2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked
by Damon Lavrinc on Sep 29th 2008 at 2:01PM 
Click either image for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5
The 2009 Mazda MX-5 leakage continues courtesy of km77, with a host of new images showing the facelifted roadster in both soft- and hard-top guise.
These newest shots show the already revealed and revised front end, pulling a few cues from the RX-8, along with a set of new taillights and a slightly redesigned rear bumper. Engine selections remain unchanged, with buyers abroad able to choose between a 126 hp, 1.8-liter or a 160 hp, 2.0-liter. Inside the 2.0-liter four-pot, the pistons and valve springs have been replaced with lower friction parts and the intake has been revised to provide a slight increase in power along with a more aggressive note.
The six-speed manual is still standard and features new synchronizers to smooth shifts, while a six-speed auto 'box with manumatic shifting will be made available in Europe for the first time. The front suspension geometry has been tweaked to provide more feedback through the steering wheel, low-rolling resistance tires are fitted at all four corners, traction control is standard and new baffles in the front bumper keep aerodynamic drag to a minimum.Both the hard-top and soft-top equipped models benefit from a new layer of sound insulation to reduce wind noise, allowing owners to fully enjoy the Bose stereo and Bluetooth system, along with an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The interior also features new seat heaters that come up to temperature quicker and allow five levels of heat, while two new colors – Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica – join redesigned wheels choices sized 16- or 17-inches. Our friends in Spain can also opt for Recaro seats when they choose the "Sportive" package, and when the new MX-5 debuts this week at the Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to find out if a similar seating option will be available in the States.
Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Leakage
[Source: km77]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dude 2:11PM (9/29/2008)
The way this car is getting hammered on the track by Pontiac, you'd think they would have done more to up the HP and not just give it a bigger smile.
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Red 2:36PM (9/29/2008)
Hammered by Pontiac in what way besides aesthetics? Have you actually driven either of these cars? The Miata proves with just a lift of the soft top why it's still the better car. It's lighter and it feels it, it's quicker, the shifter's absolutely fantastic...I could go on, but then I'd sound like a fanboy.
When it comes to fun-to-drive vehicles, perhaps I am. Also, as for why they didn't stuff the 2.3L in, it wouldn't fit. The vehicle as is, is sound. I can imagine a number of buyers moving from the Sky/Solstice once Mazda decides to infuse the Miata with Furai/Taiki style.
Dude 3:03PM (9/29/2008)
Google Solstice SCCA Championship and see for yourself who's winning on the track.
The Solstice is great car and yes, I've driven both. The Mazda is not a bad car by any means, it's just not as good as the Solstice.
s13hybrid 3:10PM (9/29/2008)
A great little roadster, but the styling is way to funky for me, I am more into the first generation, or second. Now if they did restyle this within the lines of the Furai/Taiki style I would drop everything I am doing and purchase it (if I had the money of course). A mini/cheap/great handling Furai = yes please.
Red 3:14PM (9/29/2008)
I know all about the SCCA standings. However, I'm talking about a stock vehicle with stock settings and stock tires. The Solstice isn't hardly the better vehicle in any regard other than its looks.
But thanks anyway...
Torrent 3:15PM (9/29/2008)
+1
RG 3:25PM (9/29/2008)
I can pretty much guarantee you that a majority of MX-5 owners couldn't care less about the MX-5 lacking behind the Solstice in SCCA events. Most of those wins can be attributed to the massive rubber that you can fit under those cars.
Is their performance in SCCA a feather to put in the Solstice's cap? Yes, but by not means is that enough of a threat to force Mazda into hasty updates to try to "keep up" with the Pontiac.
sl0wp0k3 4:25PM (9/29/2008)
okay...2008 scca solo nationals...top two are mx-5's...
Dude 4:32PM (9/29/2008)
@Red
If you knew all about the SCCA standings, then why did you ask me to explain how the MX-5 was getting hammered on the track?
johncuyle 4:40PM (9/29/2008)
As an owner of a first gen Miata and having driven both the third gen MX-5 and the Solstice back to back I can say without reservation that the Solstice is a better car in every respect except the droptop. The Miata, even with the sport suspension, feels very soft. It's poorly composed in comparison to previous models and certainly is nowhere near as sharp, in stock trim, as the Solstice is. It's not even as well controlled as my stock NA which is in need of fresh shocks.
Additionally, the gearbox appears to have had it's gears selected by someone who never bothered to actually drive the car. The first five are way too close. Fifth should probably be about where sixth is, possibly even slightly higher and sixth should be much higher. Freeway revs are almost no lower than the NA's five speed. They are certainly higher than the Solstice in fifth, and the ratios on the Solstice do not feel like they are too distantly spaced.
The current MX-5 is still a decent little roadster for doing day trips in the country and such but it's nowhere as good a drive as the Solstice is.
AZZO45b 1:10AM (9/30/2008)
The reality for me is... that until I see about 45 Solstices in a series like the SCCA Playboy MX5 Cup... I salute Mazda for giving auto enthusiasts over 2 decades of 2 seater sports car models.
Pontiac's Solstice (& its corp. cousin the Saturn Sky) sold well in their debut year, but both models have been added to GM's give-a way car program. Rumors have popped up from Warren that one of the models will be killed off due to those slowing sales.
I have friends that race Miatas... because of those SCCA racers (solo & numerous race classes) these cars hold excellent resale. We will see if the Solstice & Sky deliver the same perks to their owners.
sam Scherer 2:23PM (9/29/2008)
an improvement, but it could be so much better than this!
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AntBee 2:29PM (9/29/2008)
Mazda, whatever happened to K.I.S.S.? Huh?
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Rev 2:33PM (9/29/2008)
Ackgh!
When's it getting a refresh?
Still looks like a bar of soap with a shoe tongue for a hood. With the mini-shoe tongue for a trunk, the edge creates an unflattering bathtub effect. The Pixar smile doesn't help, either.
Oh well, still a great little car...
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Xcountryflyer 4:21PM (9/29/2008)
The update has definitely improved the look of the MX-5. It definitely was too ovaloid/tubby looking in the front. It is nice to see the glossy black gone from the interior--too reflective in a convertible, although maybe it was gone earlier than this refresh. With the Solstice/Sky headed to the graveyard, this is the only game in town for a reasonable fun convertible. Let's get a MS version though!
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Franz 2:54PM (9/29/2008)
I like it. That black one with the tan interior looks pretty sweet.
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StickShift 2:57PM (9/29/2008)
No direct injection? I guess we're waiting until 2010 for more power and economy, eh?
Also, whats with the low rolling resistance tires? I know efficiency is the new thing, but this a sports car. That implies stick. Looks like owners are going to be stopping at the local tire dealer on the way home from the Mazda dealer.
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Adam Marcello 3:16PM (9/29/2008)
I was thinking the same thing. For a car known for great handling it seems very counterproductive to add low resistance tires, expecially on a car that already achieves great milage.
The old nose was just starting to grow on me. This one looks a bit too cartoonish. Ill stick with my Solstice GXP.
Brian 2:57PM (9/29/2008)
Honestly look like a happy bunny.. i dont dig the happy bunny look
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Steve 3:20PM (9/29/2008)
The Solstice/Sky twins do look cool and may ultimately offer higher performance on a track (especially in turbo-charged versions) but I don't live on a racetrack, I drive on the street. The Miata is simply a much better car to live with on a daily basis. It offers better visibility, a seriously usable trunk, an easier top to put up and down, and nicer interior (than the Solistice, which IMHO, isn't as nice as the Saturn's interior which may be closer to par w/ the Mazda if you don't consider quality).
I recently had a friend take his Sky Redline on a road trip on which I took my Miata. We each had a passenger and he couldn't even carry a small duffle bag with him... it had to go in my trunk with mine! Totally useless... but I'll admit that he was faster. Then again, I had my top down and was out of the parking lot a lot more quickly. ;-)
The new details on the Miata are nice, but certainly not Earth-shattering. I'm frankly a bit surprised that Mazda didn't use this corporate-style grill on the in the first place. The rounded intake on the current car doesn't match anything else in their lineup.
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