The next-gen MX-5 Miata thread

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The ND Miata has gotten a facelift

www.motor1.com

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Debuts With New Lights, Infotainment, LSD

Mazda has introduced an updated MX-5 Miata in Japan with a bit more power for the 1.5-liter engine and an improved stability control system.
www.motor1.com www.motor1.com

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You can call it the "ND3" as it follows the 2019 update when the "ND2" was introduced with a more powerful variant of the 2.0-liter engine. The following revisions are likely to be applied to the global version in the coming months after the Japan market launch in mid-January 2024.

Already available to preorder in the Land of the Rising Sun, the 2024 Miata boasts new LED headlights that now integrate the daytime running lights. Previously, these had been installed in the bumper and consisted of multiple dots for a design that was beginning to show its age, having been around since the 2015 ND1. The taillights have also been discreetly updated and Mazda now uses LEDs everywhere, including the turn signals.

The left side of the front grille has been modified to accommodate a radar sensor for adaptive cruise control with Smart Brake Support. The latter automatically stops the car while reversing at speeds of up to 9 mph (15 km/h) when it detects an object. Rounding off the exterior changes are the Aero Gray Metallic paint and new wheel designs in 16- and 17-inch sizes.

Stepping inside, the ancient infotainment system has finally made way for a new 8.8-inch setup we recently saw on the JDM-spec 2024 Mazda2 and CX-3. It modernizes the dashboard thanks to thinner bezels but the real benefit should be its functionality since the old setup was laggy and had an outdated user interface. There's also a new tan interior with a beige top for a combination Mazda says takes after old-school roadsters.

The Miata ND3 gets a newly developed asymmetrical limited-slip differential bringing improved stability for the versions equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. The engineers have also tweaked the electric power steering to reduce friction and deliver a "natural and clean feedback feel." Another change is the addition of a DSC-Track mode for the dynamic stability control system, which intervenes only when the driver is no longer able to control the car.

In addition, the 1.5-liter engine (not available in the United States) has gained four horsepower provided it runs on high-octane fuel. The bigger 2.0-liter unit with the manual promises to deliver better response both when accelerating and decelerating.
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NGL I want those new light units for my '19 model lol
Also glad they brought back the tan interior, tan interiors need more love. Also wonder how much of a difference the new diff makes...
 
Just watched the Mad Mike FURSTY 808 drift car video. These sport versions make a bit of sense with what Mad Mike quoted during a visit to Mazda HQ: “Motorsport is our treasure. We must never lose our treasure.”

I‘m glad Mazda is getting back with sport versions of more than just the MX-5.
 
Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R


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Now, additional upgrades have allowed Mazda's engineers to squeeze out a grand total of 197 hp.

Known by its full name as the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R, the spicy convertible features changes to the intake, exhaust, cylinder heads, pistons, and camshafts to unlock the extra oomph.

Production will be capped at only 200 units, offered at seven million yen a piece. At current exchange rates, that works out to a pricey $44,300. The order books will open in Japan this fall. Should demand exceed supply, which seems likely, Mazda will organize a lottery to determine the 200 buyers.

If you're not lucky enough to be one of those 200 people, Mazda is also building a more mass-produced Spirit Racing Roadster, which shares all of the same upgrades, minus the extra power, the exhaust, and the Recaro seats. Production for that car will start in the middle of 2025.
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How long till it's in Gran Turismo? They've got a tradition of featuring every special edition Miata they can think of.
 
They havent done a "prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength" version yet have they?
Mazda should make cars made out of coral, then when exposed to water and salt they will just get stronger over time.
 
Guess I'll be that old man driving that old NB.

Google Translate
autorai.nl

"Opvolger Mazda MX-5 in de maak, diverse opties mogelijk"

Er komt een nieuwe Mazda MX-5. Dat kan zowel Jo Stenuit als Christian Schultze bevestigen in een interview met AutoRAI.nl.
autorai.nl autorai.nl

Further improve the recipe​

The question then is how to further improve the ND formula. Stenuit: " The ND generation is already twelve years old, and it's still a perfect car. So, how do you improve it? That's difficult. We did a project in 2024 where we explored the possibilities for the MX-5 NE. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I'm certain that car will be released and that it will have some form of electric power assistance. Mild hybrid will be the least of the options. As I said: the MX-5 is the soul of the company. As you know, they're a bit crazy in Hiroshima, so something interesting will surely come out of that. But that will take a few more years."
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In conversation with Christian Schultze, Director Research & Operations of Mazda Motor Europe​

It's clear that the MX-5 is sacred to Mazda, and the Japanese manufacturer is doing everything it can to continue the model. In that regard, it's also interesting to talk to Christian Schultze, Director of Research & Operations at Mazda Motor Europe. After all, he's the one who controls the new models and knows the ins and outs. He can't and shouldn't reveal everything, but he's happy to share his perspective on the MX-5.

What do you think is the easiest way to make the MX-5 more sustainable?​

The simplest way to reduce the MX-5's emissions is to use synthetic fuels. That's the short answer, really. If you look at the technical reality, synthetic, CO₂-neutral fuel allows you to continue using the existing combustion engine without having to completely overhaul the car's concept. For a model like the MX-5, which relies so heavily on lightweight construction, balance, and mechanical purity, that's a very logical route. The moment you go fully electric, you fundamentally change the car's architecture. That means different proportions, different weight, a different balance. With synthetic fuel, you retain the essence of the car. That's why I say: if it's the most direct and technically minimal way to make things more sustainable, synthetic fuels are the most obvious solution.
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Suppose a fully electric MX-5 does become inevitable. What does that mean technically?​

If we're bound to a fully electric MX-5 in the future, that will be a serious engineering challenge. Everyone knows how much a battery weighs. Relative to the total weight of an MX-5, a battery pack can easily account for half the vehicle's weight. And precisely that low weight is one of the absolute core values of the MX-5. The MX-5 has always been a lightweight sports car. That's not a marketing term, but a fundamental principle of development. As soon as you add hundreds of kilos of battery weight, you have to drastically compensate in other areas. This requires very clever designs, new materials, and different packaging. You really have to delve deep into the technical toolbox to preserve the car's character.

Would you prefer an electrified, but not fully electric solution?​

I honestly hope that in the future we can offer an MX-5 that is electrified, but not fully electric. That could be a solution, for example, where you combine a relatively light form of electrification with CO₂-neutral fuel. This way, you maintain the light weight and the direct character, while working towards emissions reduction. There have been sports cars with a range-extender architecture in the past. That solution was precisely intended to keep the battery smaller and lighter. Such concepts can be interesting if you want to reduce weight. But ultimately, it depends heavily on legislation and the flexibility that regulations offer us.
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Is the next generation MX-5 already in development?​

The current generation is called ND. The exact name of the next generation hasn't been finalized yet. It might be NE, but I can't confirm that at this time. Right now, we're mainly focused on the current MX-5 and how we can best preserve and further develop it. Development of a new generation isn't finished yet, but it doesn't need to be. There's no need to be completely ready at this point. What's important is that we're prepared when regulations or market conditions require it. So, we're working ahead, but without making hasty decisions.

There's talk of a possible 2.5-liter engine. Is that realistic?​

A 2.5-liter engine sounds appealing, I understand. But interestingly enough, we already tried something like this about twenty years ago. Back then, our engineers built a prototype with a 2.5-liter V6 in their spare time. They did it here in the workshop, purely out of enthusiasm. Technically, it was a fascinating project. The problem, however, was the packaging. The engine didn't fit well under the hood; it was simply too high. The result wasn't visually appealing. But in terms of the driving experience, it was definitely interesting. That shows that the idea itself isn't new.
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Why would a 2.5-liter be needed today?​

The real question is: what do you need that 2.5-liter engine for? Is it for the extra torque? Is it for better emissions? Or is it primarily attractive because it's a larger engine? We want a lightweight engine. A 2.5-liter is by definition heavier than a 1.5- or 2.0-liter. Extra weight up front directly affects balance and steering response. These are precisely the elements that make the MX-5 so special. So it's not an easy choice.

Does Euro 7 play a decisive role in that engine decision?​

Euro 7 absolutely plays a significant role. The current generation has been on the market for twelve years now. With the arrival of stricter emissions regulations, we have to intervene. That will undoubtedly be a major challenge. But I doubt the solution will automatically be a larger engine. We're looking for a technically sound solution with the right performance, the right weight, and full regulatory compliance. That's no easy task.

Does that mean the current 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines are here to stay for the time being?​

We're trying to keep the current engines running for as long as possible and optimize them to meet future regulations. This means technical adjustments, improvements in combustion, exhaust aftertreatment, and efficiency. Whether that will be sufficient depends on how strict the final regulations will be. But our principle is clear: keep what's good and improve where necessary.

Do you see hybrid technology as a logical next step?​

Many forms of hybridization are possible. These days, you see sports cars using hybrid technology purely for extra power. That's an interesting development, but it doesn't automatically align with the MX-5's philosophy. The MX-5 isn't about maximum horsepower. You don't need extreme power to experience driving pleasure. Even with a relatively small engine, you can have a tremendous amount of fun. Hybridization would therefore only be interesting if it contributes to efficiency or regulatory compliance, without compromising weight and character.

What do you think is the essence of the MX-5?​

I always say: the MX-5 is the art of slow driving. That might sound paradoxical for a sports car, but it's precisely the essence. Even when you're driving at 70 kilometers per hour on a winding road, you can experience maximum driving pleasure. It's not about diving into a corner at 210 kilometers per hour. It's about balance, feeling, interaction with the car. That's what has made the MX-5 unique for decades.

How long can a car like the MX-5 survive?​

That largely depends on legislation. But one thing is certain: we want to keep this iconic car alive for as long as possible. The MX-5 is an essential part of our brand DNA. As long as we can maintain its core values—lightweightness, balance, and pure driving pleasure—we will continue to look for solutions to future-proof the MX-5.
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