More power for the Miata?
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From: Austin
More power for the Miata?
Saw this on the Miata Forum:
Very interesting article about the Mazda "MPS" (Mazda Performance Series) Program in the Sept issue of R&T. Apparently, Mazda Japan put their BP-Formula 4 racing engine into a next gen Miata (M3?) with better suspension, etc. There's a gorgeous shot of the engine with an awesome view of the large throttle bodies. Makes 180bhp @7k rpm & ~150 lb.-ft torque @ 6k. 0-60 in ~ 7 seconds & it's normally aspirated!
Not to be outdone, Mazda USA shoe-horned Ford's 3.0-liter alum block V-6 into an M2. That engine makes 210 bhp @ 6500 rpm & 205 lb.-ft torque @ 4750 rpm. It practically uses the entire drive train from a current gen RX-7 and does 0-60 in 5.8 secs!
There's even talk of putting in the Renesis rotary engine in the next gen Miata. According to the article, the USA won't see the BP-Formula 4 engine (fails US emissions) but the MPS Program is serious about putting out a limited run of M2's in the near future. They might even resurrect the MazdaSpeed nomenclature.
For a look at the cars & engines:
http://www.sonny2.com/rt.htm
Later...
Sonny & "Bonnie"
STO #679 - FMII
Kirk
Very interesting article about the Mazda "MPS" (Mazda Performance Series) Program in the Sept issue of R&T. Apparently, Mazda Japan put their BP-Formula 4 racing engine into a next gen Miata (M3?) with better suspension, etc. There's a gorgeous shot of the engine with an awesome view of the large throttle bodies. Makes 180bhp @7k rpm & ~150 lb.-ft torque @ 6k. 0-60 in ~ 7 seconds & it's normally aspirated!
Not to be outdone, Mazda USA shoe-horned Ford's 3.0-liter alum block V-6 into an M2. That engine makes 210 bhp @ 6500 rpm & 205 lb.-ft torque @ 4750 rpm. It practically uses the entire drive train from a current gen RX-7 and does 0-60 in 5.8 secs!
There's even talk of putting in the Renesis rotary engine in the next gen Miata. According to the article, the USA won't see the BP-Formula 4 engine (fails US emissions) but the MPS Program is serious about putting out a limited run of M2's in the near future. They might even resurrect the MazdaSpeed nomenclature.
For a look at the cars & engines:
http://www.sonny2.com/rt.htm
Later...
Sonny & "Bonnie"
STO #679 - FMII
Kirk
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From: Janesville
As the former owner of a 2001 Miata, I would not believe anything Mazda tells us regarding horsepower upgrades in the future. I bought the car last March, told it had the upgraded 155 hp, only to find it had 142 hp. To avoid a class-action lawsuit, they offered to buy back the car from disgruntled owners. So I gave it back and bought the RedMenace.
I think there are safety issues (no roll-over protection) if they try to make the current Miata too powerful. I predict that the Miata limps along as is for 1-2 more sales seasons before a complete re-vamp in 2003-2004.
Just my two cents.
I think there are safety issues (no roll-over protection) if they try to make the current Miata too powerful. I predict that the Miata limps along as is for 1-2 more sales seasons before a complete re-vamp in 2003-2004.
Just my two cents.
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From: Austin
Originally posted by RedMenace
As the former owner of a 2001 Miata, I would not believe anything Mazda tells us regarding horsepower upgrades in the future. I bought the car last March, told it had the upgraded 155 hp, only to find it had 142 hp. To avoid a class-action lawsuit, they offered to buy back the car from disgruntled owners. So I gave it back and bought the RedMenace.
I think there are safety issues (no roll-over protection) if they try to make the current Miata too powerful. I predict that the Miata limps along as is for 1-2 more sales seasons before a complete re-vamp in 2003-2004.
Just my two cents.
As the former owner of a 2001 Miata, I would not believe anything Mazda tells us regarding horsepower upgrades in the future. I bought the car last March, told it had the upgraded 155 hp, only to find it had 142 hp. To avoid a class-action lawsuit, they offered to buy back the car from disgruntled owners. So I gave it back and bought the RedMenace.
I think there are safety issues (no roll-over protection) if they try to make the current Miata too powerful. I predict that the Miata limps along as is for 1-2 more sales seasons before a complete re-vamp in 2003-2004.
Just my two cents.
I think Mazda handled the missing hp issue really well so I can't really be mad about it, I mean they did offer to buy back the cars and I can't see a lot of other companies doing that just because of a slight hp difference.
It would be nice if Mazda gave it a small hp boost but I agree with youy that anything major will happen with the next redesign.
Kirk
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From: Janesville
Kirk:
You are absolutely right; Mazda handled the entire "missing horsepower" situation very well; in fact I am not angry with them anymore. Though way down on power, the Miata was a great-handling roadster.
You are absolutely right; Mazda handled the entire "missing horsepower" situation very well; in fact I am not angry with them anymore. Though way down on power, the Miata was a great-handling roadster.
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