2009 Mazda MX-5 Gets Higher Redline, Fresh Face

Short of the Porsche 911, the Mazda MX-5 Miata line is perhaps the most recognizable and design-constant sports car on the market today. The 2009 Mazda MX-5 (they don't want us to call it a "Miata" these days...) marks the 20th Anniversary of the little roadster that could. While it has grown ever so slightly over the years, the MX-5 still carries the instantly-recognizable mug and perfectly balanced handling it is famous for.

2009 MX-5 Performance - A Complete Performance Car, Though No Dragster...

Great handling aside, the MX-5 Miata has been criticized by some enthusiasts for its lack of straight-line power. While the 2009 MX-5 still carries a modest horsepower figure at 166 bhp, redline has been raised by 500 rpm to a phenomenal 7500 rpm. Peak horsepower burns some MX-5 rubber at 300 revs per minute higher, too, at 7000 rpm. Holding onto gears longer will allow those who wish to push the MX-5 to its limits slightly greater performance times and a more versatile car on the track, and on the road.

Since the first generation debuted in 1989, the Miata line has always been praised for its butter 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions. With larger-diameter gear synchros, the 6 speed should be even easier to shift properly. This is a fun car to drive hard, to be sure.



With a perfect 50-50 front/rear weight distribution and a curb weight of only 2467 lbs., there are few cars as easy to toss around the corners as the MX-5.

Refreshed MX-5 Styling - Mazda Does it Again

Like the aforementioned 911, the design team at Mazda believe that their most successful car to date does not need drastic changes from year to year. The 3rd generation MX-5 added overall crisper lines and flared fenders like those found on the Mazda RX-8, and not much else. For 2009, Mazda brings significant MX-5 front end changes, with sterner headlights and a wide-mouth grill.

The resulting car begins to look more and more like the RX-8's more-attractive little brother, without giving up much of what makes a classic MX-5 Miata.

Mazda's motto for the MX-5 is "Jinba-Ittai," which the Japanese automaker translates as "oneness between driver and car." Short of the crisper, faster and more expensive Honda S2000, no roadster manages this idea better. You won't find all the power and annoying electronic poor-driver assistance systems here. Just a light, attractive and supremely fun roadster. Why change a good thing?



The 2009 MX-5 will be able in European and Japanese showrooms early next year, with a North American release soon to follow. Read on for complete details in a long and deliciously pretentious press release, direct from the people at Mazda...



Specifications

Drivetrain
Layout	Front-Engine, RWD
Transmission	6 Speed Manual, Synchros 1-4 Carbon-Coated
Engine
Displacement	2.0 Liters
Engine Type	Naturally-Aspirated Inline 4
Horsepower	166 hp @ 7000 rpm
Redline	7500 rpm
Torque	140 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Exterior
Body Type	2 Door, 2 Seat Folding Hardtop or Softtop Roadster
Length	157.3 in
Wheelbase	91.7 in
Width	67.7 in
Performance
Fuel Economy	22/27 City/Highway EPA Estimated
Full Performance Specs TBA @ Detroit Motor Show