Under the Hood
The MX-5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 166 horsepower at 6,700 rpm. The engine has dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Torque output is 140 pounds-feet at 5,000 rpm.
Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and six-speed automatic, all of which drive the rear wheels. The six-speed manual has especially short throws. The engine's output dips by 3 hp when it's teamed with the six-speed automatic, which includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual operation.
The roadster has a 50/50 weight distribution (front/rear) and precise rack-and-pinion steering for legendary handling and predictability. The Miata is one of the most fun-to-drive cars around, despite its relatively modest engine power.
See also:
Class-leading aerodynamics
We adopted a new approach, called "airflow management," to optimally control
the flow of air. Conventional car designs create a large amount of drag, a loss
that adversely affects aerody ...
New for 2011
The headlights and fog lamps get a new design, and there is a new design for
the 17-inch alloy wheels. Mazda says fuel economy has improved on the "i" and
"s" models. Other cha ...
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.)
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or
could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in ...