[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.