Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Mazda
The Final Word: No Mazdaspeed MX-5
by Damon Lavrinc on Aug 1st 2008 at 7:26PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.
Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then... nothing.
Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda's PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn't a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, "It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head." A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout just wasn't feasible.
Thankfully, in addition to Mazdaspeed's own lineup of suspension and engine components, aftermarket companies are developing their own forced induction systems for the NC MX-5. Cosworth is currently testing a supercharger and Flyin' Miata is a couple months away from releasing its own centrifugal blower.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
James 7:28PM (8/01/2008)
this marks a sad day in the automotive industry :(
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Tad 7:49PM (8/01/2008)
Actually it should be a happy day. As a Mazadaspeed 6 owner, I can truthfully say Mazda should not be allowd to even make cars. My speed6 has been to the dealership with more problems then any of the previous vehicles I've owned combined. Sure its a great, fun to drive car but the reliability and quality just is nowhere to be found!
Al 9:23PM (8/02/2008)
Okay Tad - you want me to back up my comment? How about a 1984 RX-7 @184,000 mi), a 1988 626 @280,000 mi AND a 2001 626, which I still proudly drive daily, with 168,000 miles that still runs like a new car? The most expensive items I've had replaced on any of those cars have been tires, hoses, belts and a compressor on the '88.
So you see, I am not blinded by the shiny Mazda logo, but genuinely satisfied with my near flawless experience with Mazda reliability, with just some regular maintenance in return.
And you can bet for damn sure my next vehicle WILL be a Mazda.
The blinded one is you, by your arrogance.
Ultima 2:08AM (8/03/2008)
Al//
how does a faulty car make him arrogant? Congrats your mazda have lasted long but keep in mind that you are one of the lucky ones..
riskylogic 7:41PM (8/01/2008)
OK, fine. Time for plan B -- drop a Renesis or 16X in there instead.
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gshb 7:41PM (8/01/2008)
f*ck you mazda!
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Torrent 4:49AM (8/03/2008)
The Saturn Sky Redline and Pontiac Solstice GXP will remain the only competitors in the category.....After many letdowns, I've given up on the chance of a MS MX-5....
*sniff*
Fritz 7:46PM (8/01/2008)
Bell Engineering is also working on a turbo setup.
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Darrell 7:48PM (8/01/2008)
i was looking forward to a MS3 engine being crammed into an MX-5. that would've equal the perfect Florida summer car. boooo...
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JD 2:19PM (8/02/2008)
No kidding, I just got an MS3, and it's an incredibly entertaining car. I'd love this motor in the MX5. What a shame, such wasted opportunity. I'll forgive them if they put a turbo 16x in, though. And I'll express my forgiveness by buying one.
Nick 7:52PM (8/01/2008)
Definitely a disappointment, but at the same time, it's not really a major loss. Mazdaspeed already offers a body kit for the NC (which looks fantastic), coil overs, strut and stabilizer bars, intake, exhaust, LSD, along with various interior trim pieces to complete the look. Combine those things with something like the Cosworth blower, and basically you can build your own "Mazdaspeed MX-5" with very little trouble.
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Kristovar 7:53PM (8/01/2008)
If I were a marketer for the Sky Redline or Solstice GXP, I'd be really happy right now.
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riskylogic 8:33PM (8/01/2008)
Since the GXP/Redline is 2L instead of 2.4L, the Sky/Solstice uses turbo to get more HP and better mpg. If Mazda can't cram a 2.3 turbo in there, what about a 2.0T or even a 1.6T. It might not be a track car, but it would be a great RWD commuter.
Jay 9:16PM (8/01/2008)
I doubt it, the turbo kappas have been out for what 2 years? They'd probably forgotten all about the concept of a mazdaspeed miata by now.
sydbot 1:29AM (8/02/2008)
Nah, I'd be super embarrassed at how terrible the power-band and mileage is for the DISI 2.3 turbo is compared to the 2.0L GM motor. For Mazda's sake, I hope the 2.5L DISI turbo is better. Like much better.
Adam Marcello 1:01PM (8/02/2008)
Actually as a GXP owner this is bad news to me. GM has been holding on to a tune upgrade for the GXPs for a while now and without this competition it really lets them back burner it.
Kristovar 7:54PM (8/01/2008)
If I were a marketer for the Sky Redline or Solstice GXP, I'd be really happy right now.
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Travis 8:34PM (8/01/2008)
so wait, an enthusiast can figure out how to shove a 302 V8 from a mustang in there, but Mazda can't figure out how to get the 2.3t in it? lame. more like "holy crap, look at gas prices, falling sales and the depreciating dollar. scratch costly programs, and try to wait out the recession..."
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Mark Ryan 10:50PM (8/01/2008)
This was my thought exactly. Well not exactly. My mind went to LS engines, not Ford motors :)
tankd0g 11:10PM (8/01/2008)
don't forget skyrocketing insurance rates on such toys.