Japan-Only Race-Ready MX-5

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03-23-2006, 03:19 PM
srivendel

Japan-Only Race-Ready MX-5

http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/03/rs06_001s.jpg

Japanese consumers who are itching to get their race on can now purchase the NR-A model Roadster (a.k.a. the MX-5 to us) that comes equipped with race-ready parts to compete in “Roadster Party” one-make races sponsored by Mazda in Japan.

The NR-A features height adjustable Bilstein dampers, a torque-sensing ‘Super LSD’ [how does this differ from the existing LSD?] and front strut tower bars that make more capable the already superlative handling MX-5. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals are the only other mods. The MSRP for the MX-5 NR-A will be 2.3 million yen, or $19,706 US. Unfortunately the track-ready model will only be available in its own domestic market of Japan.

Nice. :burnrubr:

S.
03-23-2006, 03:31 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivendel

http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/03/rs06_001s.jpg

Japanese consumers who are itching to get their race on can now purchase the NR-A model Roadster (a.k.a. the MX-5 to us) that comes equipped with race-ready parts to compete in “Roadster Party” one-make races sponsored by Mazda in Japan.

The NR-A features height adjustable Bilstein dampers, a torque-sensing ‘Super LSD’ [how does this differ from the existing LSD?] and front strut tower bars that make more capable the already superlative handling MX-5. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals are the only other mods. The MSRP for the MX-5 NR-A will be 2.3 million yen, or $19,706 US. Unfortunately the track-ready model will only be available in its own domestic market of Japan.

Nice. :burnrubr:

S.

Base model (read lightest) 5-speed, LSD, 16 inch rims, and better shocks. It is everything Autocrossers have been asking for from Mazda and more. :rolleyes:
03-23-2006, 03:52 PM
altiain

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

Base model (read lightest) 5-speed, LSD, 16 inch rims, and better shocks. It is everything Autocrossers have been asking for from Mazda and more. :rolleyes:

And it's exactly what Mazda needs to release here to compete with the Z0K Option Solstice.

In other words, there's not a snowball's chance in hell that we'll ever see it (which is what I think titus was getting at). :roll:
03-23-2006, 03:52 PM
srivendel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

Base model (read lightest) 5-speed, LSD, 16 inch rims, and better shocks. It is everything Autocrossers have been asking for from Mazda and more. :rolleyes:

I think you're being a little unfair, Titus. We all know how the 5-speed's gearing is better for autox, and everyone here kvetched about how the big and heavy 17 inch rims would affect unsprung weight. So isn't it a good thing that Mazda is offering the go-fast goodies on a lightweight, nicely-geared, good-wheel-sized Miata? Granted, it ain't gonna set the world on fire, but I'd be willing to be some people in the States would be interested in this set-up. ;)

S.
03-23-2006, 03:53 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivendel

I think you're being a little unfair, Titus. We all know how the 5-speed's gearing is better for autox, and everyone here kvetched about how the big and heavy 17 inch rims would affect unsprung weight. So isn't it a good thing that Mazda is offering the go-fast goodies on a lightweight, nicely-geared, good-wheel-sized Miata? Granted, it ain't gonna set the world on fire, but I'd be willing to be some people in the States would be interested in this set-up. ;)

S.

Ah Sparky did ya miss this part??

Quote:

Unfortunately the track-ready model will only be available in its own domestic market of Japan.

:(
03-23-2006, 04:01 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivendel

I think you're being a little unfair, Titus. We all know how the 5-speed's gearing is better for autox, and everyone here kvetched about how the big and heavy 17 inch rims would affect unsprung weight. So isn't it a good thing that Mazda is offering the go-fast goodies on a lightweight, nicely-geared, good-wheel-sized Miata? Granted, it ain't gonna set the world on fire, but I'd be willing to be some people in the States would be interested in this set-up. ;)

S.

It would be the perfect race Miata... IF IT WAS MADE AVAILABLE HERE! GRRR
03-23-2006, 04:11 PM
srivendel

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Ah Sparky did ya miss this part?? :(

:scratch:

http://images.despair.com/products/d...pretension.jpg

S.
03-23-2006, 07:32 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

And it's exactly what Mazda needs to release here to compete with the Z0K Option Solstice.

You would think Mazda might be able to use this against the Z0K Solstice since it sure looks like Mazda already has all the parts it needs on the shelf!
03-23-2006, 07:41 PM
Treibenschnell

They should make these available in the states... it's quite the shame and a waste of marketing potential.
03-24-2006, 07:21 AM
black roadster

Perhaps Mazda is basing it on a few factors? Number one being past experience. Mazda offered the R-Package on '94 through '97 and here are the number of units sold.

1994 - 1,218
1995 - 465
1996 - 111
1997 - 47

That's 1,841 R-Paks in 4 years of production with decreasing sales.
Take into account that Mazda's total sales of Miatas in that four years is 77,323. (Info from Miata.net FAQ)

Not exactly a strong seller. I sold Miatas in 1994 for Freeman and I can tell you the R-Paks were not flying off the lot. They're desirable now that you can't get them anymore much like the 92 yellows but even the yellows supposedly didn't sell like hotcakes when new.

If you take it from a business standpoint and consider the additional costs of marketing, parts supplying, dealer education, service education, the list goes on. Then consider the expected demographics and sales, it just does not add up.

Would Mazda sell a race ready MX-5 here? Yes, but the number of units sold would be minimal.

Here's a good question. If Mazda imported them today, how many of you are ready right now to write a check to your local dealer for 20 large? That's what I thought. ;)
03-24-2006, 08:31 AM
riverracer

::Bleh:: ::Bleh:: ::Bleh:: ::Bleh:: ::Bleh::
03-24-2006, 08:56 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Here's a good question. If Mazda imported them today, how many of you are ready right now to write a check to your local dealer for 20 large? That's what I thought. ;)

You know if they actually offered an NC that would fit in my needs it would already be in my garage. We like the NC just wished they offered a bit more flexibility on option packages. ;)
03-24-2006, 10:46 AM
Treibenschnell

I second that... it would at least make the car more attractive if they would ease up on the package restrictions.
03-24-2006, 11:02 AM
srivendel

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

If Mazda imported them today, how many of you are ready right now to write a check to your local dealer for 20 large? That's what I thought. ;)

Actually... I once posted a big long post over at Miata.net (way back in 2001) that if Mazda would build a Miata with 170-180hp, sell it in dark grey, and give it a red interior, I would buy one.

So they did, and I did! ::Bleh::
http://travis.typepad.com/mechanical.../MSMiata_3.jpg

S.
03-24-2006, 11:12 AM
riverracer

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivendel

Actually... I once posted a big long post over at Miata.net (way back in 2001) that if Mazda would build a Miata with 170-180hp, sell it in dark grey, and give it a red interior, I would buy one.

So they did, and I did! ::Bleh::
http://travis.typepad.com/mechanical.../MSMiata_3.jpg

S.

He shoots....He scores....::Bop::
03-24-2006, 11:14 AM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivendel

Actually... I once posted a big long post over at Miata.net (way back in 2001) that if Mazda would build a Miata with 170-180hp, sell it in dark grey, and give it a red interior, I would buy one.

So they did, and I did! ::Bleh::

S.

I call :bs: .... Lets see a link to the post! ::Clown::
03-24-2006, 11:34 AM
Titus

Also, just a note... When Mazda announced the special order NBs with yellow as an option, I told my wife that she needed to make room in the budget for another payment, as I was certain I was going to get one. When the online ordering tool came out, I learned that you couldn't order any packaging combinations that were not already available. It would not allow me to order the car with black interior, LSD, and a hardtop. I decided I would not compromise, and ended up sticking with my 1992 yellow with black interior, LSD, and a hardtop. If they ever allowed me to order a yellow NC with 5 speed, LSD, black leather, and a black felt top, I would have a hard time resisting.
03-24-2006, 11:40 AM
riverracer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

Also, just a note... When Mazda announced the special order NBs with yellow as an option, I told my wife that she needed to make room in the budget for another payment

I take it she said no....::Clown::
03-24-2006, 11:45 AM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverracer

I take it she said no....::Clown::

She knows better than to get between me and a Miata. ::Assassin
03-24-2006, 11:52 AM
srivendel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

I call :bs: .... Lets see a link to the post! ::Clown::

Alright, alright. I think I also said I wanted a factory rollbar. You can't always get everything you want. ::Bawl::

S.
03-24-2006, 11:54 AM
riverracer

::Flag::

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

She knows better than to get between me and a Miata. ::Assassin

::Curls:: ::Horse:: ::Curls::
03-24-2006, 01:15 PM
black roadster

How does Mazda compare on optional equipment with other cars made in Japan? I'm not talking about Japanese labeled cars that are built here but ones that are boated over.

Can you build and buy an S2K to spec? Just curious.
03-24-2006, 01:26 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

How does Mazda compare on optional equipment with other cars made in Japan? I'm not talking about Japanese labeled cars that are built here but ones that are boated over.

Can you build and buy an S2K to spec? Just curious.

A lot of it has to do with how they package the options on the Vehicles, I know on my new 4Runner (which is built in Japan) they had 3 basic packages then you could get additional options on the 3 basic packages it worked out well enough I found one on the lot loaded just like I wanted. ::Clown::

When we looked at the MX5 we got, "no you need to move up to this one" or "no that's not available on that one you need to step down to this version". When asked if we could ordered it the way we wanted we got a no, and we left the lot feeling kinda sad in our 2002 Miata...... ;)

I think the S2K comes loaded and ready, I don't believe there are any options other than dealer installed options. But I could be wrong! Dave04 can you enlighten us??
03-24-2006, 01:35 PM
Kakkyo

edit: Treed by POS...

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

How does Mazda compare on optional equipment with other cars made in Japan? I'm not talking about Japanese labeled cars that are built here but ones that are boated over.

For the Japanese Honda build-it-yourself page, you can go a lot more in-depth unlike the American market page. I know for the 2004 era, you even had a choice of paying about $1,500 - $2,000 USD to use one of the four premium colors. I believe that the "Type-R Championship White" and "Imola Orange Pearl" colors were probably the more popular colors. It's a bit different for the US as some things such as the leather interior colors and all are set in stone with whichever color you pick.

But what I have heard and observed, the markets outside of America expect cars to be of the highest standards unlike what the domestic market gets. Great examples would the the Ford Focus (American vs. European spec) and the Civic (American vs. Global Market versions). The American Focus is seen as a econo-box while the European variant is better built and has a lot more options (the Focus RS is one that comes to many minds. The new Civic's interior, even if it is somewhat "revolutionary" is still somewhat vanilla as it is tailored to the American demographic. The ones outside of the US have a style and form that is a little more edgy and futuristic. The UK's Civics come with an [Engine Start] button similar to the one from the S2000 with a more digitally inspired interior; in addition to having a hatch edition for those who missed the EP hatch over there.
03-24-2006, 01:37 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

I think the S2K comes loaded and ready, I don't believe there are any options other than dealer installed options. But I could be wrong! Dave04 can you enlighten us??

Looking at Honda.com, there is only one trim. The only options are Wheel Locks, Front Under Body Spoiler, Side Strakes, Trunk Spoiler, Wing Spoiler, Hardtop, Hardtop Dust Cover, Hardtop Storage Rack, Vehicle Dust Cover, Cargo Net, a couple shift knobs, and some electronics.
03-24-2006, 01:44 PM
Dave04

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

I think the S2K comes loaded and ready, I don't believe there are any options other than dealer installed options. But I could be wrong! Dave04 can you enlighten us??

There is only one trim level from the factory. The dealer does offer several options including: Rear wing/spoiler options, front lip, side body moldings, and of course, a hard top ($3700!). There are also options for the radio: CD changer, XM, etc.

But, the basic car (engine, suspension, transmission, etc) are all the same for each model year.
03-24-2006, 01:44 PM
POS Racing

Maybe Mazda could go to an option system simillar to this one! ;)
03-24-2006, 01:53 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Maybe Mazda could go to an option system simillar to this one! ;)

The Mechanical optioning is perfect, but if I want leather, I am stuck with Cruise control, Driver Information Center, Fog lamps, and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped Steering wheel with Steering wheel accessory controls.
03-24-2006, 01:55 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

The Mechanical optioning is perfect, but if I want leather, I am stuck with Cruise control, Driver Information Center, Fog lamps, and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped Steering wheel with Steering wheel accessory controls.

Your are one whiny biatch! ::Clown::

Still Pontiac seems to have it figured out a bit better than Mazda.
03-24-2006, 02:12 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Your are one whiny biatch! ::Clown::

Still Pontiac seems to have it figured out a bit better than Mazda.

::Angel::

It is better, but not the best. There was a time when GM would do just about anything you could dream up for a price. My father-in-law had an El Camino that the dealer ordered for him. The dealer was able to have the factory paint the car in Corvette Yellow even though Corvette Yellow was only offered on Corvettes (go figure). I suspect that that sort of thing is no longer possible.
03-24-2006, 04:26 PM
Billy Blaze

I still like the Saturn Sky over the NC.
03-24-2006, 05:06 PM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

::Angel::

It is better, but not the best. There was a time when GM would do just about anything you could dream up for a price. My father-in-law had an El Camino that the dealer ordered for him. The dealer was able to have the factory paint the car in Corvette Yellow even though Corvette Yellow was only offered on Corvettes (go figure). I suspect that that sort of thing is no longer possible.

Yup and there was also a time when no one but the dealer had access to dealer invoice and the dealer's profit margin was higher. You can not expect a dealer or manufacturer to bend over and kiss your ass if your also going to dicker on the sticker.
03-24-2006, 07:49 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Yup and there was also a time when no one but the dealer had access to dealer invoice and the dealer's profit margin was higher. You can not expect a dealer or manufacturer to bend over and kiss your ass if your also going to dicker on the sticker.

My family has been dickering over sticker prices for generations. That's not a new phenomenon!
03-24-2006, 11:09 PM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

My family has been dickering over sticker prices for generations. That's not a new phenomenon!

Not what I meant. I know car negotiations have been a part of buying a car well before I was born.

What I mean't was before the internet, finding invoice prices was near impossible so you had no idea what kind of deal you were getting. I'm sure if you look at the profits on new cars in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80's you'd see a higher profit margin for auto dealers and manufacturers than you do today.

Since profits are lower, safety and emmissions standards are higher, competition is tougher, manufacturing, labor, and materials are more expensive, consumer expectations are higher, and brand loyalty is all but non-existant auto manufacturers and dealers have had to cut costs anywhere than can. One way to do that is to limit complex ordering and instead offer package options.

Kind of a throw-back to ole Henry Ford where you could get a Model T in any color you wanted as long as it was black. ;) Of course this cookie-cutter manufacturing (and his assembly line production) allowed Ford to undercut the competition and produce the best selling car at the time by a large margin.

I guess, as they say, history repeats itself.
03-25-2006, 01:47 AM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

I guess, as they say, history repeats itself.

I'm sorry... I didn't catch that. Say what again? ;)
03-25-2006, 08:22 AM
black roadster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

I'm sorry... I didn't catch that. Say what again? ;)

http://www.mical.net/jfz/thunderstorms/pix/bartbutt.gif

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