2019 most power miata yet

[masraum]

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/a21719317/mazda-confirms-2019-miata-gets-more-power-higher-redline/

It almost makes me wish I was in the market, but I’ll stick with my boxster.

The new miata (genreation referred to as ND) was a return to roots miata. It had a 2.0L w/155hp. They wanted to go all the way bakc to the roots with a 130HP 1.5L that was re-engieered for the miata for higher revs than the other cars that were getting the 1.5L, but they were told that the US market needed more power so at the last minute they threw in a 2.0L. Well, that 2.0L hadn’t had the same sort of massage as the 1.5 to make give it the fun, free-reving character because it was a last minute change. Well, they have apparently gotten around to that massage and that massage has bumped the power up so that this motor is the most powerful yet, including having a 3hp advantage (181 vs 178) over the 2004/05 Mazdaspeed miata that I used to have and Tobra is still driving.

As we previously reported, the Miata's Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter motor is being bumped up to 181 horsepower at 7000 RPM. Maximum torque also sees a bump with a rating of 151 lb-ft at 4000 RPM and an improved torque curve according to Mazda. Although it only sees a three lb-ft increase over the current model, the torque peak comes 600 RPM sooner, so it should make the car feel much peppier as it goes through the gears.

Part of the power increase is thanks to the motor being able to spin higher—the redline has been increased from 6800 RPM to 7500. The internal changes to support this match what we reported last week and include significant weight reductions to the pistons and connecting rods, along with changes to the valvetrain. Mazda confirms that the engine breathes better thanks to increased valve opening angles and valve lift height along with increases in the diameter of the exhaust manifold piping. The combination of these modifications results in a 30 percent reduction in pumping losses.

The fuel system has also been improved with new high-diffusion injectors that send fuel to the combustion chamber at a higher pressure. The upgraded injectors allow for better fuel atomization with improved tumble and swirl characteristics, which contributes to the improved torque curve. The improvement in diffusion is also significant, as optimization to the diffusion flame usually improves efficiency—which allows for more power without having to saddle the car with a heavier catalyst. Like the Japanese model we reported about last week, the US model finishes off the changes with a new exhaust system which puts out a richer sound according to Mazda.

Adding features to a car often results in weight gain, but Mazda claims a mere seven-pound increase to the Miata's curb weight after making all of these changes. This was accomplished by various strategies including using lighter materials when necessary, like switching materials from steel to aluminum in certain components of the new telescoping steering column.

[Jims5543]

Put a freaking turbo rotary in it!! Make is a tribute car or special addition model or something.

Just drop a Turbo Rotary in one for god sake.

Or else I will do it myself.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Jims5543

Put a freaking turbo rotary in it!! Make is a tribute car or special addition model or something.

Just drop a Turbo Rotary in one for god sake.

Or else I will do it myself.

Miatas have been around since 1989. If you go hang out on the miata board, you'll see lots of folks "why no rotary?" I think, IIRC, it's because the rotary just doesn't fit that well, just like some other motors that folks have thought would fit well. I can't remember, maybe the rotary is too long? I think the new motor would be tons of fun. I think it would also be a lot of fun to have one of the LSx engine swap cars.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I thought pretty hard about an ND but ended up with an RX8 R3. In a few years when the 2019 RF models are getting cheap used I’ll probably take a serious look.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by masraum

Miatas have been around since 1989. If you go hang out on the miata board, you'll see lots of folks "why no rotary?" I think, IIRC, it's because the rotary just doesn't fit that well, just like some other motors that folks have thought would fit well. I can't remember, maybe the rotary is too long? I think the new motor would be tons of fun. I think it would also be a lot of fun to have one of the LSx engine swap cars.

They are tiny engines, but they get lousy gas mileage and are hard to make emissions compliant. Mazdas new ''Skyactive'' engine technology is about increasing power output while retaining or increasing fuel efficiency.

While they were able to make a good rotary engine, Mazda was never able to get good fuel economy or longevity out of them.

[BK911]

Powerful miata?
Is that like jumbo shrimp?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by BK911

Powerful miata?
Is that like jumbo shrimp?

181 horsepower? That's on a par with a 2.2 911S...so with it's low weight, this Miata should scoot well enough while being a blast in the twisties.

Probably a little cramped for my frame. I looked at a 370Z before going Mustang...I could sorta fit, but knew I'd be in agony after 100 miles. Funny how comfort becomes a priority one you've made it past 70 trips around the sun.

[masraum]

I'm over 6'1" and when I owned my miatas I was 200-215#. I usually were a 34-36" inseam pant. I never had a problem fitting in a miata. I've given rides in my miata and my boxster to guys that were more like 6'3" - 6'5" and 330-370#. They didn't fit well in either car.

[Dantilla]

Until last year I lived in a semi-rural area with hilly, curvy roads, sparse traffic, and little to no law enforcement.

Nothing more fun than the early Miata with the tiny 1.6 putting out 115hp, as I could use all 115, all the way up to 7000rpm. Far more entertaining than a high-horsepower car where you can step on the gas for only a few seconds before being silly dangerous on public roads.

More fun to drive a slow car fast than drive a fast car slowly.

[Dantilla]

...And the secret to fitting my 6'-1" in a Miata? Remove the sun visors.

When I first sat in a Miata, I said it would never work, as the sun visors are right in front of my eyes. Take the visors out, take a bit of seat foam out, and the early Miata is truly one of the all-time great cars.

[aschen]

really like the new miata er mx5. It finally has decent power. The low reving motor from the last couple years was a bit of a head scratcher. Now that everything is turbo-4 I wonder if they will ever do a mazdaspeed version again.

40k sounds like a lot for a sporty optioned retractable hardtop, since it is exactly what I paid for my exige with 40 more hp and 500 lbs less weight with 10k miles on it (new / used is not fair comparison I know). Hopefully they will depreciate fast and you can get a nice one for 20ish K in a few years.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by masraum

I'm over 6'1" and when I owned my miatas I was 200-215#. I usually were a 34-36" inseam pant. I never had a problem fitting in a miata. I've given rides in my miata and my boxster to guys that were more like 6'3" - 6'5" and 330-370#. They didn't fit well in either car.

6'1", 234 according to the clinic measure/scales Wednesday past. Still, like I said...comfort. Keep breathing for some more years. I predict you'll gain further understanding.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by masraum

Miatas have been around since 1989. If you go hang out on the miata board, you'll see lots of folks "why no rotary?" I think, IIRC, it's because the rotary just doesn't fit that well, just like some other motors that folks have thought would fit well. I can't remember, maybe the rotary is too long? I think the new motor would be tons of fun. I think it would also be a lot of fun to have one of the LSx engine swap cars.

When I was doing my Miata I also hung around the BBS's, as you say a lot of engine swaps. IIRC the fastest/cheapest way to more horse power was to simply slap a turbo on there. There was one thread where they were installing a V6 (don't remember make or model) but I couldn't see why you would go through all the time and money for a V6 swap when you probably get the LSx so the same $$$.

And lets not forget Monster Miata who were (are?) stuffing Ford V8's into Miata's

[VincentVega]

I really wish I fit better in these, would have one no question. I've read about a honda v6 in one, I'm sure there are many options. Seems like ~220 or so hp would be plenty and make great DD. Hard to beat an LS for price/power but it seems like overkill. I guess thats the point.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

...And the secret to fitting my 6'-1" in a Miata? Remove the sun visors.

When I first sat in a Miata, I said it would never work, as the sun visors are right in front of my eyes. Take the visors out, take a bit of seat foam out, and the early Miata is truly one of the all-time great cars.

OK, yeah, I did both of those things as well. Got rid of the sunvisor and did a foamectomy.

[Geronimo]

If I wasn't such a Porsche fanboi, I would have bought a 1st gen Miata and dropped in a Honda K24 and enjoyed a 240RWHP 2100lb monster. All for less than the cost of a 911 rebuild. LOL

[Tobra]

That Honda V-6 slides in there pretty well too

I am about 5'10" with a 32" inseam, Miata fits me like a tailored suit

It is an LBC that has had the Lucas demons exorcised, with double wishbone independent suspension at every corner. Only downside so far, it is practically invisible, maybe if I plastidip it orange instead of the vanish into the asphalt grey it is painted.

I don't care for the looks of the newest one, though it is certainly a heck of a car