2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata gets 181 hp (updated post #16)
06-20-18, 10:44 AM
#16
2019 Mazda Miata officially announced with 181 horsepower
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata will indeed get a slight performance increase. This fall, the car's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four will make 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. That's a 26 horsepower and 3 pound-feet bump over the 2018 model. It may not sound like a lot on paper, but consider the fact that it's a nearly 17 percent increase in power in a car that weighs just 2,332 lbs.
When the current ND generation debuted a few years back, the Miata actually took a slight hit to power. It was offset by a sizable weight loss program, but it didn't stop people from making a fuss. These days, it's not often that a newer model actually loses power compared to the outgoing car. The new car now makes roughly the same power as the old turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5 from 2004.
Peak power for the 2019 model comes at 7,000 rpm while peak torque arrives at 4,000 rpm. That's 1,000 more and 600 fewer revs respectively. The Miata's redline is now 7,500 rpm, up from 6,800. It should make the car feel more lively through the rev range and should drop the car's 0-60 mph time back under 7 seconds. The 2019 model only weighs 7-pounds more than the outgoing model, so it's essentially a non-issue.
In order to get the extra juice, Mazda engineers did some significant work to the engine's internals. Piston mass has been reduced 27 grams while the connecting rods are down 41 grams. The exhaust system and inner exhaust manifold have been modified to reduce pumping losses by 30 percent. The intake and fuel injectors have been changed, too. A new dual-mass flywheel replaces the single-mass unit. This should help better manage engine vibrations and responsiveness. Lastly, the final drive ratio has been increased from 3.454 to 3.583. Other gear ratios remain unchanged.
There are other minor but welcome changes for 2019. The steering wheel now telescopes, a boon for drivers with long legs. The doors are easier to open and feature revised door stops. The cupholders and seat levers have both been updated. Finally, there are new 17-inch wheels and a new brown canvas soft top.
When the current ND generation debuted a few years back, the Miata actually took a slight hit to power. It was offset by a sizable weight loss program, but it didn't stop people from making a fuss. These days, it's not often that a newer model actually loses power compared to the outgoing car. The new car now makes roughly the same power as the old turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5 from 2004.
Peak power for the 2019 model comes at 7,000 rpm while peak torque arrives at 4,000 rpm. That's 1,000 more and 600 fewer revs respectively. The Miata's redline is now 7,500 rpm, up from 6,800. It should make the car feel more lively through the rev range and should drop the car's 0-60 mph time back under 7 seconds. The 2019 model only weighs 7-pounds more than the outgoing model, so it's essentially a non-issue.
In order to get the extra juice, Mazda engineers did some significant work to the engine's internals. Piston mass has been reduced 27 grams while the connecting rods are down 41 grams. The exhaust system and inner exhaust manifold have been modified to reduce pumping losses by 30 percent. The intake and fuel injectors have been changed, too. A new dual-mass flywheel replaces the single-mass unit. This should help better manage engine vibrations and responsiveness. Lastly, the final drive ratio has been increased from 3.454 to 3.583. Other gear ratios remain unchanged.
There are other minor but welcome changes for 2019. The steering wheel now telescopes, a boon for drivers with long legs. The doors are easier to open and feature revised door stops. The cupholders and seat levers have both been updated. Finally, there are new 17-inch wheels and a new brown canvas soft top.
06-20-18, 05:39 PM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
The steering wheel now telescopes, a boon for drivers with long legs.
06-20-18, 07:00 PM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
I doubt telescoping will help tall drivers much but will help short ones a bunch
06-23-18, 12:51 PM
#19
What? Now they put in more horsepower for Miata's! Darn, sold my Miata a months back because I wanted a few more horses in it! Bought a RCF to replace it.
Good think about the RCF is that I don't feel like a sardine in a can, quieter, and a lot better quality interior.
Good think about the RCF is that I don't feel like a sardine in a can, quieter, and a lot better quality interior.
06-23-18, 08:26 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
congrats on the rcf. Obviously at more than twice the price it should be better in ever way unless a super light and super balanced sports car is one's desire (obviously not rcf qualities).
06-24-18, 01:44 PM
#21
Cost was not a factor with the Miata. Wanted a sports car that drove like one without exceeding speed limits. Driving that slow car, fast, was fun. Much better than my SLK AMG Mercedes I had before it that did not feel right until going about 90mph or so For lightweight fun driving, I still have my FJR Yamaha motorcycle as a backup to the RCF!
06-25-18, 06:06 AM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Cost was not a factor with the Miata. Wanted a sports car that drove like one without exceeding speed limits. Driving that slow car, fast, was fun. Much better than my SLK AMG Mercedes I had before it that did not feel right until going about 90mph or so For lightweight fun driving, I still have my FJR Yamaha motorcycle as a backup to the RCF!
06-25-18, 12:32 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
I can, too, to some extent....even without ever owning one. Though I usually like bigger cars and cush-tush ride/handling comfort, I have to admit that every time I've driven a Miata, it's been a fun experience, even with the tight, cramped space inside and rough, noisy ride. It is one of the most pure, agile, follow-the-road, driver's machines ever developed. The Lotus Elise (which I've driven) was perhaps even more so, but so small that it is exceedingly difficult even for normal-size American adults to ingress/egress. You should have seen me (6' 2" and 270 lbs.) getting in and out of one (truly funny indeed)
.....but that's the subject for another thread.
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-26-18 at 10:26 AM.
06-25-18, 11:19 PM
#24
I can, too, to some extent....even without ever owning one. Though I usually like bigger cars and cush-tush ride/handling comfort, I have to admit that every time I've driven a Miata, it's been a fun experience, even with the tight, cramped space inside and rough, noisy ride. It is one of the most pure, agile, follow-the-road, driver's machines eve redeveloped. The Lotus Elise (which I've driven) was perhaps even more so, but so small that it is exceedingly difficult even for normal-size American adults to ingress/egress. You should have seen me (6' 2" and 270 lbs.) getting in and out of one (truly funny indeed) .....but that's the subject for another thread.
.....but that's the subject for another thread.I love how low the limits are on older Miatas. They fit them with smaller 14", 15" or 16"(in the high spec models) wheels. There just isn't a ton of grip with the modest tire sizes they come with stock. Yet the suspension and brakes are so damn good you do feel confident pushing that car on a public road, even if the ultimate grip and speed is rather low.
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