2016 Miata Live Reveal on Youtube

[Howard]

And why do you think that meme exists?

Because the car is so inexpensive and bullet proof.

No one is saying it's superior performance wise to a Cayman. Lol. Lighten up, chief. The meme and love for the car exists precisely for the reason that you yourself even mentioned, and that is at that price point, in that segment, there's nothing that comes close as a platform that's:

-so goddamn fun to drive

done

 

[Sulaco]

done

"Fun" ?!? What is that?! There's no such thing! I can't measure it on paper!

 

[GTaudiophile]

Someone got an engine shot...

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/09/08/2016-mazda-mx-5-miata-engine-photo-revealed/

 

[brainhulk]

What's the verdict on the skyactiv engine being used at the track. How does it respond to mods? Reliability?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

What's the verdict on the skyactiv engine being used at the track. How does it respond to mods? Reliability?

So far the only skyactiv engines I've seen at major events are the diesel variants. I guess the verdict is still out

 

[MiataNC]

What's the verdict on the skyactiv engine being used at the track. How does it respond to mods? Reliability?

The SkyActiv has been used in the Mazda3 for a couple of years now (2.0L and now 2.5L), and so far they seem to be just as reliable as the engines that preceded them. You can run just about anything at the track. The key is to make sure you have adequate cooling, and that the brakes will hold up to heavy use without fading.

From my research...

You can get the typical CAI and Exhaust upgrades to unlock a few more ponies, but so far there have been no significant gains. The engines are already tuned to run a @13:1 or @14:1 compression ratio from the factory. I really doubt we will see an aftermarket turbo or supercharger for these motors. They are built for fuel economy. If/When Mazda puts out a SkyActiv turbo, and tuners can get a look at how they are building/tuning it, we may see some progress.

The pictures of the new Miata show a higher redline than the Mazda3, and MPGs have never been a priority. So I am guessing the output of the SkyActiv in the MX-5 will be tuned for performance.

 

[Drako]

Why don't they use that Fiat engine?

 

[brainhulk]

The SkyActiv has been used in the Mazda3 for a couple of years now (2.0L and now 2.5L), and so far they seem to be just as reliable as the engines that preceded them. You can run just about anything at the track. The key is to make sure you have adequate cooling, and that the brakes will hold up to heavy use without fading.

From my research...

You can get the typical CAI and Exhaust upgrades to unlock a few more ponies, but so far there have been no significant gains. The engines are already tuned to run a @13:1 or @14:1 compression ratio from the factory. I really doubt we will see an aftermarket turbo or supercharger for these motors. They are built for fuel economy. If/When Mazda puts out a SkyActiv turbo, and tuners can get a look at how they are building/tuning it, we may see some progress.

The pictures of the new Miata show a higher redline than the Mazda3, and MPGs have never been a priority. So I am guessing the output of the SkyActiv in the MX-5 will be tuned for performance.

Yeah i always change my pads, brake fluid, steel lines. I just wondering what people have been experiencing with the engine lapping them hard. What mods if any are needed to keep it cool. Or if there are any gremlins that pop up after repeated laps

Im just weighing between this or keeping my s2k track car. This miata has me really intrigued

 

[MiataNC]

I'm just weighing between this or keeping my s2k track car. This miata has me really intrigued

I've driven an s2k (stock AP2), and an NC Miata (upgraded springs and sway bars) at a track day event. We were running a short tight track config (Buttonwillow, CA) that favored small lighter cars.

If I had to have one car for the track, I would take the s2k. It is more raw, and gives less feedback and warning to the driver, but out of the box it is a better track tool. It is also more rewarding if you can keep the revs up.

If I was getting a car for the street and the track, I would get a Miata. The MX-5 is more refined and gives more feedback at all speeds and in all conditions. Even with a full track suspension setup the MX-5 is perfectly happy serving as a daily driver.

 

[MiataNC]

Here is a great video explaining the SkyActiv design and build process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NXrmYB7L0Y

 

[brainhulk]

I've driven an s2k (stock AP2), and an NC Miata (upgraded springs and sway bars) at a track day event. We were running a short tight track config (Buttonwillow, CA) that favored small lighter cars.

If I had to have one car for the track, I would take the s2k. It is more raw, and gives less feedback and warning to the driver, but out of the box it is a better track tool. It is also more rewarding if you can keep the revs up.

If I was getting a car for the street and the track, I would get a Miata. The MX-5 is more refined and gives more feedback at all speeds and in all conditions. Even with a full track suspension setup the MX-5 is perfectly happy serving as a daily driver.

Buttonwillow is my favorite track. Well, that and Chuckwalla now. The s2k has definitely forced me to become a better driver (i first started out with a evo x). I can also beat on it in hot southern cali weather all day and it will keep asking for more. One thing the s2k will never have though is that 2200 lb weight everybody says the ND is going to be. Goodness that is fucking light! Also the s2k is no longer in production has me worried about the cost of replacement parts. plus running cheaper tires (skinnier right?) And starting out fresh on a bone stock platform (my s2k had coilovers and i/h/e already) has me very interested in this car. I will be following closely...

 

[shabby]

Here is a great video explaining the SkyActiv design and build process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NXrmYB7L0Y

That's some fascinating shit, seems like mazda has figured it out.