The next-gen MX-5 Miata thread

[Beeblebrox237]

I'm sure adding a fifth lug nut would not have been as heavy as adding a glovebox.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Again, this is Mazda we're talking about, who has been known to go to great lengths to reduce weight. (Mazda2)

But of course this is all speculation on my part, so if you meet a Mazda engineer by all means ask them yourselves.

 

[Keef]

Oh god. If you live in a state where the front plate is required and is white...

It's wabbit season!

DON'T FRET!

Ohio has you covered.

I saw this on a customer car just today, actually. It's a brand new BMW X5. This is a vinyl decal, about the same width as a normal plate but about 3 inches thinner so it looks much more horizontal. With this, you'd have the freedom to put it almost anywhere on the front of the car and it will fit into spots normally designed for Euro tags. How he managed to get this I have no idea because this is the first time I've ever seen it. [strikeout]I didn't know it was an option or I'd have gotten it for my new daily driver.[/strikeout] As far as I can tell it's not legit and the guy had it printed custom or something. I must know where and how.

 

[Nessy]

Again, this is Mazda we're talking about, who has been known to go to great lengths to reduce weight. (Mazda2)

Same as Honda (NSX R, as-well as many others).
It's also just speculation on my part, but the whole glovebox thing doesn't make sense to me, as by the looks of it there is a storage bin (with door) positioned between the seats.
Just saying.

[bolded edited for clarity]

 

[Keef]

I'm sure adding a fifth lug nut would not have been as heavy as adding a glovebox.

You're not just adding a fifth lugnut. You're adding four of them on four studs on a bigger hub with a bigger bearing, on which a wheel with a larger hub is mounted.

A glovebox has various design components to accommodate it but almost all of them are cheap plastic or rubber. And a lightbulb.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Same as Honda (NSX R, as-well as many others).
It's also just speculation on my part, but the whole glovebox thing doesn't make sense to me, as by the looks of it there is a glove box (with door) positioned between the seats.
Just saying.

Again that depends on personal preference, and I guess which company it is. Personally I don't call the center storage a glove box, and working for Nissan they don't either.

 

[Nessy]

Again that depends on personal preference, and I guess which company it is. Personally I don't call the center storage a glove box, and working for Nissan they don't either.

Yep, they're usually called storage bins.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

You're not just adding a fifth lugnut. You're adding four of them on four studs on a bigger hub with a bigger bearing, on which a wheel with a larger hub is mounted.

A glovebox has various design components to accommodate it but almost all of them are cheap plastic or rubber. And a lightbulb.

But remember, most of the space occupied by a fifth lug nut (yes, on all four wheels, I know that much about cars) is already occupied by metal. It would be, at most, a couple hundred grams of extra weight per corner. A glovebox would require essentially another large plastic piece on the dashboard, different packaging inside the dashboard, some sort of lining, and a latching mechanism. And all that reengineering of the dashboard adds weight.

 

[CodeRedR51]

I know the glove box door on my GTi is pretty hefty. And that's just the door.

 

[05XR8]

The roof is stored between the trunk and the cabin so it can't be a pass-through. The rear glove box will be the same as the NC and will probably hide the fuel door opener as well.










Some top-up action.

the question will be: Who is NOT going to buy one? Why wouldn't anyone buy the ND? Just look at it. The proportions, the ride height. As is, Mazda did it right. it looks muscular. Top up it looks awesome. Top down it looks great. everything from lights to wheels looks good. I cant wait to see Super Taikyu and Continental Tyre race versions. I can see someone putting a 20B motor in it. Or, a Renesis engine. Or a Ferrari V8! I needs this car. This one will push total sales close to 1 million before a design update. i feel it's going to be that good.

 

[Nessy]

I know the glove box door on my GTi is pretty hefty. And that's just the door.

That's because it's a VW, known for their trademark (sign of quality) "ClunK!".

A glovebox would require essentially another large plastic piece on the dashboard, different packaging inside the dashboard, some sort of lining, and a latching mechanism. And all that reengineering of the dashboard adds weight.

Not necessarily.. Depends on what material is used (could be exotic) and the sophistication of the glovebox - could be just two pivot bolts, a tray and a latch, also wouldn't necessarily need a lining.

 

[CodeRedR51]

 

[SlipZtrEm]

I've been looking at it for a few days now, and I'm really liking it the more I do. I like the pinched headlights; they looked a bit awkward at first, but images like this one really make the front end look more cohesive. I like the bit of shoulder it has behind the seats, and that the taillights both honour the circular motif that's always been a Miata tradition back there, and hark back to things like the RX-8 and its concepts. The stance is great too. This looks like a quality item, one worth the extra ask over the Toyobaru. It's more overtly sporty, which might even quiet the "it's girly" critics.

Really excited to see what the engine lineup looks like, but even now, top job, Mazda. 👍

 

[05XR8]

I showed the videos to my wife and said I will get this car. She had a smile on her face and said it does look more aggressive now, "The front is meaner. Looks like a Copen on 'roids." Haha. She then adds, "get it in white with black interior and black wheels." turns to my daughter, "Daddy's so excited!!"

By the way, Happy Father's Day to all the dads here down under.

 

[eSZee]

The front looks like another anime fuzzy animal like creature/mischievous emoticon. Mazda's version of that VW GTI FAST mascot they had a few years back.

Built in eyelids.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Someone on Miata.net was complaining about the "Jack-o-lantern" face, and someone else made a good point that a lot of the photos that have been released are from knee-cap height. It's not so bad when you look at it from eyeball height.

I'm sold either way, doesn't bother me.

 

[niky]

But remember, most of the space occupied by a fifth lug nut (yes, on all four wheels, I know that much about cars) is already occupied by metal. It would be, at most, a couple hundred grams of extra weight per corner. A glovebox would require essentially another large plastic piece on the dashboard, different packaging inside the dashboard, some sort of lining, and a latching mechanism. And all that reengineering of the dashboard adds weight.

A fifth lug is not just a lug and nut... you will often have a bigger hub carrier to go with it. If I recall right, Mazda's five lug hubs use the 114mm spacing (Ford is the one that uses some weird 100mm five lug job), whereas their four lug hubs typically use 100mm spacing... that translates to a smaller, lighter hub, overall.

-

The glovebox does save weight... perhaps a few pounds... but I believe the more important reason for removing it is to carve out extra legroom for the front passenger.

 

[Keef]

But remember, most of the space occupied by a fifth lug nut (yes, on all four wheels, I know that much about cars) is already occupied by metal.

It's not that simple.

That's just the hub. The hub mounts to the spindle which has to be larger. The bearing goes in between them and it has to be larger. The brake rotor fits over top and it needs a larger, thicker hat. The hub of the wheel itself has to be larger. Then you've got the measly extra nut per corner. The only part of that equation that isn't steel is the aluminum wheel.

 

[OriginalCheezIt]

It's not that simple.

That's just the hub. The hub mounts to the spindle which has to be larger. The bearing goes in between them and it has to be larger. The brake rotor fits over top and it needs a larger, thicker hat. The hub of the wheel itself has to be larger. Then you've got the measly extra nut per corner. The only part of that equation that isn't steel is the aluminum wheel.

Not to mention that that is all unsprung weight, which is far worse than the suspended weight of the glove box.

 

[YSSMAN]

Anyone heard? 2 litre engine! Pity its a fair bit down on power, its RWD, would like it to have more than the latest B-segment hatches, even if its naturally aspirated. Should've stolen Alfa's engine, would've been the best part of the car; imo.

It depends, I think. As hot as the 1.4 MultiAir seems to be in some applications, reviews aren't quite as nice in others. With less weight to deal with, I certainly think the MultiAir would come to life in a way that we haven't exactly seen (well, aside from the 8C), but it doesn't necessarily make it a better option when compared to a tweaked 2.0L SkyActiv. As it stands with an unmodified SkyActiv, the Fiat only produces 5 more BHP (peak comes 500 RPM sooner) and 20 more lb/ft of torque (1500 RPM sooner) - but, at a cost to durability, fuel economy, pricing, and (presumably) weight. I think Mazda has made the right choice, especially in terms of cost and durability. The Fiat will be fun, but, it'll be its own thing.

 

[Crispy]

Not to mention that that is all unsprung weight, which is far worse than the suspended weight of the glove box.

Especially in the Miata. Previous cars have been very sensitive to unsprung weight, it would no doubt be the same for this one.

 

[05XR8]

130hp from the 1.5L is good enough for me. My '88 GLi 16V had 123hp (before I dropped a VR6 in it). Plus, id maybe miss the hp at a track day. Everyday use, not so much. Can't do too much passing from 30-70kmh in Melbourne anyways.

As for a glove box, all thats needed is the material for the cover and dampeners. No need for a/c ducts for refrigeration(looking at the B4 Passat). Depends where the pollen filter is located as well. Besides, a "glove"box could be wallet or purse size. Could be an aluminum sheath for holding mobile phones, credit card or whatever. I agree with Mazda not designing one only for more passenger room not weight savings. We'll see when the designers speak on the details.

 

[alonsof1fan91]

I think the front headlights are about 15-20% too small, don't know about anyone else.

I'm just glad its out (finally), so we can hopefully see the Alfa Romeo Spider version asap. I wonder how soon until it's revealed, that's where this news story really ends for me.

EDIT: Also, silver wheels would've been nice to see, Red/Black doesn't work imo... Struggling to think of a colour that I like black wheels on, maybe I don't like black wheels at all.

I thought the Alfa was rebranded as a Abarth?

 

[Beeblebrox237]

It's not that simple.

That's just the hub. The hub mounts to the spindle which has to be larger. The bearing goes in between them and it has to be larger. The brake rotor fits over top and it needs a larger, thicker hat. The hub of the wheel itself has to be larger. Then you've got the measly extra nut per corner. The only part of that equation that isn't steel is the aluminum wheel.

A fifth lug is not just a lug and nut... you will often have a bigger hub carrier to go with it. If I recall right, Mazda's five lug hubs use the 114mm spacing (Ford is the one that uses some weird 100mm five lug job), whereas their four lug hubs typically use 100mm spacing... that translates to a smaller, lighter hub, overall.

-

The glovebox does save weight... perhaps a few pounds... but I believe the more important reason for removing it is to carve out extra legroom for the front passenger.

This is all true. However, I do think that by adding extra leg room for the passenger, other parts of the car can be made smaller and lighter. So it's hard to tell what would save more weight.

 

[niky]

This is all true. However, I do think that by adding extra leg room for the passenger, other parts of the car can be made smaller and lighter. So it's hard to tell what would save more weight.

The glovebox sits on just one side of the car. Engineers don't change chassis hardpoints just because you don't put one in.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

The glovebox sits on just one side of the car. Engineers don't change chassis hardpoints just because you don't put one in.

It probably depends on how tightly they want to package the car. They might be able to relocate components in the engine bay and take one or two cm out of the overall length of the car, since they can shorten the passenger footwell and relocate electronic equipment inside the passenger side dashboard.

 

[Nessy]

I guess a lot of it comes down to, "how important is it to have this traditionally placed glove box?" There's a storage bin that essentially does the same job, and there's added comfort from the lack of one which is a bonus.

Extra legroom/better ergonomics in an already small car, surely just increases and widens the market appeal, to cater for some of their larger customers. Plus i imagine it's a cost saving (in reference to what @Beeblebrox237 said about having to re-engineer parts and tooling) - plus knock on effects in the same regard as separate tooling between LHD and RHD.. Central storage bin would work best, and yes (just maybe) save some weight.

 

[eSZee]

It probably depends on how tightly they want to package the car. They might be able to relocate components in the engine bay and take one or two cm out of the overall length of the car, since they can shorten the passenger footwell and relocate electronic equipment inside the passenger side dashboard.

They better not. The NC has that stupid AKE hump in the passanger footwell that even shorter people complain about.

 

[shmogt]

I like it. Looks very sharp and hopefully is still fun to drive.

 

[Wolfe]

I really like it, apart from the squinty headlights with the creepy lacrimal-caruncle-looking things on the inner corners. The curves and proportions are great, though it does resemble a new Honda S-series. Nonetheless, a big improvement over the NC.