Autoblog

Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 live from Chicago

As we told you last week, the Miata is turning 20 this year and Mazda is celebrating with a little nip and tuck. Sure it's called the MX-5 now, and sure 20 isn't that old in people years, but seeing as how the Mazda3 has already gone loopy with that big goofy grin, it was only a matter of time before the MX-5 had its own makeover. With more than 800,000 of these modern affordable roadsters on the streets, the Miata has cemented itself atop the sports car pantheon. For 2009 Mazda has added more horsepower but not at the expense of fuel economy. The 2.0L engine gets a bump from 166 to 168 hp, with mileage that Mazda has promised will be higher than the 2008 model's 22/27. Not content to leave well enough alone, Mazda even tweaked the MX-5's already crisp suspension. Looks like plenty of reasons to smile to us. Check out the gallery to see live shots of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 from the Chicago Auto Show and hit the jump to read Mazda's press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20

Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mazda

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster

What Mazda has called a "refresh" is actually a seriously thorough tweaking of the MX-5's mechanics and aesthetics. Outside the rag top, known as the Roadster in Japan where it's just gone on sale, gets a smaller version of the smile we've seen on the Mazda3, new alloy wheels, a stronger character line and three new colors. Inside it gets new gauges, more supportive seats and a new MX-5-specific BOSE system. And underneath the hood, the engine gets a higher redline, the automatic transmission gets a couple of new modes, and manual gearbox just gets more refined and the front end has been lowered. And those changes represent just the tips of many icebergs. One thing we can all be thankful Mazda hasn't changed about the MX-5 is its Jinba Ittai. That's Japanese for "rider and horse as one." Who knew? Follow the jump for the exhaustive press release and check out the high-res gallery of Mazda's new Roadster below.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster

Continue reading Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan

Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mazda

CAR magazine has gotten an opportunity to try out the refresh of the MX-5, which has left them impressed enough to say it's "still the best car Mazda makes." There's nothing revelatory coming for 2009, just more consistent refinement of a winning formula. The biggest change is a bit of rhinoplasty that adds more of the family nose to the MX-5's visage. The headlamps have taken on a shape that echoes the car's siblings the 3 and the 6. Grille openings, and the shape of the front airdam, call to mind the RX-8, and new sill extensions stretch between the wheels. The tweaking adds a whiff more aggression to the convertible's look, which some have found effeminate in the past.

Rather than get caught up in the recent massive horsepower war, Mazda's been careful to maintain the MX-5's stellar chassis manners that allow drivers to make the most of the horsepower with the car's penchant for serving up handling enjoyment. There have been refinements to the hardware: the transmission now has shorter throws, and the engine gets a forged crank connected to new pistons, and a new valvetrain also helps orchestrate a power peak 300 rpm higher, now at 7,000, and redline bumps out to 7,500. For those that don't want to shift themselves, there's a six speed automatic, and the front suspension has been revised to improve steering feel and action. The MX-5 has evolved from an MGB throwback to a classic in its own right. Now, if they'd just make a proper fixed-head version. Thanks for the tip, Nguyen Ta!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

[Source: CAR]

CAR gets way early first drive of Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5

We finally had the opportunity to check out the 2009 Mazda MX-5 in person, and despite the tweaks being minor, we like what we see.

This is one of those instances where the press pics don't do it justice. It's difficult to see the RX-8-inspired revisions to the front end, but on closer inspection, the new headlamps, five-point air dam and blistered arches all flow effortlessly into its predecessors lines. Out back, the redesigned taillamps are easy to miss, but we'll be the first to say we prefer the outgoing models red lenses.

More importantly, the 2009 model gets an extra 500 rpm before redline, new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels and an upgraded gearbox that has new carbon-coated synchronizers for easier, smoother shifts. Additionally, the front suspension knuckles and roll center have been revised to provide even more steering feel and a more confident ride.

Sales are set to begin in Europe towards the middle of next year, with North American sales beginning shortly thereafter. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Continue reading Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5

Paris 2008: 2009 Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Mazda

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]

2009 Mazda MX-5 details and images leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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