Chicago Preview: 2009 Mazda MX-5 will say hey to USA
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 (JDM)
With over 800,000 copies sold during its 20-year lifespan, the Mazda MX-5 is the king of all roadsters. When the miniature Mazda hit the scene in 1989 as the Miata, Mazda gave it impeccable balance and precision. In the interim, the MX-5 has continued to evolve, and Mazda is looking to make even more magic for 2009. The new roadster will receive more horsepower, better fuel economy, and an updated aesthetics. The lightweight MX-5 is more about driving characteristics than outright power, so Mazda only increased output from the 2.0L engine from 166 to 168 hp. While the extra two ponies isn't going to set the track on fire, Mazda promises an improvement over the 2008 model's 22/27 fuel economy. Mazda also tweaked the MX-5's already sweet suspension for even tighter handling characteristics and made minor changes to the front and rear fascias. The 2009 MX-5 will also receive updates to the interior, colors, and available packages, and will debut in North American-spec at the Chicago Auto Show. Hit the jump to read Mazda's press release.
Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster
Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 LIVE
PRESS RELEASE
IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda's timeless roadster, the MX-5 Miata, races into the 2009 Chicago Auto Show with a refreshed exterior, enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency. Mazda will showcase the 2009 MX-5 along with a historical collection of early model-year Miatas and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 four-door sedan and five-door models.
Launched in 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small two-seat roadster that was spirited, fun-to-drive and unlike anything else available at the time. Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted. Twenty years later, and with more than 800,000 models sold so far around the world, the MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling two-seat roadster.
"The MX-5 Miata has been true to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy since rolling off the assembly line 20 years ago," said Tim Barnes, director, Product Development. "Long before Zoom-Zoom became one of the most recognizable slogans around, Mazda designed Miata to epitomize the 'emotion of motion' concept on which Zoom-Zoom is based, and our worldwide sales are a real testament to Miata's DNA and spirit."
The 2009 MX-5 produces 167-hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perfect balance has always been a hallmark of the car, and the new model's suspension revisions make it an even better mountain road dance partner. In addition, updates to front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, package changes and new interior and exterior colors keep MX-5 as fresh today as it was 20 years ago.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Shipey 9:03AM (1/30/2009)
Honda kills their roadster.
Mazda upgrades theirs.
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Kattleox 9:28AM (1/30/2009)
Here's to 20 years. I'm hoping for 20 more.
MemphisNET 9:33AM (1/30/2009)
Amen, great car, fantastic handling, fast in the corners. Buddy of mine bought a MazdaSpeed version of the car and it's fantastic.
Mobius_1 9:35AM (1/30/2009)
"Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted."
lol @ Honda...
Ken Stamper 12:22PM (1/30/2009)
Yes, I am vexed. I know the economy is in the tank and all, but it seems wrong that a company like Honda does not have a real hardcore driver's car in the lineup. NSX? gone. S2000? gone. Integra/RSX Type-R? gone. Prelude Si? gone. Meanwhile, Mazda has two great RWD sports cars.
C'mon Honda, we need more than the Civic Si!
Rev 4:08PM (1/30/2009)
I think it makes sense that Honda stopped making performance cars, especially if the money is in economical vehicles and SUVs. The SI is a decent handling econobox, if a bit overpriced, but I don't think it will be missed. The world of car enthusiasts will get along just fine if Honda dropped the SI and Toyota dropped the Corola S. Though it would be nice to see some other companies try competing with Mazda's stylistic and sporty offerings. Between the MS3, MX-5 and RX-8 I have to give some props to Mazda for still making fun to drive cars.
There's too many other options and Honda/Toyota can focus on the econo-battle supreme...
innoc3nt 1:37AM (1/31/2009)
@Rev
Corolla S shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. I own one, and it's basically just an ordinary Corolla with sporty trim. No altered mechanicals. Perhaps you meant the Corolla XRS, which is comparable to a Civic Si.
Speaking of Honda, this new Miata looks a LOT like a rounder S2000, doesn't it? At least in the front.
Dude 9:13AM (1/30/2009)
Looks better, but it's still not as good as the Pontiac Solstice.
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Sea Urchin 9:23AM (1/30/2009)
Sky/Solstice seem to be much bigger and Miata offers power hard top.
Gomi 10:42AM (1/30/2009)
HAHAHA! good one.
BluePariah 11:33AM (1/30/2009)
Not to mention the Solstice is about 500 pounds heavier...
Manual Trans Curb Weight:
Solstice: 2965~ lbs with the 173hp 2.4L
MX-5 Miata: 2475~ lbs with the 168hp 2.0L
That makes a big difference with only 5 extra HP. I also find it amusing that the 260hp 2.0L in the Solstice GXP gets 3mpg highway better than the 2.4L in the base. Ouch.
Jay 11:54AM (1/30/2009)
@BluePariah
and all that weight still hasn't stopped the Solstice from giving the MX-5 nightmare's at tracks all over the place, kinda funny in that respect.
BluePariah 12:19PM (1/30/2009)
@ Jay
Could very well be true. I make no claims as to its prowess at the track, just pointing out the different specs. "Not as good" is a pretty subjective claim, just trying to add a bit of objectivity. I would say, though, that we should also keep in mind that there's no GXP version of the Miata. At least some of those track nightmares might be attributed to the that model...
ken_aisin 9:16AM (1/30/2009)
Once again, say "cheese"!! Times are tough, but the new Mazda models do know how to put a smile on the face ;)
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nighttime__ 11:08AM (1/30/2009)
please! it's nowhere near as bad as the mazda 3 that thing should have had a star role in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas.
Affalterbach 11:47AM (1/31/2009)
I think that Mazda being a comparatively small company works in their favor.
They don't bother chasing lofty sales set by Toyota/Nissan/Honda. As a result they can afford to be more driver-focused than anyone.
Name any budget-car maker that has 2 RWD sports models? for less than $30k.
Level 5 9:16AM (1/30/2009)
Do want. Well.. in summer, do want. In winter, do want car cover or garage, followed by a Subaru Legacy.
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phez 12:36PM (1/30/2009)
hear hear!
Sam 9:30AM (1/30/2009)
This is a great car ! Mazda has managed to improve and add tweaks to the MX-5 over time. It is no wonder why this car still manages to attract a strong following of enthusiasts over time..
Granted, the MX-5 is NO Porsche when it comes to speed and whatnot. This is simply a car that has envolved over time by keeping the 'formula' simple and adhereing to the simple principles of the orginial British roadster.............
The car looks good with the new improvements and enhancesments. But the real test of time will come in 2011 when the next generation MX-5 is released 9 (ND) ........
Happy Motoring !
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Mobius_1 6:23PM (1/30/2009)
"This is a great car ! Mazda has managed to improve and add tweaks to the MX-5 over time. It is no wonder why this car still manages to attract a strong following of enthusiasts over time.."
So it is a Porsche 911, then? :)