200 RPM. That doesn't deliver anything in the way of improved top-end power — still 167 HP — but it does allow you to hang on to a lower gear in corners for longer, something that will return a real, on-the-road, performance increase. Fuel economy also is nudged up slightly — now 21 city, 28 highway — but enthusiasts will care more about the intake noise, which, thanks to revised ducting, now sounds more like the roar of the 1990 original's than the stifled meow of the 2006 model's.

There's also a new, optional $500 sports suspension with firmer springs, Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip differential. This Grand Touring package, Power Retractable Hard Top version was equipped with that and every other option aside from the slushbox, bringing the price up to $31,010, but you can still get a soft top with a stick for just $22,420.

So, while face-lifts and tummy tucks are now well within the acceptable bounds of manhood, why did I get scared shitless in a cute little roadster that takes 6.9 seconds to reach 60 MPH? Two reasons. One; the MX-5 offers an unrivaled sense of occasion at legal speeds and two; I'm a terrible passenger.

I've spent years trying to become a good driver and the result of on-track training, learning from lots of mistakes and racking up hundreds of thousands of miles in fast cars is that I drive by-the-book and very smoothly. Ride with me, even when I'm going fast, and you could fall asleep. The problem is, if I'm riding with you, I can't. I'll be busy spotting every little mistake, silently critiquing each and every one of your turn-in points and cringing every time you step outside the bounds of what I consider appropriate. In short, I'm anal.

Riding along a mountain road with another journalist, my lack of confidence combined with his lack of discipline — in-corner downshifts, unintentional trail braking, changing lines in corners — had even my consistently high fear level hitting unprecedented heights. Even with the newly recalibrated stability control on, the tail was moving around on entry and exit. Well, I was scared until I looked at the speedometer, which was sitting squarely within legal limits.

You see, weighing just 2,511 LBS with a folding hard top and equipped with skinny 205/45-17 tires the MX-5 offers an experience wholly absent from other modern cars — even the more capable Lotus Elise — it's involving and exciting at relatively low speeds, just like a British sports car from the ‘50s or ‘60s. The relatively low power and rev-happy nature of the engine also helps, you never find yourself with more power than you can use, meaning you can use it all.

Of course, all the things that make the MX-5 bad for a nervous passenger also make it great for the enthusiast driver. Start out down a mountain road with every intention of behaving and by the time you've reached the third corner you'll be pushing the communicative front on the way in and, depending on how tight the corner is, either lifting or flooring the throttle to play with the rear on the way out. It's really only first or second gear hairpins in which you can do the former, but even the latter is extremely safe and easy; lower limits equal a broader range of slide with little chance of a spin.

The MX-5 is now fitted with a newly recalibrated stability control system that allows a couple of degrees of slide before kicking in, but the chassis is so friendly and so willing to tell you what it's doing that there's really no need. Don't be afraid to switch it all the way off.

If you're tough enough to live with the bouncy ride and buzzy engine in everyday driving and comfortable enough to deal with the questionable looks and aggressive behavior from overcompensating SUV drivers, the MX-5 can still deliver the thrill of real driving. For the enthusiastic driver that's a hugely welcome change from overly-competent and underly-involved modern performance cars. Just tell nervous passengers to man up.

Photography credit: Grant Ray

We're inclined to say wonderful things about the Mazda Miata, perhaps even fail to point out the supposed refresh Mazda is touting isn't exactly... er, noticeable. It's a funny thing what beer and sushi will do. In any case, Mazda took a moment to celebrate all things Miata, pointing out it was twenty years ago here in Chicago where the first MX-5 was debuted to the world. Among the neat Miata's Mazda brought along that little blue one is actually the fourteenth to roll off the assembly line.

20 YEARS IN THE MAKING – MAZDA'S LEGENDARY MX-5 MIATA ROADSTER

February 9, 1989 marks a highly significant time in automobile history, and certainly in the life of Mazda. On that day, Mazda unveiled the MX-5 Miata to the world at the Chicago Auto Show. Since then, the MX-5 has become the world's best-selling two-seat sports car, and been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most popular sports car ever built.
Mazda MX-5 offers roadster driving at its best. The MX-5's original concept has been so successful that Mazda has never changed it: affordable to buy and use, lightweight, Jinba Ittai ("rider and horse as one") handling, and classic roadster looks. The Mazda Miata is the jewel of "Kansei Engineering," a deeply held philosophy that every car and truck that Mazda makes should be designed and engineered to provide strong emotional as well as functional satisfaction to its driver. For a unique sports car like Miata, whose sole purpose is pure driving fun, this objective is very important. Thus the Mazda Miata project team scorned "packaging" and "off-the-shelf" componentry per se, and instead began with a pure, bright concept of "America's ideal sports car."
Miata has been heralded as saving the sports car world, has amassed nearly 900,000 global sales, and has won a total of 178 major automotive awards around the world. Two decades later, the MX-5 Miata is still a lightweight, balanced and responsive roadster that delivers the very best wind-in-the-hair driving at an affordable price.
And because Mazda's engineers never lost sight of that "soul of a sports car" positioning for which the entire brand has become known, the MX-5 Miata also is the world's most-raced nameplate.
The MX-5 is currently in its third generation. Below is a summary of each generation:

First Generation:
A 1990 model launched in 1989, the original Miata featured a starting price of $13,800 and first went on sale in May in the United States, and in September in Japan. The first-generation Miata featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 116 horsepower and 100 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and City/Hwy fuel economy was 25/30 mpg. Suspension was by independent double wishbone on all four wheels, and braking consisted of four wheel-disc brakes with the front ventilated. Wheels were 14x5.5" steel or 14x6" alloy, both with 185/60 R14 radial tires.
Important to convertibles is the roof operation. The Miata engineering team created a three-fold, easy-to-operate soft top, with one-hand operation, that was lightweight and offered superior weather protection.
The coefficient of drag was 0.38. All together, the Miata weighed a low 2,116 lbs. (curb weight) and could reach 60 mph in less than nine seconds. When it was launched, the car created such excitement among buyers that demand exceeded production and became an instant success.
The first change came in the 1994 model year. Miata was refreshed with a little more power through use of a 128-horsepower 1.8-liter engine. For the 1996 model year, horsepower was increased to 133 and a racing-themed R Package was also introduced with a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein shocks and front and rear spoilers.

Second Generation:
The second generation Miata was a 1999 model year vehicle. This new generation car offered a more powerful engine and new styling, including a new headlight design. For the first time the vehicle featured fixed headlights, which were lighter in mass in the dynamically critical front over hang, as opposed to the first generation's retractable headlights. In addition, the plastic window in the Miata's soft top was replaced with a glass window.
The engine remained at 1.8-liters and received several updates. Power output and torque were improved to 140 horsepower with 119 lb.-ft. torque through enhancements to the intake and exhaust systems, resulting in smooth engine revving from low to high speeds and responsive acceleration with EPA mileage of 24/29 mpg. Features such as a straight intake port, a variable-inertia exhaust system and a dual exhaust manifold were incorporated. Compression ratio was raised from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 with a raised-crown piston design. The base model could reach 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 122 mph. Total weight of the second generation Miata was 2,200 pounds.
A special limited edition model was introduced in 1999 to celebrate Miata's 10th anniversary. This model ramped up performance by use of a new six-speed manual transmission, Torsen® limited-slip differential and sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers. A special Sapphire Blue Mica paint with blue soft top was also offered on the 10th Anniversary model.
In 2000, the face-lifted second-generation MX-5 was launched as a 2001 model. Mazda added more horsepower, variable valve timing, a more rigid chassis and larger brakes. Additionally, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed manual transmission, more aggressive styling and a host of interior improvements were available. The 2001 Miata delivered 142 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque with 23/28 mpg City/Highway fuel economy, and the compression ratio was increased from 9.5:1 to 10.0:1. With the minimum amount of options, the 2001 model weighed 2,387 pounds.
In 2004, Mazda launched the turbocharged MAZDASPEED MX-5, with a 178 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque turbocharged and intercooled engine.

Third Generation:
The third generation MX-5 went on sale in late 2005 as a 2006 model year. Every single component on the car was either all new or extensively revised, and the new car looked it. The exterior styling was freshened, with the most noticeable change in the front fenders. Even though curb weight of the third generation Miata grew to over 2,400 pounds, the new car never forgot its roots and it was every bit as fun to drive as the original. And, regardless of the additional curb weight, fuel economy remained at 25/30.
A new 16-valve, 2.0-liter MZR I-4 engine was introduced, producing 170 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled to either a five-speed or a six-speed manual transmission or 166-horsepower with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, while the five-speed manual model achieved the same fuel economy as the first 1990 Miata. A limited-slip differential was available with the six-speed option.
The third generation Miata also produced a change in the suspension for the first time. A front wishbone/rear multilink suspension was used beginning with the 2006 MX-5 to increase ride quality and handling. Technologies like traction control and stability control were also added.

In 2007, Mazda offered, for the first time, a new Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). Opening and closing cycles last only 12 seconds, making this the fastest power-operated retractable hard top in the U.S., and the only retractable hardtop on the market that doesn't compromise trunk space. Additionally, the PRHT adds only 77 pounds to the total weight of the car.

Significant events over the past 20 years for the Mazda MX-5 Miata include:
1983
Mazda begins study of lightweight sports car production
1986
February: Starts project aimed at volume production
1987
September: Design finalized
1989
February: Mazda introduces the MX-5 Miata sports car as a 1990 model at the Chicago auto show
May: U.S. Sales begin
July: MX-5 Miata named as one of the five "World's Best Cars" by Road & Track
September: Sold as Eunos Roadster in Japan
October: Sales begin in Australia
1990
January: MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver
January: MX-5 Miata receives "Automobile of the Year" award from Automobile Magazine
February: Sales begin in Europe (U.K. and Holland)
1991
January: MX-5 Miata receives a Car and Driver "10Best" award
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
1992
January: MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
1993
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
July: undergoes minor change. 1.8-liter engine introduced.
1994
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
1995
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
1996
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study rated the Miata among the top three vehicles in the sports car segment in initial quality
1997
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
October: Second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show – the first redesign since its introduction in 1989
1998
December: Limited edition Miata released to commemorate ten years of production. Special limited edition car with world-class specifications: total of 7,500 units manufactured for worldwide sale (500 units for Japan, 7,000 units for the three markets comprised of North America, Europe and Australia)
The second-generation Miata goes on sales as a 1999 model.
1999
The MX-5 Miata receives numerous accolades, including:
January: Fifth "10Best" award from Car and Driver
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 to its "All Star Best Entry-Level Sports Car".
January: "Best Convertible" in MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Awards
April: Consumers Digest's "Best Buy"
December: One of Sport Compact Car's "Eight Great Rides"
2000
January: Automobile Magazine names MX-5 Miata to its "All-Star" list
May: Guinness Book of World Records recognizes the Miata as the best-selling two-seat convertible with sales of 531,890 units
July: Second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata undergoes minor change for the 2001 model year. In addition to interior and exterior changes, the 1.8-liter engine gets a power boost, and body stiffness and other improvements add up to a greatly upgraded version.
2001
Mazda MX-5 Miata named Consumers Digest "Best Buys"
2002
The MX-5 Miata named to Automobile Magazine "All-Star" list for the 12th time
2005

March: Third-generation MX-5 unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show and is later debuted in commemorative limited edition format (Mazda MX-5 3rd Generation Limited) at the New York International Auto Show.

April: The Guinness Book of World Records updated the number of units produced to 700,000

2006

Mazda launched the MX-5 Roadster Coupe featuring a Power Retractable Hard Top
MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver

2007

MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver

2008

MX-5 Miata receives a "10Best" award from Car and Driver

2009

Face-lifted MX-5 makes its North American debut at the Chicago Auto show

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

.

2009 MAZDA MX-5 TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW - WORLD’S BEST-SELLING TWO-SEAT ROADSTER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda's timeless roadster, the MX-5 Miata, races into the 2009 Chicago Auto Show with a refreshed exterior, enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency. Mazda will showcase the 2009 MX-5 along with a historical collection of early model-year Miatas and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 four-door sedan and five-door models.

Launched in 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small two-seat roadster that was spirited, fun-to-drive and unlike anything else available at the time. Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted. Twenty years later, and with more than 800,000 models sold so far around the world, the MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling two-seat roadster.

"The MX-5 Miata has been true to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy since rolling off the assembly line 20 years ago," said Tim Barnes, director, Product Development. "Long before Zoom-Zoom became one of the most recognizable slogans around, Mazda designed Miata to epitomize the 'emotion of motion' concept on which Zoom-Zoom is based, and our worldwide sales are a real testament to Miata's DNA and spirit."

The 2009 MX-5 produces 167-hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perfect balance has always been a hallmark of the car, and the new model's suspension revisions make it an even better mountain road dance partner. In addition, updates to front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, package changes and new interior and exterior colors keep MX-5 as fresh today as it was 20 years ago.

On display alongside the MX-5 will be the all-new MAZDA3. Aimed at the young at heart, who love to drive and are technologically aware, the MAZDA3 remains the most engaging car in its class. Both the four-door and five-door versions feature top-class environmental and safety performance, and offer evolved sporty driving dynamics, eye-catching styling elements and a high-quality interior.

The all-new MAZDA3 is available with key features typically not seen in its class including:

* Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
* Adaptive Front-lighting System and Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling
* Advanced keyless entry system
* Push-button start

One of every three Mazdas sold worldwide is a MAZDA3. That success drove the production of the two-millionth MAZDA3 in October 2008. The all-new 2010 MAZDA3 will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2009.

The balance of Mazda's full 2009 lineup also will be on display at the show, including CX-9, CX-7, MAZDA5, RX-8, Tribute and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan. The Chicago Auto Show is open to the public February 13-22, 2009, at the McCormick Place, Chicago.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

###

This refresh adds a dash of nagare spice to a design considered too conservative for an already understated car. The car will be powered by the same 2.0-liter fourbanger, though with a few revisions that will stretch the rev limit to 7,500 rpm from 7,000 rpm. A five-speed manual is only available in the soft-top model while the retractable hard-top version will get either a six-speed manual or automanual.

Prices in Japan start at $25,000 for the soft-top and $28,900 for the folding hard top. Full details in the press release below. Look for most of this design, if not the price, to make it into the US version.

Mazda Launches Freshened Roadster in Japan

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of the freshened Mazda Roadster (known as the MX-5 overseas) into the Japanese market. Mazda’s updated iconic lightweight, open-top sports car goes on sale today (December 9, 2008) at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including consumption tax) range from 2,330,000 to 2,600,000 yen for the soft top models, and from 2,680,000 to 2,950,000 yen for the Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) models that feature Mazda’s groundbreaking electric roof system.

The latest version of Mazda’s two-seat sports car carries forward the Roadster’s traditional “Jinba Ittai” (“rider and horse as one”) concept, and features detailed improvements in the exterior and interior design, quality, functionality and dynamic performance. As a result, the Roadster is now more fun-to-drive and more desirable than ever. The RHT models, which provide both the enjoyment of open-top driving and the comfort of a coupe, are now even quieter and feature new, exclusive exterior parts, offering customers even higher levels of comfort and quality.

The design of the front fascia has been updated with Mazda’s hallmark five-point grille. A stronger character line that stretches along the lower edge of the vehicle’s sides has been visually extended to the rear bumper, further enhancing the Roadster’s sporty dynamism. Newly designed alloy wheels (two sizes) now come as standard on all model grades. Three new exterior body colors have been added, including the high quality Aluminum Metallic and vivid Sunflower Yellow.

On the inside, the five gauges on the instrument panel have been newly designed and are highlighted by a dark silver decorative panel. The interior quality is enhanced by a choice of tactile brown leather seats or Recaro bucket seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara®*1. Comfort levels are also improved through the addition of heated seats with a temperature control with five temperature settings (for grades with leather seats only).

The rev limit on grades with a manual transmission has been increased to 7,500 rpm for improved driving performance. The height of the front roll center has been optimized, and the retuned suspension makes the vehicle’s handling even more natural. Additionally, automatic grades now offer Direct Mode*2 and Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)*3 functions for an even sportier ride. Improvements have also been made to the engine and body to enhance noise reduction levels and provide a more satisfying engine sound.

The Mazda Roadster was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest production two-seat open-top sports car when production passed 500,000 units in 2000. Guinness has updated the Roadster’s record since then, which now stands at over 800,000 units built.

Main features of the refreshed Mazda Roadster

Exterior
The freshened Roadster carries forward the simple elegance and familiar styling of previous Roadsters, yet incorporates Mazda’s latest design motifs.
- The front fascia now features Mazda’s hallmark five-pointed grille. Sharper headlights and bold fog light bezels enhance the lively and refined styling. This further emphasizes the curved corners of the front bumper, which also improves the vehicle aerodynamics.
- More prominent character lines running along the bottom of the vehicle sides strengthen the appearance of the side sill garnish. The character lines have been visually extended to the rear bumper to better express speed and stability.
- The rear end has been updated with new rear combination lights that flow smoothly into the bumper. A larger black rear diffuser further emphasizes the Roadster’s sporty appearance.
- RHT models feature an exclusive mesh grille with a chrome border, chrome headlight inner bezels, silver fog light inner bezels and chrome outer door handles. A high-mounted clear brake light completes the RHT’s distinctive and high quality look.
- All models come with newly designed alloy wheels as standard equipment. The five-spoke 16-inch wheels complement the Roadster’s lightweight image (on the S, NR-A, S RHT and VS RHT model grades). The 17-inch wheels feature 10 rounded spokes for a more dynamic appearance (on the RS and RS RHT model grades). Additionally, forged 17-inch alloy wheels, customized by BBS, are available as a factory-installed option (on the RS, RS RHT and VS RHT grades).
- Eight exterior body colors are available, including three new options: deep Metropolitan Gray Mica, high quality Aluminum Metallic, and Sunflower Yellow, which expresses the Roadster’s Zoom-Zoom spirit.

Interior
The interior design of the freshened Mazda Roadster offers improved quality and functionality in every detail, while the snug cabin conveys a sense of openness.
- A sporty, dark silver decorative panel runs across the center of the dashboard. Silver rings have been added to the air conditioner dials on the center panel to raise the interior quality feel.
- The five gauges on the instrument cluster have been newly designed to make them easier to read. A red LCD screen is located in the center of the meter console. It displays data from the odometer/trip meter, as well as the average fuel consumption and ambient air temperature.
- The design of the inner door pocket has been flattened to increase space in the foot well. Soft padding has been added to the lid on the center console storage box and the door armrests to increase comfort levels.
- The newly designed seats come in four grades. Sporty black fabric seats are available for all grades except the VS RHT. The VS RHT features tactile, Havana Brown leather upholstery as standard equipment. Black leather seat covers (for the RS and the RS RHT grades) and RECARO bucket seats upholstered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara® (for the RS, RS RHT and VS RHT grades) are available as factory-installed options.
- The seats have larger side bolsters for greater support. For added comfort, heated seats with a five-setting temperature control are standard for the VS RHT and available for the RS and RS RHT grades as a factory-installed option.
- A BOSE® sound system, developed exclusively for the Roadster, features a six-channel digital amplifier and seven speakers with independent playback. The system also features AUDIOPILOTTM 2, a BOSE® noise compensation system (available as a factory-installed option on all grades except NR-A).
- An auxiliary jack that is located at the base of the center stack provides connectivity for portable audio devices (standard on the VS RHT and available as a factory-installed option on all other grades except the NR-A).

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.

[Source: Mazda]

How about give the aftermarket a few months and work on paying down those credit card balances. Mazdaspeed can supply a full array of suspension and engine upgrades, while Cosworth has their supercharger — said to provide 210 HP to the rear wheels — on the test bench as we type. Additionally, Flyin' Miata claims they'll have a centrifugal blower ready for action soon, hopefully by the holidays. [Mazda via Autoblog]