2006 Mazda Miata

[D323]

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?intAsvPageCurrent=5&section_id=31&article_id=9254

well it has a 2.0L I4. "As a base," so no clue if there will be an upgraded motor for the LS models..... 160hp est. from teh 2.0L motor. Sad to see the BP go. Nice to see a 2.0L in there though.

Listed options are a convertible metal hardtop for late 06/07, as the miata should be out by late this year.

Thoughts?

[95ProLeila]

mechanical bits and pieces seem good, even if the styling is a bit off . . . should be fun to drive.

[D323]

not bad that they increased the wheel base, upped the displacement, 22% less body flex, and 47% more torsional rigidity, all while only adding 20lbs to the 2nd gens orginal weight.

underpowered or not, that thing has got the potential to hug the corners like no other.

[95ProLeila]

with the numbers they published i don't know if i'd call it underpowered, sure you aren't going to take an S2k or Z4, but it's not like you'll be getting eaten by a ford taurus either

[D323]

yeah, but for a 2.0L motor thats RWD, they could have taken it to the 200hp mark easily and kept the MPG still pretty decent. It would sell alot more for sure if it did.

[95ProLeila]

is the 2.3 just an increased displacement version of the 2.0?

[D323]

couldn't tell you for sure.

Would be nice though to see a stroker kit for the NA guys, and plenty of turbos for the FI lovers..... making then new miata a better seller than EveAr!

[95ProLeila]

this motor should get more aftermarket support. especially if the 2.3 is just an increased displacement version of the same block.

[D323]

Its probably just the 2.0L motor from the mazda 3 borrowed over and converted to RWD. I wonder with the new one if there will be a MS version.

[95ProLeila]

i know its the 2.0 from the 3, but for some reason i remember reading somewhere that the 2.0 and 2.3 shared a block, just that the 2.3 had more displacement (i dont know if it was bored out or stroked or whatever). the 2.3 is shared between the premium 3 and base 6, so if it is the same block, then that means it crosses 3 different platforms, which would make it marketable as far as aftermarket is concerned.

[JZProwler]

I like it all, maybe change the headlights a tad though, and thats it. I saw it in person at the New York Auto Show next to a Shinka RX-8 and a racing version of the MX-5 ( Mazda officially dropped the name Miata from what i heard and is just calling it the MX-5 now)
And not to start anything, but i beleive i recall reading somewhere on another mazda forum, that Mazda is considering maybe creating a convertible RX-8 or basing a MX-5 on the RX-8 frame/body design. Now... 1+1=2 so MX-5 + RX-8 shell = larger possibility of a rotary? but again, this is probably all just rumor or gossip, I think i would cry if that ever did happen.

[ShogunProtege]

i like it, what engine is coming in it?

[95ProLeila]

reports indicate that this one is based on a downsized rx8 platform

[D323]

yes there is plans for a convertible RX-8, but they arent recalling them. I read something about the frame/pillars on the sides of the 8 are designed like a convertible is, extra support incase the roof gets omitted from the plans further down.

Yes the miata is based on the 8's platform, but they probably wont put a rotary in it. It would kill 8 sales across the board. That and the new supercharged RX-7 (other thread about it for all ?'s) would be be hurt as well. I mean why not buy the miata with the rotary then supercharge it and have all kinds of fun in a 2300 lb roadster with roughly 250hp....

I cant wait.

[Enigmaz Powa]

Well, i like how the car looks. Nice interrior, tail lights aren't bad. However, i agree when other members noted that the car was too simple. This is comin from a guy who likes simple..

*SIDE NOTE*...the 06 civic (maz enemy) SI, looks pretty tight. It has a 200 hp v-tech or someshyz...if handles decent, i might sell out. Basically, what im saying is can the miata or ne 06 maz model beat it? *right now, there still not sure its going to be for sale in 06.*