Nice to see the improvement are for all MX-5, was worried the hp boost was only with some $5,000 performance package option or something.
Mazda just announced some pretty exciting updates on the 2019 MX-5 coming—thanks to consumer demand. Here’s what they had to say:
IRVINE, Calif. (June 20, 2018) – The Mazda MX-5 Miata has never been about power; it’s a car whose sole purpose is to help the driver and passenger fall in love with driving. But, a little extra power never hurts, which comes as one aspect of numerous updates for the 2019 model year.
Mazda’s engineers enriched MX-5’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine with the goals of improved response, performance, feel and efficiency. The net results are 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm—a 17-percent improvement—and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a richer torque curve throughout MX-5’s entire rev range.
Speaking of rev range, redline has increased from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm. Engineers were able to increase performance through several means, including:
• Reducing internal mass and friction: Each piston has been reduced 27g in mass, thanks to a minimized skirt area. Connecting rods are 41g lighter than previous units.
• Reducing exhaust loss: The upgraded engine carries an increased valve opening angle and valve lift height. The inner diameter of the exhaust manifold has also been increased. The net results are a 30-percent reduction in pumping losses.
• Improved combustion: Reconfigured intake ports and new high-diffusion, higher-pressure fuel injectors improve the tumble and swirl of fuel in the cylinder and better-atomize fuel. The benefit is improved efficiency and torque at all rpm.
• Dual-mass flywheel: Replacing the single-mass flywheel with a low-inertia, dual-mass flywheel improves smoothness and responsiveness.
• A new exhaust system with richer sound quality.
• New final drive ratio: The transmission’s final drive ratio has been increased from 3.454 to 3.583 in order to improve linear response to match the driver’s intentions. Gear ratios are otherwise unchanged from previous models.
As a result of numerous changes, MX-5 is quicker, more responsive and aims to be more engaging to drive, adhering to Mazda’s unique Jinba Ittai—“horse and rider as one”—engineering philosophy.
Beyond engine improvements, the 2019 MX-5 introduces an available brown canvas soft top, new black metallic 17-inch wheels, a newly telescoping steering wheel (42mm of travel), easier-to-open doors and revised door stops and revised cupholders and seat levers.
On the safety front, the new MX-5 will be sold with a new, standard rearview camera and newly available features such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support in addition to other i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies found throughout various trim levels. In the process of gaining many new features, the 2019 MX-5 gains just 7 lbs. from previous models, owing to a strict adherence to Mazda’s “Gram Strategy” and ingenious solutions like adopting an aluminum steering shaft in place of the previous steel unit.
When the fourth-generation MX-5 launched, its development team rallied around the idea of innovating in order to preserve. The latest round of innovations aim to continue that mission.
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 will be available in the U.S. this fall, with pricing, packaging and full specifications to be announced closer to on-sale timing. Details concerning the 2019-spec Global MX-5 Cup racecar will also be announced at a later date.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.
Nice to see the improvement are for all MX-5, was worried the hp boost was only with some $5,000 performance package option or something.
Awesome. Sounds like Mazda was listening and addressed most of the concerns (albeit small) owners had with their cars. Looking forward to test driving one this fall.
No mention of new popping colors? :(
Eternal Blue was introduced for 2018 but very few were made and not many are aware of it. I expect it’s going to stick around.
That new blue + the updates is going to make it very difficult for me to not trade in the 135i over the winter....assuming they will give me a decent trade-in for it.
Keith Tanner said:Eternal Blue was introduced for 2018 but very few were made and not many are aware of it. I expect it’s going to stick around.
I see that, it would be fun to have a new smurf blue, or yellow, or BRG, or the NC winning blue though.
Still cool updates for 2019 though! Hopefully it'll push the '16-'18 cars down in price.
Not much of anything to dislike about those changes. Wonder what it will do to the MSRP?
I still can't find any pics of Eternal Blue that make it 'pop' with a brightness or boldness even half as much as Kieth's image in the 'other' thread about this did.. Most look closer to the decidedly 'ho-hum' silver-blue that you see on the Mazda configurator and on some other Mazda's in the wild. So I definitely wouldn't order that one sight unseen, expecting something interesting or exciting.
.
That aside: Building an engine with more mpg, more rpm, more hp, and more torque everywhere is quite the accomplishment!
Ed Higginbotham said:...easier-to-open doors and revised door stops and revised cupholders and seat levers....
Say no more!...Where do I sign up? 
I love that Mazda has a "Gram strategy."
I wonder if this new mill will make it to the 3. That'd be cool.
Displaying 1-10 of 47 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
