Mazda sez: "No Mazdaspeed MX-5 for you!"

[altiain]

From Autoblog:

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.

Kinda sad, really.

[jrj512]

At least they just did not make a JDM version and leave us hanging.

[sammm]

IMO Mazda really screwed up with the latest generation. Not racer friendly at all!

Sure you can have torsen and suspension, but it's a 6-speed.

Sure you can have a 5-speed, but no torsen or suspension.

Sure you can have a conveniance package in the soft top Sport, but not in the PRHT.

[Miatamaniac92]

Aren't most NC's auto's also? :gay:

Chris

[SirHustlerEsq]

once again, obd1 miatas reign supreme.


I think the miata has too much of a gay stigma to sell any cars. Subaru/toyota will sell tons of their proposed rwd turbo cars, butI don't think Mazda is capable of overcoming the typical ricer customer. Besides, think of all the death which would ensue with a 230whp, light, rwd car.

[sammm]

think of all the death which would ensue with a 230whp, light, rwd car.

Have you been on the S2K forum?

[popopo]

The ND better make up for this.

[Miatamaniac92]

Talk of the ND makes my NA feel old.

Chris

[sammm]

Talk of the ND makes my NA feel old.

I didn't even know there was talk of ND period. Any references?

[miata_racer]

Ya but the NA's are like Ron Jeremy on Viagra! Old and wrinkly but still getting it done better than the younger ones after all these years. LOL

Talk of the ND makes my NA feel old.

Chris

[Miatamaniac92]

I didn't even know there was talk of ND period. Any references?

Only thing I've seen is from popopo's post.

Chris

[Nails]

I didn't even know there was talk of ND period. Any references?

Yea, also from autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/m...not-go-nagare/

Winding Road sat down with the newest print issue of Autocar and discovered that Mazda dealers are particularly pleased with the soap-bar aesthetic of the current MX-5. More to the point, they're hoping that Mazda designers don't nuke the fridge when the iconic roadster goes under the knife next year.

According to Autocar's sources, the new MX-5 won't benefit from the swooping Nagare theme that's expected to influence all of Mazda's future designs, primarily because dealers are happy with the current car. However, Mazda's designers want to kick up the MX-5's flavor, saying that the car was "never radical enough" for their tastes. Since we've always been split on the styling of the current MX-5, we're hoping both parties can be assuaged with a balance between mild and wild. We'll see, and we're looking forward to the clean sheet makeover the MX-5 gets in 2012.

[Miatamaniac92]

I can't see myself ever buying a NC or ND (unless it looses alot of weight).

When I get another 2 door sports car, I'll be looking for something lighter. Maybe one of the Lotus's.

Chris

[MX-5EE]

Yea, also from autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/m...not-go-nagare/

I thought that was not the ND but a mid generation facelift.

[Nails]

First paragraph is about 09 facelift. End of second paragraph talks about model makeover.

[beagleracing]

The MX5-MSR package is very racer friendly. It's a bit pricey as a kit, but for a C-stock legal car, it's incredibly fast.

We swapped our Mini Cooper S with Wilcox's MSR and we took it out for the first time at our local event today on some used 30+ run Hoosiers. just one word: wow.

d

[Billy Blaze]

The NC has been good to me so far, doesn't feel like the power to weight ratio is worse than my NB in fact if feels a lot better than when the NB was stock.
The six speed is the stronger on the two gearboxes, and I dont mind skipping a gear now and then....you can do 90 in 5th and not hurt anything. So you could autocross without ever using 6th. straight off the showroom they need to be more stiff and low though, when stock they do wallow like a pig in mud.
But I still like mynz

[jrj512]

So you could autocross without ever using 6th.

You should be able to autocross without ever using third.

[altiain]

So you could autocross without ever using 6th.

On one of my courses, you should be able to autocross without ever using second.

Fixed it for ya.

[SirHustlerEsq]

the nc is baller. /thread

the gears still feel wider than the msm.