That thing is stunning
Miata fans young and old turned out to see the new roadster.
The gathering of Miatas in the parking lot was pretty impressive, too. This is just some of it.
We made it. We had traveled well over a thousand miles in the new ND-chassis Miata. How was it? Well you’ll have to wait until Monday at midnight for that. All journalists have to wait until June 1 to divulge any driving impressions. But don’t worry, we’ll fill you in as soon as possible.
At the end of our journey, we pulled into Lime Fresh Mexican Grill—one of our favorite watering holes during race weekends at Daytona International Speedway—and were greeted by many friendly faces and quite an impressive display of Miatas from every generation. We spent a great evening chatting with friends, old and new. Thanks to everyone who came to hang out and check out the car.
Want to know how this Miata stacked up? Check back in on Monday!
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That thing is stunning
Flight Service wrote: That thing is stunning
Unless all the energy is spent into designing how well it connects rather than how well it drives!! An E connected Car is not a Sports Car! IF YOU'RE PLAYING WITH THE STUFF ON THE DASHBOARD, YOU'RE NOT LOOKING OUT THE WINDSHIELD!!!! THERE IS NOTHING SPORTY ABOUT DRIVING A MOBILE HOT SPOT! You might as well take a bus or a train!
If you're more worried you'll miss an instant picture of your granddaughter/son sitting on the commode for the first time than whether or not you carve the next apex, you're not a Sports Car Driver! Buy a Mercedes sedan!
Maybe I will be authorized to get one by the family in five years or so. I like it.
On Monday we can tell you how well it connects with the road. And I have no idea what the above rant is ranting about.
I would guess the big, out of place touch(?) screen, and the various non driving features that many of those have these days.
Our test car had GPS navigation but, yes, I believe that all MX-5s have the screen. I need to confirm, but I believe it's due to the impending requirement for rear backup cameras across the market. Yell at Washington. Our M235i has such a screen, too, despite not having navi. Why not making the MX-5's screen retract? I'm guessing that would add weight and complexity.
By the way, small teaser: The base 2016 Mazda MX-5 weighs one pound more than a 1994 Miata. Not bad, eh? The new car is also 2 inches shorter in overall length.
With todays tech, it is unnecessary to have the center stack as it is. A single touch screen can do everything we need, radio, HVAC, seat heaters and what not, for less money and less weight.
Just another improvement. Just remember Automatic transmissions aren't good for road racing, just ask Porsche about the PDK.
You can't use a touch screen without looking at it. Some functions (HVAC, volume) are best controlled by a dedicated knob or button. Some work well through a screen. Voice control can help.
There's a version go the new Miata without the screen. Dunno if it's coming to the US. It has what looks like a 70s alarm clock instead.
So does the screen do anything that the other knobs and dials don't do? Like if it were to somehow fall off the car what would be effected? 
In reply to Keith Tanner:
I don't know of anyone who can use anything without looking at it. Back when I did haptic research in college, we found that everyone looks at the center stack for everything. Time varies based on intuitiveness, but everyone looks.
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