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The facelift MX-5 embodies the purest form of Zoom-Zoom. With
evolved sensory qualities, it continues to
deliver the unchanging value of
"Jinba-Ittai"despite the changing world.
Marking its 20th anniversary next year, the
new MX-5 offers a "lots of
fun" driving experience underpinned by the untiring passion of
Mazda’s engineers since 1989.
Updates at a Glance
Newly evolved look that’s functional and instantly recognizable, as
Mazda, and as MX-5
- Exterior styling with greater dynamism & athleticism, which contributes
to superior aerodynamics
- Strongly emphasized a premium identity in the look and feel of the Roadster
Coupe
More enhanced “Fun” to enable the driver to enjoy the full potential
of the engine performance
- 500 rpm higher rev limit and the raised engine speed at max power
- Introduced a forged crankshaft, fully floating pistons and newly designed
valve springs
- Sportier engine sound that responds more crisply to accelerator inputs
- Surge tank rigidity optimization, new forged crankshaft and ISE , Induction
Sound Enhancer (for 6MT)
Smoother shifting feel with brisk and high-quality steering feel
- With 6MT, the meshing surfaces of the 1st–4th triple-cone synchronizers are
now carbon coated, and the 3rd–4th synchronizer diameter has been increased.
- Linear & sporty 6AT that’s newly available for Europe incorporates two
new control technologies, Direct Activematic (DAM) and Active Adaptive Shift
(AAS).
- A lower front roll centre and retuned suspension make the car’s response to
steering inputs more linear and enable the driver to precisely trace desired
lines. The yaw and roll also feel more natural, producing a higher-quality ride
Improved quietness
- Roadster Coupe cockpit road noise with the roof closed is 2.1dB lower than
before. Improvements include urethane filling in the front suspension member and
damping material in the front roof section.
- Quietness is further promoted in the Roadster Coupe and soft-top version by
stiffer door modules and by newly added reinforcements on the No. 2 crossmember.
Environmental, safety and conformability
- More convenient features, ie., improved Bose®sound system, 5 step adjustable
seat heater, etc.
- Average fuel consumption and outside air temperature display is equipped
- More models featuring DSC as standard equipment
All information in this press copy is based on the specifications of the
freshened Mazda MX-5 at the time of writing. Mazda’s product development is
ongoing, so certain details of the vehicle may change. For confirmation, please
contact the nearest Mazda public relations representative.
Introduction: Evolution Focused on Pure Jinba Ittai
Enjoyment
At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Mazda is unveiling the
freshened Mazda MX-5 and Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe.* Both versions of the
facelifted MX-5 been refined for an even purer experience of Jinba
Ittai—the unique feeling of oneness between driver and car that has
distinguished the MX-5 since its inception.
Since launching the first-generation MX-5 in 1989, Mazda has stuck to the
concept that driving enjoyment is the key value offered by the MX-5. Through two
full redesigns and countless improvements, we’ve continued to heighten and
improve the MX-5’s Jinba Ittai-focused “lots of fun” character. We
expanded the MX-5’s appeal to an even broader audience in 2006 with the launch
of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe. As demands for safety and environmental
compatibility have grown amid major changes in the automotive environment, we’ve
continued to incorporate new technologies and innovations without compromising
the MX-5’s inherent lightness.
With the latest MX-5 facelift, we set out to combine an enhanced Jinba
Ittai feeling with revisions that would further cement the MX-5’s
reputation as the most enjoyable lightweight two-seat sports car in the world.
With the design, we retained the well-known friendly facial expression while
incorporating elements of Mazda’s latest design themes for a dynamic, athletic
look that embodies the MX-5’s function and purpose as a sports car. With the
Roadster Coupe, we strongly emphasized a premium identity in the look and feel
of the body and cabin.
With regard to dynamic performance, we enhanced characteristics that appeal
to the emotions yet cannot be expressed in terms of catalogue specifications.
For example, we optimized the engine potential for greater enjoyment, created a
sportier engine sound that responds more crisply to accelerator inputs, and
realized a brisk, high-quality steering feel that gives a more linear response
to movements of the steering wheel. And at the same time, we enhanced the MX-5
in terms of comfort, convenience, fuel economy, and safety.
MX-5 Programme Manager Takao Kijima says: “Although the kind of driving
experience that people find enjoyable in a lightweight sports car never really
changes, maintaining it in a vehicle that must also meet the continually
changing demands of society is a daily challenge for Mazda engineers, and a
particularly vital mission with the MX-5. Speaking as the engineer in charge of
MX-5 development, I’m convinced that the MX-5 is—and will remain—more enjoyable
than any competing car. I’m delighted that the new MX-5 and the newly evolved
Jinba Ittai fun that it offers will soon be thrilling customers who
already embrace the MX-5 philosophy, and those who are about to encounter the
MX-5 for the first time.”
*The version with a retractable hard top has various names according to
market. In Europe, it’s called the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. In North America,
it’s called the Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top. And in Japan, it’s called
the Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top.
Heritage
Worldwide Acclaim and More than 850,000 Units of
Production
The MX-5 has enjoyed worldwide popularity since its
first-generation debut in 1989. Indeed, it is recognized by Guinness World
Records as the world’s highest-selling two-seat convertible sports car in
history. Since the launch of the third-generation model, the MX-5 has won more
than 175 accolades including the 2005–2006 Japan Car of the Year award;
Wheels magazine’s 2005 Car of the Year award; Top Gear magazine’s Roadster of the Year 2005 award; a place in Car and Driver magazine’s 2006 Ten Best Cars list; and selection by Consumer Reports as the best 2008 car in the “fun to drive” category. Aggregate MX-5
production stood at 852,682 units at the end of July 2008, which looks set to be
recognized again by Guinness World Records as the highest-ever
production volume for a two-seat convertible sports car.
MX-5’s “Lots of Fun” Character
The “lots of fun”
character conceived by Mazda for the MX-5 encompasses several kinds of fun: the
fun of driving it, the fun of seeing its great styling, the fun of personalizing
it, the fun of using it to get together with friends, and the fun of owning and
using the MX-5 on a day-to-day basis. And underpinning this “lots of fun”
character is the feeling that Mazda calls Jinba Ittai.
An Uncompromising Focus on Lightness
In the
third-generation MX-5’s development, Mazda engineers pursued the ‘gram’ strategy
(a programme of weight minimization on a component-by-component basis), used
cutting-edge technologies to make the body light and rigid, and adopted
materials that were stronger and lighter than those used in the
second-generation MX-5. As a result, they were able to limit the overall weight
increase to just 10 kg (22 lb) and enhance performance at the same time. With
the latest facelift, the development team adopted new mechanicals and equipment
throughout the MX-5 but again kept the overall weight increase to an absolute
minimum. The MX-5’s ideal 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and the reduced
yaw-inertia moment achieved by Mazda with the third-generation MX-5 are totally
uncompromised.
Design
A Newly Evolved Look that’s Functional and Instantly Recognizable
Design and craftsmanship, which are encompassed, respectively, by
the “styling” and “touching” categories in the fishbone chart, are particularly
crucial to a sports car since they’re the main source of the car’s “fun to own”
and “fun to use” characteristics. They must complement and underpin the car’s
functionality. With the latest MX-5 facelift, the development team incorporated
elements of Mazda’s newest design themes while carefully carrying forward
the simple and instantly recognizable personality that Mazda established with
the first-generation MX-5. The updated exterior styling reflects an evolution
toward greater dynamism and athleticism, and it contributes to superior
aerodynamic performance. The updated interior design realizes significantly
enhanced quality and a more functional, driver-friendly sports-car cockpit.
Exterior Design: A Fusion of New Mazda Elements and an Unmistakable
MX-5 Look
The front grille has been enlarged and
changed from an oval shape to the five-point grille that forms part of the
well-known Mazda family face. Combined with tautly styled headlights and flowing
fog-lamp bezels, the new grille creates a refined and athletic expression. To
preserve the character that has always been a hallmark of the MX-5, the five
points of the grille are slightly rounded. Also, the new shape of the front
bumper, with corners that extend downwards, enhances the dynamic look and
improves the aerodynamics.
Viewed from the side, newly designed side sills form a character line that
flows to the rear bumper in a way that emphasizes speed and stability. The
reshaped side sills deflect air away from the rear wheels, and thereby
contribute to superior aerodynamic performance.
The rear bumper has a new
design that makes the rear look wider, sportier, and more integrated into the
body. The rear combination lamps inherit the traditional MX-5 elliptical motif,
and protrude further outboard for greater aerodynamic efficiency.
The Roadster Coupe’s more Upscale Identity
The MX-5
Roadster Coupe, which features a groundbreaking powered roof system, also
incorporates several design changes that further emphasize its more upscale
identity and distinguish it from the soft-top version.
Front grille: Whereas the soft-top version has a fin-type
grille, the Roadster Coupe has a mesh grille that is framed by a chrome
ring.
Headlamp inner bezels: The
headlamp inner bezels are painted silver on the soft-top version, but have a
chrome finish on the Roadster Coupe.
Fog-lamp
inner bezels: The fog lamp inner bezels are black on the soft-top
version, but are painted silver on the Roadster Coupe.
Outer door handles: The outer door handles are body-coloured on
the soft-top version, but have a chrome finish on the Roadster
Coupe.
High-mounted stop lamp: The
high-mounted stop lamp has a red lens on the soft-top version, but a clear lens
on the Roadster Coupe.
New Wheel Designs
The MX-5 is available with 16-inch and
17-inch aluminium wheels. The 16-inch wheels have five sets of twin spokes for a
lightweight look. The 17-inch wheels have 10 twisted spokes for a stronger
impression of power and dynamism.
Interior Design: Higher Than Ever Quality and
Driver-Friendliness
The interior design delivers the MX-5’s
traditional combination of comfortable snugness below shoulder level and
openness above shoulder level. It also reflects customer feedback in the form of
enhanced quality and driver-friendly features.
The decorative surfaces on the
instrument panel have been changed from glossy piano black to dark silver, which
has a subtler, higher-quality look befitting a sports car. The meters have new
graphics for higher legibility. The climate-control dials on the centre stack
have each been given a silver-coloured ring for a higher-quality look. A
protrusion has been eliminated from the outer surface of each door pocket to
create more leg space. And the door and centre-console armrests have each been
given a soft pad for a better feel.
Recaro seats designed exclusively for the
MX-5 are available in certain regions. They are upholstered in leather and
perforated Alcantara® for a sporty look, and they combine excellent support with
easy ingress and egress.
Colour Variations
The MX-5 for Europe has a lineup of
seven body colours including two new choices: Aluminium Metallic (a mix of
sportiness and refinement) and Metropolitan Grey Mica. The soft top is black.
Non-Recaro seats in the MX-5 for Europe are upholstered with black fabric or
with black or Dune Beige (not available in Europe) leather depending on grade.
The leather and perforated Alcantara® on the Recaro seats have a black-based
two-tone colour scheme. The full lineup of body colours is as
follows:
Aluminium Metallic (new)
Metropolitan Grey Mica
(new)
Sunflower Yellow (new; not available in Europe)
Copper Red
Mica
Stormy Blue Mica
True Red
Brilliant Black
Marble White
(soft-top version only)
*Alcantara® is a Registered Trademark owned by
Alcantara S.p.A
Dynamic Performance
Evolved Jinba Ittai for Enhanced Fun-To-Drive
The Jinba Ittai feeling on which Mazda has always focused with the
MX-5 defines the kind of spontaneous car-and-driver interaction that anyone can
experience whether they’re driving the MX-5 in town, on twisty roads, or on an
open highway. With the latest facelift, Mazda engineers evolved the attributes
in the “driving”, “cornering”, “braking”, and “listening” categories in the
fishbone chart to realize performance that lets drivers enjoy the feeling of
oneness with the car to an even greater degree.
A 500 rpm Higher Rev Limit Maximizes Engine Potential for Greater
Enjoyment
The powertrain has been enhanced to enable the driver to
enjoy the full potential of the engine’s performance (a key “fun to drive”
aspect of the MX-5). Specifically, the speed at which the engine delivers
maximum power has been raised from 6,700 rpm to 7,000 rpm (2.0-litre M/T
version) and the rev limit has been raised from 7,000 rpm to 7,500 rpm (all
2.0-litre versions). Without these enhancements, the engine feels smooth and
linear right up to the rev limit, even with the throttle wide open. With them,
however, the driver can really experience the sensation of extracting every
single horsepower out of the engine (the enhancements described here apply to
the 2.0-litre grades with a manual transmission). The crucial 500 rpm increase
in the rev limit is enabled by greater precision in the engine, namely: a forged
crankshaft (this ensures the required rigidity at high engine speeds), fully
floating pistons and newly designed valve springs.
A Sportier Engine Sound that Responds More Crisply to Accelerator
Inputs
The engine sound (a key element in the “listening” category
of the MX-5 fishbone chart) is a big part of the sports car experience. With the
latest facelift, Mazda engineers made the great MX-5 engine sound even better
without causing aural discomfort for people outside the car. Notably, they
increased the rigidity of the plastic surge tank in the intake manifold. The
optimized surge tank combines with the new forged crankshaft to realize a
clearer engine sound throughout the rev range. In vehicles with the six-speed
manual transmission, the engineers also adopted a newly developed device called
an Induction Sound Enhancer (ISE). This amplifies the pulses that occur when an
accelerator input opens the throttle valve to increase air flow into the engine,
thereby delivering a more exciting sound to the cockpit. The intake sound
created by the ISE feels synchronized with the driver’s accelerator inputs, so
the driver enjoys a crisp, thrilling engine sound even when using the
accelerator pedal gently to adjust the revs for a downshift.
Newly Evolved and Refined Transmissions
With the
six-speed manual transmission, the meshing surfaces of the 1st–4th triple-cone
synchronizers are now carbon coated, and the 3rd–4th synchronizer diameter has
been increased. These improvements enable smoother shifts up to the engine’s
heightened rev limit of 7,500 rpm.
A six-speed Activematic automatic transmission that’s newly available with
the MX-5 for Europe incorporates two new control technologies. One is Direct
Activematic (DAM), which allows the driver to quickly change gears using paddles
on the steering wheel while still driving in the “D” range. It was developed to
enable quick downshifts for three common situations: decelerating using engine
braking on a downhill road; accelerating after decelerating into a corner; and
overtaking another vehicle. (The driver does not need to select the “M” range
before shifting down.) Since Direct Activematic enables engine braking and
acceleration more quickly and easily, it makes driving easier and more fun. The
other new technology is Active Adaptive Shift (AAS), by means of which the
transmission control system evaluates the driving situation from factors such as
the road’s gradient and twistiness and the accelerator and brake inputs. When
the system recognizes enthusiastic driving, it actively promotes upshifts and
downshifts to realize a linear and sporty response that matches the driver’s
intentions.
Handling that Further Heightens the Jinba Ittai Feeling
The MX-5 development team also heightened the Jinba
Ittai feeling by comprehensively refining attributes in the category that’s
called “cornering” on the fishbone chart. A key refinement was made to the front
suspension knuckles. The ball joints’ vertical pivot position was changed to
reduce the height of the front roll centre by 26 mm. This decreased fluctuations
in the vertical loading on the outer wheel during cornering manoeuvres.
Consequently, roll movements caused by steering inputs feel more natural and the
car’s response to steering inputs is more linear. In combination with newly
tuned suspension components, the revision improves the Jinba Ittai steering feel whereby the driver can precisely trace desired lines. It also
realizes a higher-quality ride by making the yaw and roll feel more natural.
An Athletic Design that Heightens Aerodynamic
Performance
To improve handling stability, quietness, and high-speed
fuel economy, the MX-5 development team drew on Mazda’s expertise in
incorporating aerodynamic improvements into styling that’s faithful to a design
theme. The main aerodynamic improvements are as follows:
air
guides that protrude downward from the left and right corners of the front
bumper
a cover over the lower opening in the front bumper
(Europe-specification vehicles, except some specific markets)
protruding rear combination lamps
wider front tyre
deflectors
As a result of these improvements, both the soft-top version and Roadster
Coupe have top class aerodynamics for their class.
Comfort and Utility
A Quieter Ride in the Roadster Coupe
Given the Roadster
Coupe’s more upscale positioning, the development team produced a quieter ride
by reducing wheel resonance and adding damping and sound-insulating materials,
such as urethane filling in the front suspension crossmember and damping
material in the front part of the roof. Thanks to these improvements, road noise
in the cockpit on a coarse road surface with the roof closed is 2.1dB lower than
before. Quietness is further promoted in the Roadster Coupe and soft-top version
by stiffer door modules and by newly added reinforcements on the No. 2
crossmember.
New Equipment for Comfort and Convenience
Bose® sound system (optional): New features such as a six
channel equalizer (with separate channels for the woofers and the door-mounted
mid-to-high frequency speakers) achieve clearer, more dynamic sound
reproduction.
AUX jack: Third-party audio
devices can be connected to the car’s audio system. There is also a 12V power
socket.
Bluetooth telephone system (optional): Hands-free communication is possible without even having to physically
plug in Bluetooth-capable mobile telephones. The driver can make and accept
calls using voice commands or controls mounted on the steering
wheel.
Improved seat heaters (optional):
Shorter warmup times are complemented by five levels of adjustability (as
opposed to the previous on/off control) for greater comfort.
Storage for small items: The divider that forms cupholders in
the centre-console can be removed to create a handy box for small items. There
is also a net pocket on each door.
Ecology and Safety
Enhanced Environmental Performance for Greater
Enjoyment
Mazda regards efforts to reduce fuel economy and exhaust
emissions not only as a vital way to protect the environment but also as a way
to make sports cars more fun to drive.
With the latest MX-5 facelift, Mazda
engineers addressed fuel economy by reducing the rolling resistance of the
tyres, reducing engine friction, and revising the transmission gear ratios.
Lower exhaust emissions were achieved through upgraded precious metals in the
catalytic converter. The MX-5’s improved emission performance complies with
Japan’s SU-LEV standard, the European Union’s Stage 4 standard, and the United
States’ ULEV2 standard.
To promote eco-driving, the digital display on the
instrument panel can show the average fuel consumption (The display can be
toggled between average fuel consumption, a double tripmeter, and the outside
air temperature.)
Rigorous Attention to Safety
Improved active safety on
the European MX-5 is realized by expanded availability of a tyre pressure
monitoring system and by more models featuring Dynamic Stability Control as
standard equipment.
The MX-5 facelift will be introduced on the European market in early spring
2009.
Major Specifications: Mazda MX-5 for Europe (1)
Dimensions |
Overall length |
4,020 mm |
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Overall width |
1,720 mm |
|
Overall height |
1,245 mm （RHT 1,255mm） |
|
Wheelbase |
2,330 mm |
|
Tread (front/rear) |
1,490 mm/1,495 mm |
|
Seating capacity |
2 persons |
|
Engines |
Type |
MZR 1.8L I4 DOHC 16-valve
MZR 2.0L I4 DOHC
16-valve |
|
Max. output (target) |
1.8L: 93kW (126PS) / 6,500 rpm
2.0L with MT: 118kW (160PS) /
7,000 rpm
2.0L with AT: 118kW (160PS) / 6,700 rpm |
|
Max. torque (target) |
1.8L: 167Nm /4,500 rpm
2.0L: 188Nm /5,000 rpm |
|
Bore x stroke |
1.8L: 83.0 mm x 83.1 mm
2.0L: 87.5 mm x 83.1 mm |
|
Transmissions |
Type |
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed
Activematic |
|
Steering |
Type |
Rack and pinion |
|
Suspension |
Type (front/rear) |
Double wishbone/multilink |
|
Brakes |
Type (front/rear) |
Ventilated disc/solid disc |
| Tyres and
wheels |
Tyres |
16”: 205/50R 16 (front/rear)
17”: 205/45R 17
(front/rear) |
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|
Wheels |
16”: 16x6 1/2J (front/rear)
17”: 17x7J
(front/rear) |
(1) Data subject to homologation
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