NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Mx5

The Mazda MX-5 is a popular sports car built by Mazda in Hofu, Japan. Popularly known as Miata in North America, it is also known just as the Mazda MX-5 in Oceania and Europe and the Eunos Roadster or Mazda Roadster in Japan. It was initially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989. The Miata is the world's best-selling sports car, with 720,407 cars produced and sold between February 1989 and March 31, 2005. Beginning with the third-generation 2006 model, all models of this vehicle worldwide now use the MX-5 name. It has been suggested that List of cars be merged into this article or section. ... Mazda Motor Corporation ) (TYO: 7261 ) is a Japanese automobile maker based in Hiroshima, Japan. ... Car classification is a somewhat subjective subject, as many vehicles fall between classes or even outside all of them. ... 1923 Ford Model T roadster 1950 Jaguar XK120 roadster This article is about the roadster car body style. ... In Automobile design, an FR, or Front-engine, Rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... Saab 900 Convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible (security) A convertible is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof. ... The MG F was a mid-engined roadster launched in 1995. ... The Toyota MR2 was a two-seat, mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2005. ... The Pontiac Solstice is a roadster automobile from the Pontiac division of General Motors. ... The Saturn Sky is a roadster automobile which will go on sale in early 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata 91MazdaMiataGreen. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Internal combustion engine. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels. ... Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of an automobile with standard equipment, oil, lubricants, coolant, a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1184x786, 124 KB) Summary This is a picture of a 1999 Mazda Miata. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Internal combustion engine. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels. ... Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of an automobile with standard equipment, oil, lubricants, coolant, a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1715x840, 194 KB) Summary 2006 NC Mazda MX-5 3rd Generation Limited, one of 750 US-spec special edition models Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Mazda Miata ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Internal combustion engine. ... The Mazda Z engine family is an evolution of the B family. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The Mazda Z engine family is an evolution of the B family. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels. ... Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of an automobile with standard equipment, oil, lubricants, coolant, a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Mazda Motor Corporation ) (TYO: 7261 ) is a Japanese automobile maker based in Hiroshima, Japan. ... Hōfu (防府市; -shi) is a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... Oceania is a geographical, often geopolitical, region consisting of numerous lands â€“ mostly islands but often including Australia â€“ in the Pacific Ocean and vicinity. ... Europe is conventionally considered one of the seven continents of Earth which, in this case, is more a cultural and political distinction than a physiographic one, leading to various perspectives about Europes borders. ... Eunos means: a brand of car marketed in Japan by Mazda an area of Singapore : Eunos is a small neighbourhood in Singapores middle East. ... The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicagos McCormick Place convention complex. ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... March 31 is the 90th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (91st in Leap years), with 275 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Overview

The Miata was designed to be a small roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity. The first Miata was designed in California, USA and Worthing, England. Its design is inspired by, some say copied from, the Lotus Elan, a 1960s roadster that is widely considered to be one of the best handling sports cars of its day. 1923 Ford Model T roadster 1950 Jaguar XK120 roadster This article is about the roadster car body style. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq. ... Map sources for Worthing at grid reference TQ1303 Worthing is the largest town and a local government district in West Sussex, England. ... Lotus Cars is a British manufacturer of sports cars and racing cars based in Hethel, Norfolk, formed as Lotus Engineering Ltd. ... Lotus Elan is the name of two convertible automobiles and one fixed head coupÃ© produced by Lotus Cars. ...

The Miata has a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It comes with a 1.6 L, 1.8 L or 2.0 L longitudinally mounted engine coupled to a manual transmission (an automatic transmission is available, though rare). In Automobile design, an FR, or Front-engine, Rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... A double wishbone suspension is an automobile independent suspension design using two parallel wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. ... The term, longitudinal means front-to-back or top-to-bottom as opposed to transverse which means side-to-side. In automotive engineering, the term, longitudinal refers to an engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back. ... A colorized automobile engine The internal combustion engine is a heat engine in which the burning of a fuel occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... This is an article about manual transmission in general; for guidance on how to drive with a manual transmission, see Manual transmission driving technique. ... An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the car or truck moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually. ...

The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. Miatas also incorporate a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. Many Miatas feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes. Traction control is an option available on the third generation MX-5. Monocoque (French for single shell) or unibody is a construction technique that uses the external skin of an object to support some or most of the load on the structure. ... In automotive applications, a limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. ... An anti-lock braking system (commonly known as ABS, from the German name Antiblockiersystem given to it by its inventors at Bosch) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. ... Traction control and Vehicle Stability Control systems, on current production vehicles, are typically (but not necessarily) electro-hydraulic systems designed to prevent loss of control when excessive throttle or steering is applied by the driver. ...

With a 50:50 front/rear weight balance (when measured with an average weight driver and a 2/3 full gas tank), the car has a very neutral handling, which makes it easy to drive for the beginner, and fun for the advanced driver. Inducing oversteer is easy and very controllable. The Miata is popular in amateur and stock racing events, particularly the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross series, as well as Spec Miata driving. Oversteer is the phenomenon ocurred in an automobile when the rear-end of it doesnÂ´t follow the trajectory of the front-end tending to overtake this one causing the car to spin. ... It has been suggested that Oregon region solo2 be merged into this article or section. ... Autocross course with Mazda Miata Autocross (also known as Solo2 by the Sports Car Club of America, AutoSlalom in Canada, and AutoSolo in the UK [1]) is a popular form of motorsports competition. ... Spec Miata cars on track Spec Miata is a class of racing car used in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) road racing events. ...

Since production began, over 700,000 Miatas have been made, leading the Guinness Book of Records to name it the world's best-selling sports car on February 13, 2002. Suresh Joachim, minutes away from breaking the ironing world record at 55 hours and 5 minutes, at Shoppers World, Brampton. ... February 13 is the 44th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ...

Generation 1 (NA)

The design of the first generation Miata was the result of a competition between Mazda (North America) and the Tokyo Design Studio. The role of designing a front-engine, rear-wheel drive light-weight sports car was assigned to Mazda (North America) whilst the Tokyo Design Studio designed front engined, front-wheel drive and mid-engined, rear-wheel drive cars for the competition.

The first round of judging the competing designs for the MX-5 was held in April 1984. Designs were presented on paper. On paper the mid-engined car appeared the most impressive, although it was known at the time that such a layout would struggle to meet the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) requirements of the project. It was at the second round of the competition in August 1984 , when full scale clay models were presented, that the front-engined rear-wheel drive design, code-named the Duo 101, was selected as the basis for Mazda's new light-weight sports car. This page is a candidate to be moved to Wiktionary. ... A model figure is a scale model that represents a person, either a generic figure of a type (such as World War II Luftwaffe pilot), a historical personage (such as King Henry VIII), or a fictional character (such as Conan). Model figures are sold both as kits for the enthusiast...

The Duo 101 design, so named as either a soft-top or hard-top could be used, was referred to International Automotive Design in Worthing, England for the construction of a running prototype. The prototype was built with a fiberglass body, a 1.4 L engine from a Mazda Familia and other components from a variety of early Mazda models. The prototype was completed in August 1985 and code-named the V705 by Mazda. It has been suggested that multiple sections of Mazda 323 be merged into this article or section. ...

After some minor changes in the design, presented in clay model form by the designers from Mazda (North America), the project was given final approval on 18 January 1986. The project was now code-named P729 by Mazda. The task of constructing five engineering mules was again allocated to International Automotive Design, who also conducted the first front and rear crash tests on the prototype. The project then returned to Japan for final engineering details and production issues to be decided. January 18 is the 18th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

The Miata was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989, with a price tag of US$13,800. The Miata would be available for purchase by the public from July 1989 as a 1990 model. In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was experimenting with the creation of different brands for deluxe models, similar to Nissan's Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was called the Eunos Roadster in its own market. February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. ...

The body shell of the Miata is all-steel with an aluminium bonnet. The overall dimensions are: length 3970 mm (156.3 in); width 1675 mm (65.9 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in); wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). Ground clearance is 140 mm (5.5 in). Without options, the NA model MX-5 weighed 940 kilograms. The body was reasonably aerodynamic, with a Cd figure of 0.38. General Name, Symbol, Number aluminium, Al, 13 Chemical series poor metals Group, Period, Block 13, 3, p Appearance silvery Atomic mass 26. ... Aerodynamics is a branch of fluid dynamics concerned with the study of gas flows, first analysed by George Cayley in the 1800s. ... The drag coefficient (Cd or Cx) is a number that describes a characteristic amount of aerodynamic drag caused by fluid flow, used in the drag equation. ...

The Miata employs independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an 18 mm (0.71 in) anti-roll bar at the front. Four wheel disc brakes of 235 mm (9.3 in) diameter (ventilated) at the front and 231 mm (9.1 in) at the rear stopped 5.5 inch wide 14 inch alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires. A sway bar (also called an anti-sway bar or anti-roll bar) is an automobile suspension device. ... A radial tire (more properly, a radial-ply tire) is a particular design of automotive tire (in British English, tyre). ...

The original Miata came with a 1.6 L double overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 90 kW (120 bhp) and 100 lbf·ft (136 N·m) of torque. The engine employs an L-Jetronic fuel injection system and a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor. This engine was previously used by Mazda in the 323 series, including the 323 GTX, a turbocharged, all-wheel drive vehicle, and retains the plumbing ports required for aftermarket turbocharging. A cylinder head sliced in half shows two overhead camshaftsâ€”one above each of the two valves. ... Jetronic is a trade name for a type of fuel injection technology marketed by Bosch from the 1960s forward. ... This article is about distributors in internal combustion engines. ...

The first generation Miata could reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and had a top speed of 119 mph (190 km/h).

Image File history File links DSC00971. ... Image File history File links DSC00971. ...

Generation 1.5

The MX-5 Miata was freshened for 1994 with the introduction of a more powerful 1.8 L BP engine, dual airbags, a geared, torque-sensing limited slip differential, and other options. The new engine produced 98 kW (130 hp) and the standard model weighed 990 kilograms (2183 lb). In some markets such as the UK the 1.6 engine continued to be available as a lower-cost option, but was detuned to only 88 bhp to make it less competitive with the 1.8. Later 1.8 engines were up in power to 133 bhp due to the use of a more sophisticated engine management system (OBD-II). The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... An automobile airbag, like this one in a crashed SEAT Ibiza car, deflates after 0. ... In automotive applications, a limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. ... OBD-II (OnBoard Diagnostics version 2) is a common hardware diagnostics interface that is present on all cars sold in the United States after 1996. ...

There were a number of trim levels and special editions available. The standard model was called the "A Package" for the Miata models. A "B Package" added some options, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top and leather seats. A special "R Package" was introduced for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". These included all of the luxury options from the C package as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. This generation was phased out in the 1997 model year, with the final 1500 Mark-1 Miatas produced being the "STO" ("Special Touring Option") versions. (These special editions refer to North American markets only)

Generation 2 (NB)

In 1998, Mazda released the updated model year 1999 MX-5 Miata. This model is known as the NB (referring to the model number printed on the VIN plate) or Mark 2. With its introduction, the earlier MX-5 Miata became known as the NA or Mark 1. The NB features a more-powerful engine and more modern styling cues borrowed from the aggressive RX-7. A 6-speed manual transmission became available for the top models, though the 5-speed was retained as well. In Japan, the Eunos name was dropped, as the marque was considered a commercial failure, but the successful Roadster was incorporated into the Mazda brand. Prices in the United States, the main market for the Miata, started at US$19,770. The model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced. ... Depending on the capitalization, Vin can refer to any of the following: Vin = input voltage (an alternative form for Vin) Old European Script A diminutive of the name Vincent, as in: Vin Diesel Vin Scully The name of a character from the video games Jak II and Jak 3: Vin... The Mazda RX-7 (also called the Savanna and Efini RX-7) was a sports car that began production in 1978. ...

Specifications Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2500x951, 683 KB) Summary 1999 Mazda Miata. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2500x951, 683 KB) Summary 1999 Mazda Miata. ...

Although almost all parts of the car were different, the most notable changes were the headlights: The first model's retractable headlights had been exchanged for fixed ones. The new car had grown slightly in width compared to the earlier model with dimensions: length 3955 mm (155.7 in); width 1680 mm (66.1 in); height 1235 mm (48.6 in) and wheelbase 2265 mm (89.2 in). Ground clearance was a slightly reduced 135 mm (5.3 in). With the minimum of options, the NB weighed 1000 kilograms. The new model was slightly more aerodynamic than the original, with a Cd figure of 0.36.

The second generation Miata continued to employ four-wheel independent suspension, with enlarged anti-roll bars of 22 mm (0.87 in) at the front and 11 mm (0.43 in) at the rear. The wheel, tire and brakes package on the second generation Miata was significantly upgraded. Front brakes were of 255 mm (10 in) diameter with 251 mm (9.9 in) at the rear. ABS was offered as an option. Alloy wheels were now of 14 inch or 15 inch diameter and 6 inch width, depending on the model. Sports models were equipped with the larger wheels and 195/50VR15 tires. ABS is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings: Able-bodied Seaman / Able-bodied Seamen â€” (the original term was Able Seaman, abbreviated AB) ABS, a popular clothing brand by Allen B. Schwartz Always Better Service, the brand name of a computer manufacturing company. ...

The BP-4W engine remained at 1.8 L but received several minor updates. The engine compression ratio was raised from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1 by adding slightly domed pistons. The intake cam was changed to a solid lifter design with a stronger cam. The intake runners in the head were straightened and the intake manifold was mounted higher up. The new intake manifold received a set of flappers that could uncover a resonance chamber - this was needed to fix a dead spot in the torque curve that the new head created. Power output of the new engine is quoted at 105 kW (140 hp) with 119lbft of torque. The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ...

The 1.6 L B6 engine remained available in some markets, including Japan. The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ...

The second generation Miata with the 1.8 L engine could reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 123 mph (197 km/h).

Generation 2.5

In 2001, a facelift to the NB was released. There were some minor design changes, with the 18 July 2000 press release announcing the new model describing the changes as "resulting in an even sportier and more forceful look". Some cockpit elements were also changed, with instrument panel gauges having a white face and red numbers. The seats were also upgraded, incorporating more support in the side bolsters, and taller headrests. Added this year for top models were 16 inch (406 mm) wheels with 205/45VR16 low-profile tires and larger brakes (10.6 inch diameter at the front and 10.9 inch at the rear). The upgraded tires and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.88 g in lateral grip in tests by Car and Driver. The body was strengthened, gaining 16% in bending rigidity and 22% in torsional rigidity. With the minimum of options the 2001 model weighed 1065 kilograms. Image File history File links Euphonic. ... Image File history File links Euphonic. ... July 18 is the 199th day (200th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 166 days remaining. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ... Figure 1. ... Look up torsion in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

The 1.8 L BP-Z3 engine was slightly modified and now featured variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. The intake and exhaust system also received a minor upgrade. These modifications resulted in power output of 117 kW (155 bhp) for models delivered in Japan and Australia. The same engine produced 110 kW (146 hp) in vehicles sold in the United States and Europe (likely due to more restrictive emission standards). In the United States, Mazda erroneously quoted the power figure for the Japanese and Australian model in early catalogues. Car and Driver magazine and numerous owners confirmed the missing power, and Mazda was forced to buy back a number of 2001 cars due to these misleading power claims. Owners who did not take up the buy back offer were offered an apology and free servicing for the warranty period. The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... S-VT, or Sequential Valve Timing, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Mazda. ... Emission standards limit the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere. ... Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ...

32,000 2001 and 2002 model year Miatas were recalled in December of 2005 for excessive emissions. The word emission generally means sending something out. ...

Mazdaspeed MX-5

2004 saw the introduction of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5. It featured a light-pressure turbo BPT engine for 178 hp rather than the S-VT BP-Z3. Other features included a special suspension, upgraded transmission and clutch assemblies, upgraded drivetrain components, Racing Hart 17 inch wheels, special interior trim, and special exterior paint. Turbocharger Cut-away A turbocharger is a device used in internal-combustion engines to increase the power output of the engine by increasing the mass of oxygen and fuel entering the engine. ... Mazdaspeed is Mazdas in-house race and street car tuning arm and is highly involved in both amateur and professional motorsports. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ... S-VT, or Sequential Valve Timing, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Mazda. ... The Mazda B engine family is a four cylinder SOHC and DOHC engine family ranging from 1. ...

Though not officially a "Limited Edition" production run, only a small number of Mazdaspeed Miatas were produced during model years 2004 and 2005. In 2004, 4000 cars where built and in 2005, 1428. [1].

In 2001 Mazda Australia produced a limited run of turbocharged MX-5s labelled the SP. These were said to be the inspiration for the Mazdaspeed MX-5 however they only had an upgraded intake/turbo and exhaust. The cooling system, driveline, braking, suspension and engine internals remained standard. Although a great performer, unreliability has clouded these vehicles due to their low production, hand built nature.

Mazda Roadster Coupe

Mazda Engineering and Technology Co. Ltd. (Mazda E&T), a division of Mazda Japan, produced a limited run of Mazda Roadsters for the Japanese market with a permanent fixed hardtop roof. The body structure was reworked to incorporate the roof for a substantial increase in chassis rigidity and a weight increase of 10 kg. A range of models were produced, from a basic 1.6 L version, to heavily restyled boutique models.[2] No Roadster Coupes were exported, though an example upgraded to Mazdaspeed specifications was shown to international audiences.[3]

Generation 3 (NC)

Production of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 (NC) began in May 2005 and went on sale in August, for the 2006 model year. It uses Mazda's 16-valve, 2.0 L MZR I4 engine, producing 170 hp (128 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m). Despite the engine upgrade, impressive engineering allows the car to maintain a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions are offered as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced. ... In automotive engineering, an engine is referred to as multi-valve (or multivalve) when each cylinder has more than two valves. ... The Mazda Z engine family is an evolution of the B family. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... SHP redirects here. ... The watt (symbol: W) is the SI derived unit of power. ... In physics, torque can be thought of informally as rotational force. Torque is commonly measured in units of newton metres; although, centiNewton Meters (cNm), Foot Pounds (Lb-Ft), Inch Pounds (Lb-In) and Inch Ounces (Oz-In) are also frequently used expressions of torque. ... Newton metre is the unit of moment in the SI system. ...

Despite speculation, the 3rd generation shares no structural components with the RX-8. The chassis was developed specifically for the new MX-5. Suspension has been changed from a 4-wheel double-wishbone setup to a front wishbone rear multilink setup and technologies like traction control and stability control have been added to increase drivability. The Mazda RX-8 is a car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation which first appeared in North America at the North American International Auto Show in 2001. ... A multi-link suspension is a type of suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using 3 or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms. ... Traction control and Vehicle Stability Control systems, on current production vehicles, are typically (but not necessarily) electro-hydraulic systems designed to prevent loss of control when excessive throttle or steering is applied by the driver. ... Electronic Stability Program (ESP), also known as Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Electronic Skid Protection (ESP) and many other names, are electro-hydraulic systems that help control vehicles as they approach the limits of stability. ...

The styling harkens back to the original design while adopting a clean, more muscular profile reminiscent of the Audi TT. Some design elements have been adopted to reinforce the family relationship with the RX-8. Unlike the NA to NB update, which was mostly a nose/tail/interior change, there are substantial differences in every body panel, so current accessories will not work with the new design. The Audi TT is an automobile produced by Audi in GyÅ‘r, Hungary. ...

A Car and Driver test revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds for the NC. Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ...

The 2006 special edition "3rd Generation Limited" featured added chrome accents and special wheels. 3500 were built worldwide (300 in the UK, 750 in the USA).

MX-5 Hardtop

Mazda will launch a coupé convertible version of the MX-5 with a three-piece folding metal hardtop in late 2006. The coupÃ© convertible (in French coupÃ© cabriolet) or retractable hardtop (more common US usage) is an evolution of car body style that involves the flexibility of a mobile roof (from the convertible) and of the rigid roof of a coupÃ©. In the first years of the 2000s, car manufacturers started... A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. ...

Awards

The Miata has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times: The NA from its introduction in 1990 through 1992; the NB on its introduction in 1998 as well as 1999 and 2001; and the NC on its introduction in 2006. The NA was also Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year for 1989 with the NC taking the award for 2005. Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ... Car and Driver magazine nominates an annual list of Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks. ... Wheels magazine was founded by Athol Yeoman in 1953 with the first edtion appering in May of that year. ... Car of the Year is a phrase usually considered to have been invented by Motor Trend magazine in the 1950s for their annual award for best automobile. ...

In the November 2004 edition of Sports Car International magazine, the Miata was chosen as the best sports car of the 1990s. In the March 2005 edition of the same magazine, the six-decade countdown culminated in the "Ten Best Sports Cars of All Time" issue, of which the Miata secured the number 10 spot, bested only by the likes of exotics and otherwise unobtainable icons of automotive history. Sports Car International is an automobile magazine in the United States focused on sports cars. ...

The NC was named the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year and also the Australian Car of the Year.

Production figures

Contents

Overview

Generation 1 (NA)

Generation 1.5

Generation 2 (NB)

Generation 2.5

Mazdaspeed MX-5

Mazda Roadster Coupe

Generation 3 (NC)

MX-5 Hardtop

Awards

Production figures

See also

References

External links

Contents

Overview GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Generation 1 (NA)

Generation 1.5

Generation 2 (NB)

Generation 2.5

Mazdaspeed MX-5

Mazda Roadster Coupe

Generation 3 (NC)

MX-5 Hardtop

Awards

Production figures

See also

References

External links

Overview