It had a 50:50 weight distribution back to front and the drag coefficiency is specified as 0.38 with the top closed and 0.44 open. Mazda MX-5 Miata was a design and engineering marvel right from the start. Both the front and rear axels were on double wishbones and there were ventilated brakes on all wheels. It came out with new technologies for 1989, like optional rack and pinion power steering and ventilated disc brakes on the front. Over 430 thousand units of Miata Type NA sold worldwide. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, and it had a very short shift travel of 1,5 inches. There was only one engine option, a 1.6-liter with 85 kW (115 hp). Mazda Miata was first unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 1989.
Even brands like Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, and Fiat followed right after this success. Many Miatas were exported from the United States and Canada to other countries and sold there as gray imports.Īs a company, Mazda wanted this car to have a positive emotional impact on the brand’s name and they were extremely successful. The contingent intended for Europe was sold out in just three days.
Mazda initially planned to produce only 5000 units, however, by the end of 1990, over 140k vehicles had already been made. It was largely thanks to the personal initiative of many developers, such as MX-5 project manager Toshihiko Hirai. Even though the Mazda market research department saw no potential for such a vehicle, the car went into series production. The only roadster still built in large series was the Alfa Romeo Spider, which was technically outdated. Just like the legendary Triumph Spitfire, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider, the Alfa Romeo Spider, and especially the Lotus Elan. That means, engine at the front, drive at the back, 2 seats, manual clutch, and wind in your hair. The Miata follows the small British and Italian sports car tradition closely. Some manufacturers even produced vehicles with removable roof parts such as the Targa to battle those problems. Strict safety regulations, small interiors, and little trunk spaces were the culprits. Mazda Miata was launched worldwide in 1989 and many roadsters were almost extinct for various reasons at the time. Mazda had already sold 1,000,000 units by 2016 and therefore, the Miata is the best-selling roadster in the world. It is a widely successful car and it actually started a renaissance of the roadster body type after it came onto the market in the 90s. It was also known as Eunos Roadster in Japan until 1996. For example, in the US, it’s known as the Mazda Miata, and in Japan, it’s called the Mazda Roadster.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a roadster made by the Japanese automaker Mazda.
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