Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is a popular sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. Popularly known as Miata in North America, it is also known just as the Mazda MX-5 in Oceania and Europe and the Eunos Roadster or Mazda Roadster in Japan. It was initially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on 10 February 1989. The Miata is the world's best-selling sports car, with 720,407 cars produced and sold between February 1989 and March 31, 2005. Beginning with the third-generation 2006 model, all models of this vehicle worldwide now use the MX-5 name.

Overview

The Miata was designed to be a basic roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity. The first Miata was designed in California, USA and Worthing, England. Its design is inspired by, some say copied from, the Lotus Elan, a 1960s roadster that is widely considered to be one of the best handling sports cars of its day.

The Miata has a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It comes with a 1.6L, 1.8L or 2.0L longitudinally mounted engine coupled to a manual transmission (an automatic transmission is available, though rare).

The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. Miatas also incorporate a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. Many Miatas feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes, but none have traction control.

With a 50:50 front/rear weight balance (when measured with an average weight driver and a 2/3 full gas tank), the car has a very neutral handling, which makes it easy to drive for the beginner, and fun for the advanced driver. Inducing oversteer is easy and well controllable. The Miata is popular in amateur and stock racing events, particularly the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross series, as well as Spec Miata driving.

Since production began, over 700,000 Miatas have been made, leading the Guinness Book of Records to name it the world's best-selling sports car on February 13, 2002.