Subbu Bubbly Said in September 10th, 2008 @5:47 pm  

The Mazda MX-5, also known as Miata (pronounced /mi??????/) in North America and Roadster (pronounced [??o?dos?ta?]) in Japan, is a sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, since 1989. Its introduction was a significant development in the motor car industry that revived the roadster segment of sports cars, with other companies promptly introducing roadsters to their model ranges, such as the MG F, and the third-generation Toyota MR2.

There have been three generations of the MX-5, consisting of major stylistic and mechanical upgrades. The first generation, designated NA, sold over 400,000 units. It was produced from 1989 to 1993 with a 1.6-liter straight-4 engine, and from 1994-1997 with a 1.8-liter engine. The NA can be recognized by its distinctive pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights, and the glass rear window. The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0-liter engine; it can be recognized by the fender bulges over the wheel wells.

Third generation (NC)
Third Generation (NC)
Mazda MX-5
Production 2006-Present
Engine(s) 1.8-liter MZR I4 (Europe)
2.0-liter MZR I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Wheelbase 2330 mm (91.7 in)
Length 3995 mm (157.3 in)
Width 1720 mm (67.7 in)
Height 1245 mm (49.0 in)
Curb weight 1095 kg (2414 lb)

Production of the third-generation MX-5, code NC, began May 17, 2005, for delivery in August, for the 2006 model year. This was partially due to the declining sales of the Miata during its second generation run.
The easiest way to distinguish the third-generation MX-5 is to look for fender bulges over the wheel wells.
The easiest way to distinguish the third-generation MX-5 is to look for fender bulges over the wheel wells.

The exterior styling resembles the original design while adopting a clean, more muscular profile and some design elements to reinforce the family ties with the Mazda RX-8. Unlike the update from NA to NB, which was mostly a nose/tail/interior change, the NC shares no components with the NB, except for the side-panel turning-lights on European-spec models.

The suspension has changed from a 4-wheel double wishbone setup to a front wishbone/rear multilink setup. Technologies like traction control and stability control were added to increase driveability.

For Australia and the USA, the engine is the new 16-valve, 2.0-liter MZR I4, producing 170 hp (128 kW) and 140 ft·lbf (190 N·m), coupled to either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual transmission. A limited slip differential is available with the 6-speed option. For Europe, two engines are offered: the same 2.0 MZR, but rated at 160 hp (118 kW) and 188 N·m, coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission; and a new 1.8 MZR, rated at 126 hp (93 kW) and 167 N·m, coupled to the 5-speed manual transmission.

A six-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, is optional. A test by Car and Driver magazine revealed a 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 6.5 s for the 2.0-liter U.S.-spec NC.[6] Manufacturer figures for the European-spec model are: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.4 s (1.8-liter) and 7.9 s (2.0-liter).

The NC was launched with a special edition called “3rd Generation Limited” which featured added chrome accents and special wheels. 3500 were built worldwide (300 in the UK, 750 in the USA), delivered in advance of standard models.

The NC offers a wider range of accessories for customization than the earlier generations. The softtop, in cloth instead of vinyl, can now be chosen in more than two colors: black and cream as previously, but also grey, camel, blue and green; and the interior can be customized to the exterior paint color.
2007 MX-5 hardtop
2007 MX-5 hardtop

In July 2006, Mazda unveiled a coupé convertible version of the NC with a three-piece folding hardtop, named “MX-5 Roadster Coupe” in Europe, “Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top” in Japan, and “MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hard Top” in the USA. Adding 36 kg (79 lb) to the weight of a comparable model with soft top, the hard top takes 12 seconds to raise or lower; in a departure from the competition, it does not take any of the existing trunk space when folded down. The first units were delivered to customers in late August, for a price premium less than the cost of a separate hard top. Performance times are slightly affected with the weight increase, to 9.6 s (1.8) and 8.2 s (2.0) from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph), but top speed is increased from 196 km/h to 200 km/h (1.8) and from 210 km/h to 215 km/h (2.0), for the European-spec model.

For 2008, Mazda released a Special Edition MX-5 in Icy Blue exterior, with exclusive Saddle Brown folding top, with matching leather with blue stitching steering wheel, seats, and hand brake. The Special Edition also featured a silver-accented shift knob, dark-silver finished instrument panel with chrome accents, special 17-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel MX-5 scuff plate, and chrome front headlight bezel, grille surround and fog lamp surround. The 2008 Special Edition was limited to 750 units in the US.

Nicolas M Said in September 14th, 2008 @9:28 pm  

The NC (2006-2008) miata with a 2 liter engine tops out between 134 and 140 mph.