Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/twin-engined-sixteen-cylinder-mazda-mx-5-miata-anyone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda Miata V-16

As far as two-seaters go, they don't get much farther apart than the Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Mazda is as cheap as the Bugatti is expensive, and the Veyron has as many turbochargers - and digits in its output figures - as the Miata has cylinders. But this homegrown example aims to bridge the gap.

Someone, it seems, has stretched out their Miata's wheelbase and fitted a pair of eight-cylinder engines (which is essentially what powers the Bugatti) under the extended hood - or where the hood used to be, anyway. The result, as you can see from the brief clip after the jump, is rather rumblesome. Here's hoping the next vid has a bit more action...

Continue reading Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone?

Twin-engined, sixteen-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, anyone? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Chicago Auto Show and the Mazda MX-5 Miata have quite a history. After all, the very first Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago show, and since then, Mazda has routinely used the Windy City expo to showcase some sort of new roadster hotness.

For 2012, we've been introduced to the MX-5 Special Edition (clever name, we know), which dons a new black power retractable hard top and gunmetal wheels, among other small updates.

Underneath the skin, Mazda has fitted its standard suspension upgrade kit, which includes Bilstein shocks, while inside you'll find black accents and heated black leather seats, along with a full kit of tech options. Pricing starts at $31,225, and only 450 will be sold in the United States. Get it while it's hot.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition shows off its new black hat and shoes

2013 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition shows off its new black hat and shoes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda mx-52012 mazda mx-5 special editionchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showmazdamiatamx-5mx-5 miataWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-chicago-2012/20167019/article-detail.xml 20167019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-1328713405-1328713538_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-mazda-mx-5-special-edition-1328713405-1328713538.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Flashback to 1989, and you'll recall the Mazda debuted the very first Miata under the lights of the Chicago Auto Show. Because of that, Mazda has had a tendency to debut many a special edition Miata at the Chicago expo, and this year will be no different.

Limited to just 450 units here in the Untied States, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition takes the top-trim Grand Touring model a step further with a new black-only power retractable hard top - the first time a non-body colored hard top has been available - as well as new 17-inch gunmetal wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior trim. Two new exterior colors - a special white and red - will be offered, and the car can be had with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda makes no mention of powertrain upgrades for the MX-5 Special Edition, but the normally optional Premium and Suspension packages will come as standard equipment. This means buyers will be treated to goods like Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension. Pricing and detailed specs will be released as part of next week's Chicago festivities, but for now, follow the jump for Mazda's initial press release.

Continue reading Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago

Mazda bringing special edition MX-5 Miata to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mazda mx-5 special editionchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showmazdamiatamx-5special edition miataThu, 02 Feb 2012 15:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/mazda-bringing-special-edition-mx-5-miata-to-chicago/20163223/article-detail.xml 20163223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/miata1-628-1328215523_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/miata1-628-1328215523.jpg <![CDATA[The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

lotus passes miata

Professional racing drivers are a different breed than the rest of us mere mortals. While fear - of dying, of killing or of simply making a fool of yourself - keeps most men and women from pressing their automobiles to the very limits of their capabilities, some people choose instead to embrace the fear, turn it into adrenaline and hit the track.

That includes Barton Mawer, who was chasing down a Lamborghini Gallardo for the overall lead in his Lotus Exige during Australia's Island Magic Enduro 2011 race at Phillip Island. Only one problem: in his path were a pair of slower cars; a Porsche Boxster and the Mazda MX-5 of Team Chapman Racing.

What happened next is the things dreams are made of... or nightmares, depending on which seat you're in.

See for yourself, from both points of view, in the videos pasted after the break.

Continue reading The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige

The art of threading the needle, as demonstrated by a Lotus Exige originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barton mawerclose callexigeisland magic endurolotusmazdamx-5racing videoteam chapman racingthreading the needleTue, 06 Dec 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122206/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/the-are-of-threading-the-needle-as-demonstrated-by-a-lotus-exig/20122206/article-detail.xml 20122206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-passes-miata_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-passes-miata.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mazda-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-super-20-concepts-land-in-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder

Mazda has given SEMA goers something to get excited about with a pair of MX-5 Miata concepts. The MX-5 Miata Spyder Concept has done away with the standard car's folding soft top or retractable hard top mechanism in favor of a lightweight grenadine-red canvas covering à la Porsche's Boxster Spyder. The look lends the already lithe roadster an even more svelte appearance, and the Spyder's 17-inch Advan alloys and Mazdaspeed coilovers ensure that the driver should have plenty of fun when the road turns twisty. Mazda has also rolled in quite a few excellent details, including etched brushed stainless Spyder badging on the front fenders and a clean MX-5 Spyder logo on the passenger-side dash.

While the 2.0-liter MZR four-cylinder underhood looks familiar, Mazda says the MX-5 Spyder runs on isobutanol, the same biofuel that powers in Mazda's/Dyson Racing ALMS car. To further the company's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" effort, the Spyder also has a lightweight lithium ion battery, among other changes.

Does the Spyder have a chance at production? Well, probably not the isobutanol powertrain, but a lighter model with a similar top configuration might have a shot. As Mazda's design director, Derek Jenkins, notes "...because the stock models are extraordinarily versatile, who's to say some elements of these SEMA concepts can't be ready for public consumption?" Sign us up.

The MX-5 Super 20 - which debuted last year - brings more of a motorsports flavor to the convertible. A fixed hardtop has replaced the standard folding mechanism and the interior has been stripped bare in favor of a full roll cage. Additional power comes courtesy of a DPTUNE ECU reflash, a 304-stainless steel header and exhaust. Racing Beat hollow front and rear sway bars, Mazdaspeed coilovers and a Mazdaspeed shock tower brace help lend sharper handling, too.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas

Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder and Super 20 Concepts land in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Truth be told, we find most SEMA concepts to simply be gaudy aftermarket overkill. These two Mazda models, however - now these are something we'd like to sink our teeth into.

Let's start with the MX-5 Miata Spyder concept. The most obvious alteration here is the removal of the stock MX-5's folding soft top (or hard top) for the sake of a stretched canvas roof, similar to the rakish and flying buttressed Porsche Boxster Spyder. That, combined with larger wheels, a lowered stance, aero kit and a revised front fascia make this a Miata we'd definitely want to spend a lot of quality time with. We're already madly in love with the standard car, so making it lighter and improving the dynamics promises to be nothing short of motoring bliss.

Mazda Turbo2 conceptThe second concept is something we've been begging Mazda to create for quite some time, too. The Turbo2 is, according to Mazda, "one of our most powerful turbocharged engines in our lightest platform." That's a recipe for success if we've ever heard one. We can do without the ground effects kit and graphics package, but the thought of a turbocharged engine under the hood of a better-tuned Mazda2 (read: Mazdaspeed2) is a project we're more than willing to get behind.

We'll see both concepts live from Las Vegas next week. For now, feast your eyes on the hotness in our high-res image gallery.

Mazda previews hot MX-5 Miata Spyder and Turbo2 concepts for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 semamazdamazda2mazdaspeedmazdaspeed2miatamiata speedstermiata spydermx-5mx-5 miatasemaspyderturbo2Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20092997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/mazda-previews-hot-mx-5-miata-spyder-and-turbo2-concepts-for-sem/20092997/article-detail.xml 20092997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/miata628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/miata628.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Point. Shoot. Grin.

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Wedging myself into the cockpit of Keith Tanner's 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata turned Targa Newfoundland podium finisher, I'm struck with the realization that most race cars are the automotive equivalent of a pet electric eel. They look fantastic lounging around, and you may even be struck with the impulse to get close, but the reality is that it's only a matter of time before it reaches out and lights you up like a cheap string of Christmas lights. This notion is only underscored when Tanner hands me a set of noise-cancelling headphones with an integrated com system.

"Here. You'll probably want these," he says. "It can get kind of loud in here."

With a 400-horsepower General Motors L33 wedged between the fenders of the poised Miata, it's only a matter of time before the stripped interior resonates with the sound of eight furious cylinders. I ask if there's anything I should know before I hit the ignition. Tanner says no. I'm beginning to suspect he's lying to me.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandfeaturedflyin miataflyin miata targa miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazdamiatamx-5newfoundlandquick spinquickspintannertargatarga miatatarga newfoundlandv8 miatav8 miata conversionMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20087767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/20087767/article-detail.xml 20087767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/mazda-mx-5-miata-gets-black-tuned-for-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/mazda-mx-5-miata-gets-black-tuned-for-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/mazda-mx-5-miata-gets-black-tuned-for-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Black Tuned Roadster

Even the plucky Mazda MX-5 isn't safe from the temptation of a black edition. Mazda has just rolled out a Black Tuned Roadster in Japan, complete with a little more style than your run-of-the-mill convertible. The package is largely aesthetic thanks to the addition of a Brilliant Black retractable hard top roof and door mirrors as well as Gun Metallic 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, both the seats and the steering wheel are covered in black leather with sand-colored contrasting stitching. Mazda is only offering the Black Tuned Roadster in three colors; Spirited Green Metallic, Velocity Red Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. But not... ummm... black.

As befitting a retractable hard top model, the Black Tuned Roadster comes as loaded as they get with standard gear like a Bose sound system and heated front buckets. Mazda isn't saying how many of the models it plans to build, but we do know that base models come with a six-speed manual transmission while a six-speed automatic is also available. Japanese buyers can expect to shell out ¥2,904,762 for the machine (around $37,896 at current conversion rates). Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan

Mazda MX-5 Miata gets Black Tuned for Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.
My helmet has just been crammed into the cross ribs of the roof of our Miata for the third time in less than a kilometer, driving a guttural "OOMPH" from my lungs mid-sentence at the same time. I regain my breath, look from the route book to the kitchen timer that's Velcroed to the rally computer on the dash, and start counting out the seconds on my fingers. My tiny brain is already too overloaded for simple math, and I've reduced myself to elementary school tricks for quick calculations. It's the fifth stage of the fourth day, and the verdict isn't good; we're a far cry from our target time.

"We are 17 seconds slow," I say into the mic, doing my best to stifle any tones of urgency.

"Seventeen seconds? Are you sure?"

The short answer is that no, I'm not sure. For the first time in a full week's worth of time-speed-distance rallying, our time intervals are making no damn sense. We'll pass one and be 25 seconds down only to pass the next and be within five seconds of our target. I'm all kinds of crossed up, but mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.

"I'm sure. Beat on this thing."

Always project confidence.

Continue reading How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]

How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland 2011

Two mistakes. After six days of late nights bent over the route book with calculator in hand, long days of non-stop rallying and lengthy transits, we've covered over 2,200 kilometers, raced 41 stages and made two penalty-worthy mistakes. There simply aren't words to convey the spectrum of emotions that accompanies the Targa Newfoundland, and the Flyin' Miata crew experienced its fair share of highs and lows throughout. While Wednesday saw both teams leading their respective classes, Thursday had nasty surprises in store for both the V8 Roadster and the supercharged NC.

Due to a transcription error, I fouled the finish time for stage 4-5, Garnish. We were supposed to cover the 13.25 kilometers in 8:43; I directed Brandon to the finish in 8:51, which landed us three seconds of time-over penalty plus another four seconds of interim time-control penalties. That seven seconds alone knocked us off of the podium, but the last stage of the day, Marystown North, saw an additional 7 seconds tacked onto our time after we missed the first turn and were forced to turn around.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland

It's a good day to be in the Flyin' Miata camp. As of the conclusion of Day 3 of competition, both the Targa Miata and the Supercharged 2006 MX-5 hold the top position in their respective classes. While Keith and Janel Tanner have managed to sling their 430-horsepower machine through Wednesday's nine stages to take the top slot, Brandon Fitch and I overcame a few small obstacles to zero all of our times through the day. Despite my fat-fingering the egg-timers ahead of the incredibly technical Greenspond stage, we came in just two-seconds outside of dead zero and well within our plus or minus nine-second window.

I also received a front-row showing of Fitch's driving prowess after the car stalled at the start of the third-to-last stage. In a desperate push to make up lost time, the Flyin' Miata engineer pushed the 240-horse Miata to 128 kph through a series of undulating turns. That figure is just two kph shy of our maximum allowable speed. Crossing that barrier brings all sorts of unsavory penalties.

Thursday will bring forth a whole new set of challenges as our window narrows to plus or minus five seconds. While we used today to train ourselves to arrive at the flying finish well within our final day tolerances, fatigue is beginning to set in on both Brandon and I, greatly increasing the chance of a careless error that could cost us our lead. Regardless of how we wrap up on Friday, the fact that we can say that we tied for first across the first three days of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland is a story I'll be blathering at cocktail parties for years.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatamazdamazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5targatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/20043288/article-detail.xml 20043288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin Miata at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland

While I thought that I grasped just how unique and amazing the Targa Newfoundland is in the world of motorsports, the breadth of this event's character didn't hit home until I got here. We spent the majority of yesterday's morning and afternoon tackling stages in and around Gander, a small town about 206 miles north of St. John's. Despite my completely misinterpreting the route book on stage one and a near miss with an time control, we managed to zero every stage and avoid any penalties, but the two final stages of the day presented a challenge that we weren't exactly prepared for.

Though the stages we had covered so far had given me gracious periods of three, four and even five kilometers during which I could insert my own time and distance way points to keep the 2006 Flyin' Miata Mazda MX-5 on course and on time, the last two did not. Both stages took place on the same seven kilometer course that wound through a dense subdivision. That's right, kids. We would be attempting to carry a 57.5 kph (35.7 mph) average through a series of 29 90-degree turns. I would have no more than 300 meters at most to alert Brandon Fitch, my valiant driver, of the direction of and distance to the next turn as well as monitor our time as we passed each instruction.

I'll be honest; I didn't have much hope for our chances.

We lined up, the lights went hot and in a second, we were blurring through the subdivision. With Fitch's help, I was able to glean enough time to glance at our egg timers and equate the figures with our actual distance. We were going to nail it.

We zeroed Gander on the first run and managed a repeat performance for the second pass. As Fitch put it, "This is the most awesome thing. Ever. In the history of the world."

I'm inclined to agree. Our efforts today managed to place us in first for the second day in a row, but with days of 12-hour driving and calculating quickly stacking up, our chances for careless errors are increasing drastically. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on the 2011 Targa Newfoundland site for our times.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatagandermazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/20042186/article-detail.xml 20042186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zach Bowman and Brandond Fitch with Flyin Miata at the Targa Newfoundland

The 2011 Targa Newfoundland is officially underway after three prologue stages on Sunday. As our first real taste of targa competition, the day was instrumental in alerting Brandon Fitch, driver of the number 1680 Flyin' Miata Supercharged Mazda Miata, and myself to the fact that we had no holy clue as to what we were doing.

As a co-driver in the Grand Touring class, it's my job to make sure that we arrive at the flying finish line as close to our target time as humanly possible. Early in the event, we get to enjoy nice, wide 30-second time windows. Later in the week, that gap will narrow to a slender six seconds. During the prologue, we either under- or over-shot our times by as much as 30 additional seconds outside of our window.

Mercy.

What was the problem, you ask? Our rally computer, the infamous Terratrip, seems to have been designed specifically to confound and infuriate. With Brandon doing his best to keep us shiny side up during a stage, I'm trying to call out the distances to the next instruction in descending intervals of 100 meters, the instructions themselves, monitor our time as we arrive at the instruction and hopefully keep an eye on our average speed to tell us whether or not we were close to hitting our time. It didn't work that way.

For starters, the Terratrip seems to have a preference for calculating average speed not from the time that the vehicle begins moving, but from the instant that you turn the machine on. Not helpful. If I cleared the screens in preparation for our start time, the computer began factoring two minutes of zeros into our average speed, rendering a completely useless number.

Keep reading to see how it turned out...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 mazda mx-52011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatamazdamazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5newfoundlandtarga newfoundlandTue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/20041049/article-detail.xml 20041049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-update-3-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-update-3-630.jpg <![CDATA[The Road to Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Bill breaks an arm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-1-bill-breaks-a-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-1-bill-breaks-a-leg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-1-bill-breaks-a-leg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flyin' Miata Nancy

Racing is built on a foundation of tired sayings packed with monumental truths. Recently, few have been more poignant for the crew of the supercharged NC Miata we're set to co-pilot in the 2011 Targa Newfoundland than, "You have to start before you can win." Last week, Bill Cardell, our valiant pilot and part-time lumberjack, wound up accidentally felling an aspen tree on himself while doing some work at a mountain cabin. He's currently awaiting a second set of x-rays to determine just how lengthy his recuperation will be, but either way, he's facing a few long weeks out of the saddle due to a broken humerus. Cardell, while in seemingly good spirits, finds nothing funny about the situation. Needless to say, squeezing into the cockpit of a race car isn't on his doctor's prescription pad, which leaves Nancy and I without a driver.

Brandon FitchIn a moment of solidarity, your author managed to high-side my '82 Kawasaki GPz750 on day one of a two-week motorcycle ride. The next morning, one very haggard ER doctor told me that while my bones were intact, there's a good chance that I've torn my rotator cuff.

"That's bad," I said.

"Yes. It's very bad," he agreed after a pause that conveyed a mix of disdain and admiration for my appreciation of the obvious.

Even so, I've regained much of the movement in my left shoulder, and the pain has subsided to an ever-present dull ache. If I can ride 2,300 miles on the arm, I can sure as hell use it to hold up pace notes. I'll circle back with the medical establishment after our return from Canada.

Meanwhile, Cardell's nephew, Brandon Fitch, will take over the forced-induction Miata's controls. Fitch formerly served as crew chief for both vehicles and has worked with Flyin' Miata for the past five years. As such, he's had plenty of seat time with our car as part of his work in product development, and word has it he's plenty quick to boot.

The race kicks off on September 10, and I've been ordered to stay indoors and intact until then. That's advice I'll likely heed. Our best get-well wishes go out to Cardell as he stitches himself back together.

The Road to Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Bill breaks an arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandbill cardellbrandon fitchflyin miatamiatamx-5mx5targa newfoundlandTue, 23 Aug 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20023965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-1-bill-breaks-a-leg/20023965/article-detail.xml 20023965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/flyin-miata-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/flyin-miata-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda UK's Black edition MX-5 and Mazda2 can be had in any color... as long as it's <i>not</i> black?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mazda-uks-black-edition-mx-5-and-mazda2-can-be-had-in-any-color/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mazda-uks-black-edition-mx-5-and-mazda2-can-be-had-in-any-color/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/mazda-uks-black-edition-mx-5-and-mazda2-can-be-had-in-any-color/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata Black Limited Edition

You'd expect a car labeled Black Edition to actually be, you know...black. Whether it's a Porsche, a Hummer or a Unimog. But then again Mercedes-AMG's top line of performance models are called the Black Series, and you can get those in any color you want. So maybe it's a page out of that playbook that Mazda has taken with its latest special edition.

Mazda's latest specials are available exclusively in the UK, and celebrate the success of the MX-5 GT race car. It's available on both the MX-5 Miata hardtop roadster and the Mazda2 five-door hatch, and while either can be ordered in green, red or white, it's the black trim on everything from the roof to the wheels that sets them apart and gives them their name.

Only 500 examples of the MX-5 Sport Black shown above will be offered, while the Mazda2 Black will give birth to 618 offspring, each packing all the bells and whistles to go along with the darkened trim. Details in the press release after the jump, with images in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Mazda UK's Black edition MX-5 and Mazda2 can be had in any color... as long as it's not black?

Mazda UK's Black edition MX-5 and Mazda2 can be had in any color... as long as it's not black? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black editionblack limited editionmazdamazda mx-5mazda ukmazda2miatamx-5mx5Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20000667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/mazda-uks-black-edition-mx-5-and-mazda2-can-be-had-in-any-color/20000667/article-detail.xml 20000667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mazda-mx-5-miata-black-edition-uk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mazda-mx-5-miata-black-edition-uk.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog to compete in Targa Newfoundland with Flyin' Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flyin Miata 2006 Mazda MX-5

No matter what part of the world you hail from, there's really nothing quite like the Targa Newfoundland. Held on a beautiful island off the Eastern coast of Canada, the course is over 1,350 miles long and winds through small towns, open spaces and deep forests for some of the most challenging and varied stages of any competition on the continent. As a result, competitors come wielding sheetmetal from every conceivable corner of the globe and era of automotive history. It's a buffet of horsepower at wide-open throttle, and this year, we'll be in the hunt ourselves.

The good people at Flyin' Miata have been so kind as to offer us a much-coveted co-driver seat in their supercharged 2006 MX-5. Nancy, as our valiant stallion is affectionately known due to her NC chassis, started life as an abused orphan of the Mazda press car fleet. After a little massaging by the Flyin' Miata crew, the car now rocks a 2009 front fascia, the company's proprietary supercharger kit, springs and sway bars as well as a set of Tokico Shocks. All told, the car produces somewhere around 240 horsepower, which should be enough to help us keep up with the rest of the Grand Touring Class.

Yours Truly will doing his level best to keep from confounding Bill Cardell as he whips Nancy across the Canadian landscape. Those familiar with the Miata scene know Cardell as the founder and owner of Flyin' Miata, so if anyone knows how to properly cane an MX-5, it's this guy. I'm honored to have the chance to share the cockpit with him.

This year, Flyin' Miata is actually campaigning two vehicles. While Cardell, myself and Nancy are set to go the distance in the Grand Touring category, Keith and Janel Tanner are also taking to the Targa. The husband-and-wife team will once again helm the same 1994 MX-5 Miata that they drove in the 2008 Targa Newfoundland, with one big change. This year, the car rocks a General Motors L33 V8 conversion that cranks out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels thanks to a set of LS6 heads and a trick cam. All of that power is funneled through a T56 six-speed transmission and a Getrag differential with a clutch-pack limited slip. Needless to say, the Tanners will be taking on the Open Class to do battle with the quickest metal of the event.

Interestingly enough, Flyin' Miata wouldn't have been able to head to the 2011 Targa Newfoundland at all without the help of the company's fans and supporters. The team tried to seduce large sponsors to help fund the trip to Canada before turning to the Miata nation for help. To date, they've raised over $14,500 to help put the cars on the first stage. It's a testament to just how faithful Miata owners can be.

Given that my navigation experience is limited plotting the quickest path to the Dippin Dots stand at the local amusement park, I've got some serious work to do before the race gets started on September 10. Stay tuned for updates on my Targa education.

Autoblog to compete in Targa Newfoundland with Flyin' Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandbill cardellflyin miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamiatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland 2011Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19991362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/19991362/article-detail.xml 19991362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-flyin-miata-nancy-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-flyin-miata-nancy-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda targeting 1,760-pound target for next Miata - 400 pounds lighter than first-gen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mazda-targeting-1-760-pound-target-for-next-miata-400-pounds-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mazda-targeting-1-760-pound-target-for-next-miata-400-pounds-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/mazda-targeting-1-760-pound-target-for-next-miata-400-pounds-l/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Click above for high-res image gallery

The future is looking bright for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to Inside Line, the head honchos at the Japanese automaker have instructed the company's engineers to strip a whopping 720 pounds from the vehicles already comparably light 2,480-pound curb weight. If successful, that would put the new comer into the feathery 1,760-pound range, which is 400 pounds less than the first-generation roadster. How do they plan to do it? Engineers are turning to high-strength steel for the vehicle's chassis and contemplating a smaller-displacement engine.

A turbocharged, direct-injection 1.4-liter four pot could work its way under the hood, though IL reports that the vehicle may also be considerably narrower than the current car. Other clever weight-saving moves include the deletion of the dashboard glove box and the replacement of the traditional paper owner's manual with an electronic copy on a USB stick.

Here's hoping you've got your laptop on you the next time you need to check your service intervals.

The report claims that the engineers at Mazda aren't entirely sure they can hit the weight target, but the vehicle will be much closer to the waif-like 2,178-lb 1989 Miata than the heftier 2011 model.

Mazda targeting 1,760-pound target for next Miata - 400 pounds lighter than first-gen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazdamazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamiatamx-5mx-5 miatamx5Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19961866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/08/mazda-targeting-1-760-pound-target-for-next-miata-400-pounds-l/19961866/article-detail.xml 19961866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mazda-miata-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mazda-miata-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ultra lightweight Mazda MX-5 GT unveiled for British enduro racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/ultra-lightweight-mazda-mx-5-gt-unveiled-for-british-enduro-raci/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/ultra-lightweight-mazda-mx-5-gt-unveiled-for-british-enduro-raci/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/ultra-lightweight-mazda-mx-5-gt-unveiled-for-british-enduro-raci/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car
Mazda MX-5 GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has been trumpeting its "gram strategy" to cut weight on all of its products, and the best example of how this philosophy works is in the new MX-5 GT race car. The roadster, which will compete in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship this year, weighs just 1,874 pounds while packing nearly twice the punch of the standard MX-5.

The heavily modified MX-5 engine produces 275 horsepower - enough juice to propel the light-weight roadster to 60 miles per hour in a scant three seconds flat. The race-ready Mazda can also crest 160 mph while looking damn fine with its new Spirited Green paint job.

In order to cut several hundred pounds off the base MX-5, the Jota Sport racing team removed interior components, revised other interior fittings and dipped the car's shell in acid. The doors, like many interior components, are made of carbon fiber and the windows are made of polycarbonate. The racing team also lowered the engine height, adjusted the suspension and added a six-speed paddle shift transmission to aid with handling.

The Mazda MX-5 GT race car sees its first action on Saturday at a three-hour endurance race at Silverstone. See the lightweight MX-5 for yourself in the gallery below. Trust us, you're going to want one.


Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Race Car

Mazda MX-5 Race Car

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Ultra lightweight Mazda MX-5 GT unveiled for British enduro racing

Ultra lightweight Mazda MX-5 GT unveiled for British enduro racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british endurance championshipmazdamx-5mx-5 gtWed, 23 Mar 2011 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19889185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/23/ultra-lightweight-mazda-mx-5-gt-unveiled-for-british-enduro-raci/19889185/article-detail.xml 19889185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/mazdamx-5gtracecar-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/mazdamx-5gtracecar-s.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Mazda takes the MX-5 to the ice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/25/video-mazda-takes-the-mx-5-to-the-ice/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/25/video-mazda-takes-the-mx-5-to-the-ice/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/25/video-mazda-takes-the-mx-5-to-the-ice/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Ice Drifting
Mazda MX-5 ice racing - Click above to watch video after the jump

Bentley isn't the only company that's been busy on the ice lately. Mazda just wrapped up a four-hour race in Åre, Sweden, that brought 20 MX-5 roadsters out on the open ice for a little fender-to-fender action.

Teams faced temperatures that dipped as low as -24 degrees Fahrenheit and stiff competition from racers from around the world. Spiked tires were standard equipment for all of the vehicles, though it's worth noting that the talent behind the wheel wasn't professional by any stretch of the imagination. Mazda invited fans and automotive journalists from a total of 26 countries to participate in the event.

While early on it looked as if a team from Australia would take home the checkered flag, a late-race spin allowed a Russian team to pull ahead and complete the most laps around the three-mile circuit within the four-hour time frame. Hit the jump to check out video from the event as well as the full press blast.


Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Ice Racing


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Video: Mazda takes the MX-5 to the ice

Video: Mazda takes the MX-5 to the ice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ice raceice racingmazdamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 ice racemazda mx-5 ice racingmx-5mx-5 ice racingFri, 25 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19859673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/25/video-mazda-takes-the-mx-5-to-the-ice/19859673/article-detail.xml 19859673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/mazda-miata-ice_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/mazda-miata-ice.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2011: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition adds exclusivity... for a price]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-special-edition-chicago-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-special-edition-chicago-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-special-edition-chicago-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the market for a new MX-5 Miata, but want a bit more exclusivity? Check out the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition, as the new range-topping droptop should fit the bill perfectly.

Based off of a fully-loaded power retractable hard top Grand Touring model and limited to just 750 units by Mazda, the Special Edition is most easily spotted by its Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica exterior paint and bright-finish 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior sports gray upholstery, chrome accents and aluminum pedals (6MT only). Unique underpinnings include the MX-5's standard Suspension Package with Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential and sport-tuned dampers. Motivating the 2,593-pound two-seater is Mazda's 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 167 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque (158 horsepower with the 2,619-pound 6AT).

If the specs catch your fancy, be prepared to shell out $30,925 for the manual transmission model or $31,525 for the six-speed automatic.


Gallery: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition: Chicago 2011

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Chicago 2011: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition adds exclusivity... for a price originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chicago auto show2011 mazda mx-5 miata special editionchicagochicago 2011mazdamiatamx-5mx-5 miatamx5Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19837132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/10/2011-mazda-mx-5-miata-special-edition-chicago-reveal/19837132/article-detail.xml 19837132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lead-mazda-mx5-special-edition_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/lead-mazda-mx5-special-edition.jpg -1 2