The ND1 was already a force to be reckoned with in C/Street and STR. Seems like, barring the improvements being better on paper than in practice, it is posed to really dominate those classes now.
It’s a common request for Mazda: More power for the Miata, please.
It’s one we have been hearing for nearly 30 years and, has tradition has shown, Mazda replies partway through each model generation. Well, it’s time for the ND-chassis MX-5 to get its bump. For the 2019 model year, horsepower goes from 155 to 181, a 17-percent improvement. Also improved: Redline has been increased from 6800 rpm to 7500.
The good news: We just drove a 2019 MX-5 Club equipped with Brembos and Recaros.
The bad news: Mazda has asked that all driving impressions be held until August 13 in order to keep things fair for all of their invited guests.
But, of course, there are things that we can still tell you.
Yes, you can rev the new engine to 7500 rpm.
According to Mazda’s charts and graphs, horsepower is up everywhere.
The gearing hasn’t been changed on the cars equipped with a manual gearbox–same ratios in the transmission and the rear end.
In second gear, the fuel cutoff occurs at 59 to 60 mph as indicated by our GPS receiver.
What helps the revised engine make more power? The throttle body is larger–Mazda says it’s 28 percent bigger, in fact.
The intake manifold also features shorter, fatter runners. The exhaust ports are now bigger. The exhaust header has received larger tubes. The new exhaust cam is more aggressive. The pistons have been lightened by 27 grams, while the connecting rods lost 41 grams. There’s a new lightweight, dual-mass flywheel as well–yes, dual-mass.
More updates: Lower piston domes help the tumble flow of the air-fuel mixture. The direct injection can deliver shorter pulses, meaning up to three pulses per combustion cycle–before that max was two. The crankshaft didn’t lose weight, but it’s now stiffer.
Another side benefit: fuel economy is up 1 mpg.
More answers to questions: The Club model continues, although it can now be had with leather-trimmer seats on the Brembo/BBS package.
Also new for 2019: standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel (it only adds half a pound to the total, we’re told) plus backup cameras across the model range.
The exhaust has been retuned to deliver a sportier exhaust note.
Also, also new: a GT-S Package that marries the GT’s fancy appointments with the Club’s Bilstein dampers and limited-slip differential.
According to Mazda’s figures, weight is up, with the curb weight for the stick-shift car going from 2332 pounds all the way to 2339 pounds.
How much? So far, Mazda has only announced pricing for the MX-5 RF. Starting MSRP: $32,345.
Once the embargo is lifted, we’ll tell you how this all behaves.
Update: Read our full review of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND2 here.
Want to know how much power this car makes? Check out our 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND2 dyno test here.
The ND1 was already a force to be reckoned with in C/Street and STR. Seems like, barring the improvements being better on paper than in practice, it is posed to really dominate those classes now.
I hope so. I’m going to sell my STR prepped 2010 for a 2019.
I read somewhere of an exclusive hardwood interior package coming soon. Any more word on that or just rumor?
The more I hear about these, the more I like them. My goal is to not go to a Mazda dealer and drive one of these because if I did, I'm fairly sure I'd buy one and I don't need a new car right now.
These are the type of updates that are worth ponying up for. There's a lot of internal work for your money. Gah I wish one of these was in the cards...
Well, I will be done school in 2020. Hopefully I can grab one and use the college grad discount for a bit better price... I wonder if I can stack that on my Mazda Motorsports plan price. One can always hope...
NickD said:The ND1 was already a force to be reckoned with in C/Street and STR. Seems like, barring the improvements being better on paper than in practice, it is posed to really dominate those classes now.
If it really is as much better as I suspect it is, it’ll either dominate CS/STR beyond any reasonable competition or SCCA will look at reclassing it. The ND is already very, very good. Good enough a buddy of mine with a nearly perfect STR NC is giving up and either going Hoosiers or selling the car at the end of this year.
KyAllroad (Jeremy) said:NickD said:The ND1 was already a force to be reckoned with in C/Street and STR. Seems like, barring the improvements being better on paper than in practice, it is posed to really dominate those classes now.
If it really is as much better as I suspect it is, it’ll either dominate CS/STR beyond any reasonable competition or SCCA will look at reclassing it. The ND is already very, very good. Good enough a buddy of mine with a nearly perfect STR NC is giving up and either going Hoosiers or selling the car at the end of this year.
Yeah, SCCA will probably do some boneheaded move like move it to A/Street and not let it run in Street Touring
I have so much want for one of these.
If we decide to keep two cars, I may just trade the "OMG I'm terrified of what it will cost if the DCT breaks" 135i, and get one of these.
Niiiice! I wonder if Fiat will do anything to keep up?
Displaying 1-10 of 47 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
