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60-565: The first generation Mazda MX-5 or Mazda Miata was launched in the U.S. market in May 1989 (model year 1990). The Sports Car Club of America placed the car in the Showroom Stock C class for production vehicles with a 1,600 cc engine. The rules allowed the car to be entered in races when the model was one year old, in 1991. As production and popularity of the sports car grew, the SCCA developed

120-618: A Torsen LSD. Air conditioning was optional, but the "R" package was not available with power steering, leather, or an automatic transmission. It can also be identified by a red Miata badge on the rear instead of the usual black. No body style changes were made, however. Halfway through the 1997 model year the hazard light button was changed to a black button with red symbol as opposed to the earlier red button with white symbol. The new 1,839 cc (1.8 L; 112.2 cu in) engine produced 96 kW (129 bhp) at 6,500 rpm and 149 N⋅m (110 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm, which

180-446: A "track bar" between the seatbelt towers inside the car, but also to the front and rear subframes. Also, 1994 and 1995 were the only years in which Mazda offered a light metallic blue paint (Laguna Blue Mica), making these cars desirable to some collectors. 1994 also saw the introduction of the "R" package, a sport-themed package with Bilstein shocks, stiffer sway bars, retuned springs, subtle front and rear underbody spoilers, and

240-413: A 1.6 L (98 cu in) DOHC inline four-cylinder engine , producing 86 kW (115 bhp) at 6,500 rpm, and 136 N⋅m (100 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine employs an electronic fuel injection system using a vane-type air flow meter and an electronic ignition system with a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor . This engine, codenamed B6ZE(RS) ,

300-450: A 1.600cc engine. The car had a minimum weight of 2.300lbs. The second type allowed were cars built from 1994 through 1998. The car featured a 1.800cc engine and had a minimum weight of 2.350lbs. Lastly cars built from 1999 through 2005 featured a 1.800cc engine and had a minimum weight of 2.400lbs. Between 2006 and 2015, the series used the third generation Mazda MX-5 . The car featured the standard 2.0L engine prepared by Mazdaspeed. Through

360-656: A 1992 V-Special in British racing green with tan leather interior. The car belongs to tomato farmer Keiji Nishimoto, who has owned it since new. The Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan gave the program a Special Award for Classic Car Restoration Service at the 2018 RJC Car of the Year Awards. On October 28, 2019, Mazda announced that they will introduce select reproduction parts for North American MX-5 Miata NA owners. All parts will be remanufactured using modern methods and materials while retaining

420-468: A choice for each car to be fully restored to factory-spec using OEM parts, or selected restoration options. All work is then certified by TÜV Rheinland . When the program was announced over 600 owners applied for the restoration program. At the Japanese language website, not all NA series can be restored and conditions are listed. On September 27, 2018, Mazda unveiled the first fully restored Roadster:

480-596: A distinctive analogue clock. The engine is the standard 1.6L. Limited to 3,997 units in the United States / 1,051 in Canada, this edition of the MX-5 NA was offered only in British racing green with tan leather interior and tonneau cover and featured a wooden Nardi shift knob and handbrake lever, stainless steel door sills, air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, and headrest speakers. A US$ 250 option for

540-468: A long history of involvement with NA models in the UK, having supplied parts and equipment for a dealer supplied BBR Turbo version of the car between 1990 and 1991. This raised power output to 110 kW (150 bhp), and produced 209 N⋅m (154 ft⋅lb) of torque. The kit consisted of 68 parts and was covered by a full dealer warranty. They were supplied and fitted to around 750 UK spec cars, including for

600-512: A low introductory price and low weight (true to Lotus' "add lightness" philosophy, applied on the Elan model), the entry model was kept basic. It had steel wheels, no power brakes, steering, or windows, and no stereo or air conditioning. Power brakes, steering, stereo, and air conditioning were added as standard equipment in later years, and depending on market. Mazda reported that the 1990 NA would reach 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.6 seconds, with

660-431: A lower-cost option, but was detuned to 66 kW (89 bhp). This lower-powered model did not receive all the additional chassis bracing of the new 1.8 L (110 cu in). Japanese and U.S. models offered an optional Torsen LSD, which was far more durable than the previous viscous differential. There were a number of trim levels and special editions available, determined by local Mazda marketing departments. In

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720-640: A range of 180 km (110 miles). It was also significantly heavier, weighing 1,410 kg (3,110 lb). Limited to 3,000 units for the US, the M-Edition introduced the Montego Blue Mica exterior color and was equipped similarly to the 1992 Black Miata, but with power windows, power mirrors, a Torsen limited-slip differential and special M-Edition badges. While the R-Package was never officially

780-576: A separate class for the car. After an exhibition race at Road Atlanta in 1999, an SCCA regional class was launched in 2000. In professional motorsport, the Miata's were entered in the SCCA World Challenge , but without major results. The Mazdaspeed Miata Cup was launched for 2003 with a Pacific and an Atlantic championship. The series first race was run at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex on May 3 and 4, 2003. Chip Herr and Niki Coello won

840-624: A set of lower lip spoilers (R-Package), and a newly designed "Duck-Tail" trunk lid with integrated spoiler. The M2-1028 trunk lid was made from aluminum and weighed only 3.5 kg (7.7 lb), a very light weight from the original lid of 7.0 kg (15.4 lb). It also came with a 6-point roll cage, but no soft-top, instead featuring a tarp that stretched over the cage. With optional FRP Hardtop with plexiglass rear window for more weight savings coming in at only 8.6 kg (19 lb). Brodie Brittain Racing (BBR) of Brackley , England , have had

900-649: A similar program going with the Mazdaspeed vehicles, and then in the late '90s Mazdaspeed was absorbed into Mazda as a subsidiary company in Mazda Auto Tokyo. There were many types of M2 branded vehicles between 1991 and 1995, beginning with the 1001 up to the 1031 Cafe Racer (Dec-91). M2 released the M2-1001 Roadster in December 1991. It was a special "Limited Production" Roadster variant that

960-531: A slightly different front bumper but all the same items as the previous 1001 Roadster. This one did not do as well as the 1001. M2 released its third Roadster in February 1994, based on the original "Jinba Ittai" concept made by Toshihiko Hirai. This was billed as a track-ready Roadster. (The US saw a cheaper version known as the R-Package.) Offered in Chaste White or Brilliant Black only, this Roadster used

1020-563: A special edition, only 1841 were produced for the USA. The R-package was sold with the upgraded Torsen rear differential, stiffer springs and sway bars, Bilstein shock absorbers, front air dam, and rear spoiler. There was not any option for power steering, an automatic transmission, or leather seats. Air conditioning was optional. An upgrade to the 1994 M-Edition in Merlot Mica with adjustable headrests and 15-inch BBS wheels, this M-Edition MX-5

1080-559: A top speed of 116.8 mph (188.0 km/h). Japanese market Eunos models were limited to 180 km/h (110 mph). Car and Driver tested the NA for their September 1989 issue, achieving a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h), with hardtop installed. Motor Trend 's July 1989 test gave a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 8.9 seconds. The NA with an automatic transmission reached 97 km/h (60 mph) in 9.9 seconds and had

1140-488: A top speed of 181 km/h (112 mph). In 1993, 1,500 LE (Limited Edition) cars were produced. This model featured red leather interior, upgraded stereo, Nardi shift knob, Nardi steering wheel, cruise control, limited-slip differential, power windows, power mirrors, power steering, air conditioning, BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks , front and rear spoilers , ABS brakes, stainless sill plates, and Harley style peanut tank door speaker trim. All 1993 LE cars came in black. For

1200-403: Is a Garrett AiResearch GT25 ball bearing unit, and the package also includes an air-to-air intercooler, and a digital piggy-back ECU to control timing, fueling, and boost pressures. Subject to a satisfactory donor car, the refurbishment and turbo upgrade package includes rust treatment, a paint respray, new seats, wheels, and other trim. As of January 2011 the cost for a 'refreshed' BBR MX-5 Turbo

1260-587: Is £7,500. In the United States, NA (and later model) turbo conversions are available from companies like Flyin' Miata. The conversions use mainly Garrett turbochargers (GT2560R) and are available as a kit or fully installed. Flyin' Miata also offers a CARB -legal kit as well. In 2018, Mazda began a factory restoration program for Eunos Roadster owners in Japan. The work is performed at the Hiroshima Factory where all Roadsters are built. The program offers

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1320-796: The Eunos Roadster ( ユーノス・ロードスター , Yūnosu Rōdosutā ) and in North America as the Mazda MX-5 Miata ) is the first generation of the Mazda MX-5 , manufactured from 1989 to 1997. Inspired by the post-war era British sports cars , the MX-5 rejuvenated interest in roadsters after the demise of cars such as the MG B , Triumph Spitfire , and Fiat 124 Spider . Since its debut, the MX-5 has won numerous automotive awards and has become

1380-589: The IndyCar Series at the Grand Prix of Alabama , Kohler Grand Prix , Honda Indy Toronto and the Grand Prix at The Glen . Beginning in 2021, the series partnered with IMSA under a new sanctioning agreement. The series currently races at select WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events, while retaining a single IndyCar event (the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg ). In 2022, the series will continue its annual visit to Road America , but will be part of

1440-473: The NASCAR Cup Series race weekend. In the early Mazdaspeed Miata Cup accepted first- and second generation Mazda MX-5s. The series followed Spec Miata rules as issued by the SCCA, NASA and Midwestern Council . Tyres from the labels Toyo , Kumho and Hankook were allowed. Three types of MX-5's were allowed to run in the series. The edition of the MX-5 built from 1990 through 1993 featured

1500-568: The SEMA tradeshow. The final season of the third generation car was won by John Dean II with a 13-point margin on Patrick Gallagher . In 2016, the Global MX-5 Cup was launched. The series featured the new fourth generation Mazda MX-5, and a new prize package. The winner of the series was invited to test a Mazda powered Lola B08/80 prepared by Mazda Motorsports . Last season's championship contenders Dean II and Gallagher again competed at

1560-467: The 1991 'Le Mans' special edition, with a further 150 kits being supplied overseas. Two decades later in 2011, BBR now offer a turn-key refurbishment package for old NA MX-5's, again including a turbo charger kit. This now increases power output to 160 kW (210 bhp), and produces 237 N⋅m (175 ft⋅lb) of torque. The estimated top speed is now 230 km/h (140 mph), with 0–97 (60 mph) approached in 5.5 seconds. The turbo charger used

1620-433: The 1994 model year, the first-generation MX-5 was freshened with the introduction of the more powerful 1,839 cc (1.8 L; 112.2 cu in) BP-ZE engine, dual airbags placed in a redesigned dashboard, the addition of a Mazda badge on the front fascia in the US and a Torsen limited-slip differential in some markets. The chassis was substantially braced to meet new side-impact standards, most visibly by adding

1680-484: The 1st anniversary of the MX-5 in the UK. These have a numbered brass plaque on the passenger-side padded dashboard and on the front of the Owners Book, and are fitted with colour-matched 15" OZ alloy wheels from MSW (Mazda Sports Workshop) which are often mistaken for BBS, but which are unique to this model. Other features were power steering, central locking, a wooden steering wheel, hand-brake grip and gear knob, and

1740-400: The 2009 season. Lamb won eight out of ten races, consecutive. Marc Miller and Lyonel Kent won the remaining two races. NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis also competed in the series. Rampelberg continued in the series winning the 2010 series. In 2010 the series had its first standing start, at New Jersey Motorsports Park , previously only using a rolling start. The 2011 season was a tough season for

1800-548: The 2016 season, Mazda introduced the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 . The car is built at the Hiroshima Mazda factory before being transformed into a MX-5 Cup car. The MX-5 Cup version was developed by Mazda North American Operations and Long Road Racing . The engine is a 2.0 L Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS) I4 . From 2016 to 2018, the series began with the ND1 iteration of the car, before introducing an updated ND2 class in 2019. For

1860-641: The 2019 season, the series utilized a two-class structure, with a premier ND2 class running alongside the legacy ND1 cars. The ND1 ECU was provided by General Engine Management Systems , while the ND2 upgraded to a Bosch ECU with an increased 7,500rpm limit . The ND2 upgrades also included an increase to 181 horsepower and a SADEV sequential gearbox. Tom Long was the test driver during the development phases. In 2019, Long Road Racing ceased operations, with responsibilities transferred to Flis Performance . Mazda MX-5 (NA) The Mazda MX-5 (NA) (sold in Japan as

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1920-600: The M2 operation was Mr. Masakatsu Kato, original father of the Miata (Eunos Roadster) in Japan, as well as creator of several Mazda concept vehicles. Kato-san was assisted by Hirotaka Tachibana, development engineer responsible for the superb dynamics of the Mazda FC (second generation RX-7) and the NA Roadster. M2 was based out of Tokyo, Japan. M2 was a 100% owned subsidiary of Mazda, and it was closed by Mazda in 1995. Mazda kept

1980-697: The MX-5. The final M-Edition was offered in Marina Green Mica and limited to 3,000 units in the USA. For the Canadian market, the Speedster Edition was the same color as the US-market's 1997 M-Edition in Marina Green Mica but had the 1996 M-Edition's Enkei wheels, "Speedster Edition" badging, and a Torsen LSD, but black cloth seats. Limited to 150 units in Canada. Advertised by Mazda USA as "Still The One" and limited to 1,500 units,

2040-456: The NA weighs only 980 kg (2,160 lb). It has a drag coefficient of  C d =0.38. Suspension is independent by double wishbones on all four wheels, with anti-roll bars front and rear. Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated at the front, are behind alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires . The base model came with stamped steel wheels from the then-current 323/Protege. The original MX-5, with standard manual transmission, came with

2100-715: The Special Touring Option (STO) was offered in Twilight Blue Mica and featured the exterior options of the 1996 M-Edition, but lacked the Torsen differential, cruise control, premium stereo, and hardtop (which elicited the other nickname of "Stuff Taken Off"). A small range of Eunos Roadster units were assembled by the M2 Corporation . Founded in November 1991, M2, also known as "Mazda Too",

2160-456: The US, the base model was offered for US$ 13,995 at launch and was very basic, with manual windows, steel wheels, and without air conditioning or power steering. The "A Package" offered power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels and cassette stereo. The "B Package" added power windows, along with cruise control and headrest speakers, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top with leather seats. The "R Package"

2220-637: The car is one of the most sought after special edition cars of the MX-5s. The first generation MX-5 was phased out after the 1997 model year (with the exception of 400 limited edition Berkeley models sold only in the UK in 1998 to mark the end of the NA), with the final 1,500 NAs produced for the US market being the "STO" ("Special Touring Option") versions. 250 examples sold from March '91, produced in British Racing Green with tan interior, to celebrate

2280-474: The championship. Saini was promoted to the 2008 SCCA World Challenge with Mazda. The 2008 season started with a Mazda Miata shootout. Brad Rampelberg won the race between SCCA and NASA champions to receive a fully funded drive in the 2008 regular season. Rampelberg finished sixth in the season standings winning races at Portland and Miller Motorsports Park. Eric Foss won the championship winning two races but finishing all eight races. Todd Lamb dominated

2340-468: The exclusive Sunburst Yellow color, limited to 1,519 units in the USA / 503 in Canada. Limited to 4,625 units, this edition was offered only in Brilliant Black with tan leather interior - they were also offered with the "C" package, which included a Nardi shift knob and handbrake lever and special 14-inch BBS wheels. Limited to 1,505 units in the USA / 300 in Canada, this Limited Edition model

2400-403: The front of the pack. Gallagher won the first race after Dean II started from pole position. The championship was won by 26-year old Nathanial Sparks . Sparks won a $ 200,000 scholarship to advance his racing career. The season culminated with a new invitational shootout format. The Mazda MX-5 Cup Global Invitational debuted with nineteen drivers from eight different countries. The inaugural edition

2460-411: The new 1.8 L powerplant with upgraded pistons, camshafts, and other similar goodies as the previous 1001 and 1002. This Roadster had an output of close to 110 kW (150 bhp), and included 14-inch Eunos Factory Rims with a unique gunmetal paint with polished lip. The only real changes were a new set of lightweight side mirrors, MOMO Steering Wheel, centerless console, racing seats, racing tow hook,

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2520-477: The original look and feel of that era. Enkei will reproduce the original alloy wheels, but with a lighter weight and a more durable finish. Christian Szymczak Christian Szymczak (born March 4, 1974) is an American racecar driver who competed in the Barber Dodge Pro Series in 2001 and 2002, finishing 11th and 8th in points in his two years, respectively. In 2013 Christian won

2580-625: The series. The final rounds of the series saw only 16 entrants. Michael Cooper won the series as Rampelberg moved into the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge . For 2012 Todd Snyder was appointed as the director of competition. Snyder left the series at the end of the season to join the IMSA . The series created a partnership with the Skip Barber Racing School for young racers. Bryan Hixon

2640-482: The two races over the weekend. Niki Coello went on to win the Atlantic Tour championship. Bobby Carter won the inaugural Pacific Tour. The introduction of the third generation Mazda MX-5 coincided with the unified national pro series in 2006. The inaugural season started at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca . A total of 22 racers started the inaugural race which was won by Chip Herr , from pole position. The series

2700-529: The world's best selling sports car. The MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989, with a price tag of US$ 14,000 (equivalent to $ 34,412 in 2023). The MX-5, with production code NA, was made available for delivery to buyers worldwide in the following dates: May 1989 (as a 1990 model) in the US and Canada; September 1, 1989 in Japan; and 1990 in Europe. An optional hardtop

2760-491: The years, model years 2006 through 2014 were accepted. The engine featured modifications by Mazdaspeed such as a modified cold air intake. The gearbox was a stock 6-speed manual out of the Sport Package. The suspension and shocks were also provided by Mazdaspeed. Tires were provided by Hankook in 2006 and 2007. Between 2008 and 2009 the tires were provided by Kumho. As of 2010 the tires are provided by BFGoodrich . For

2820-438: Was Mazda's new off-line planning / niche-house / Research & Development company back in the early '90s. M2 employees had noble intentions — creating niche-mobiles derived from Mazda's volume products. Although M2's basic mission involved focusing on the "soft" aspects of vehicle design in an attempt to create more specifically targeted niche variants, the changes to the off-line cars would go well beyond mere cosmetics. Heading

2880-512: Was a 5-speed manual , derived from that used in the also rear-wheel drive Mazda 929/Luce . The gear-shift was the subject of close attention during development, with engineers told to make it shift in as small a gear pattern as possible and with minimal effort. In the American and Japanese markets, a 4-speed automatic transmission was also offered, as well as an optional viscous limited-slip differential on manual transmission cars. To achieve

2940-848: Was a short production run of only 300 units, in a special Blue/Black Mica Paint, with a sticker price of $ 26,000. Prospective buyers were required to show up in person at M2's Tokyo headquarters to register for a lottery to place an order for this extremely limited Roadster. This upscale Roadster was M2's first turn-key, race-ready offering. A list of popular features, while not exhaustive, is as follows: functional front airdam with integrated fog lamps, vintage aero mirrors, 4-point roll bar, vintage gauge cluster, fixed back bucket seats, polished 3-spoke steering wheel, stiffer suspension package with M2 specific rates, polished aluminum strut brace, upgraded exhaust by HKS , intake system, 1.6 L motor with new aggressive pistons, upgraded camshaft, lightweight flywheel, LSD cooling intake, manual steering, manual windows (A/C

3000-490: Was equipped similarly to the 1992 Black Miata, but with red leather interior, sport suspension, front and rear spoilers, rear skirt, air conditioning, headrest speakers and 14-inch BBS wheels. In 1993, Mazda partnered with the Chugoku Electric Power Company to produce an electric prototype called the "Energia Electric Vehicle." The prototype had a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and had

3060-480: Was for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". These included all of the luxury options from the "C Package" as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. In the UK, to celebrate Mazda's 24 hours of Le Mans win , Mazda brought out a special edition of the MX-5, with the winner's color scheme (see Mazda 787B ) and came equipped with BBR (Brodie Brittain Racing) turbo conversion;

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3120-523: Was joined by the MX-3/AZ-3/Eunos Presso (based on Japanese Mazda dealerships). The exterior dimensions and the engine displacement were also in compliance with Japanese Government compact car regulation . The NA has a steel unitary body-shell with a lightweight aluminium hood . Overall dimensions are 3,970 mm (156 in) in length, 1,675 mm (65.9 in) in width, and 1,235 mm (48.6 in) in height. Without options,

3180-488: Was limited to 3,500 units for the USA. A one-off concept featuring large fog lights and a smaller windshield with the side mirrors mounted on it. The 1996 M-Edition was in Starlight Blue Mica and added an alarm system and used 15-inch Enkei wheels. A total of 3,000 units were manufactured for the USA. Introduced at the 1996 New York International Auto Show , this concept was a fixed hardtop version of

3240-545: Was made available at the same time, in sheet moulding compound (SMC). Demand initially outstripped production, fueled by enthusiastic press reviews. In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was in the process of launching different marques for deluxe models, similar to Nissan 's Infiniti , Honda 's Acura and Toyota 's Lexus . Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was sold as the Eunos Roadster , and

3300-620: Was optional), racing pedals, centerless console with matching shortened radio bezel, aluminum gas filler cap, a more aggressive wheel & tire package (15- x 6-inch Panasport rims), and a rear spoiler (which became standard for the R package). The performance changes made to the Roadster would bump the power to 98 kW (131 bhp) at 7,000 rpm, and 148 N⋅m (109 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm. Once released, it proved so popular that people were paying up to $ 35,000 for one. M2 released its second Roadster in November 1992, with

3360-471: Was specifically designed for the MX-5 and featured a lightened crankshaft, flywheel, and aluminium sump with cooling fins. An MX-5 with the optional automatic transmission had its 1.6L engine tuned to develop peak torque at lower rpm's (136 Nm, 100 lbf-ft at 4000 rpm) to better mate with the automatic transmission gearing and torque requirements. This tuning resulted in a lower peak power of 78.5 kW (105 bhp) at 6500 rpm. The standard transmission

3420-531: Was support event for the Rolex Sports Car Series at Laguna Seca, Lime Rock Park , Mid-Ohio and Miller Motorsports Park . The series also supported events of CASCAR , ChampCar , American Le Mans Series and the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières . Jim Daniels clinched the championship with one round remaining. The 2007 season started at the Grand Prix of Houston with the series first night race. Jason Saini won five out of eight races to clinch

3480-425: Was the first driver to win the class. The regular championship was won by Stevan MacAleer . Former single-seater racer Christian Szymczak won the 2013 series championship. Kenton Koch , winner of the 2013 Skip Barber class, won the 2014 overall championship. This was the first back to back championship win for Alara Racing and team principal Ken Murillo . In November 2014, Mazda unveiled the new Global MX-5 Cup at

3540-417: Was then increased to 99 kW (133 bhp) at 6,500 rpm and 155 N⋅m (114 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm for the 1996 model year. The base weight increased to 990 kg (2,180 lb). Performance was thus improved slightly, because the additional weight was more than offset by the extra power. In some markets such as Europe, the 1.6 L (98 cu in) engine continued to be available as

3600-479: Was won by Sparks. Former FIA GT1 racer Gabriele Gardel also competed in the race. For 2017, sanctioning of the series was taken over from SCCA Pro Racing by IndyCar . Promotion of the series was taken over by Andersen Promotions . Andersen Promotions, headed by Dan Andersen, also promotes and runs all series of the Road to Indy ( USF2000 , Pro Mazda Championship and Indy Lights ). The Global MX-5 Series joined

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