Miata Fans?

[jenkem]

Originally Posted by Jono

http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/the-20...86978/+pgeorge

Holy moses that is beautiful.

[motorbikerx]

The Ultimate MX5 is built a mere 40 miles north of me at Yatala.
Check out these weapons!
http://www.bulletcars.com/cars/

[choneofakind]

Nah, the ultimate is called the Exocet:
http://exomotive.com/exocet/

And then Flyin' Miata got their hands on and Exocet kit and have been making/testing a V8 swap for it. It believe it's also supercharged? Idk. I've been following it on Facebook and it's scary impressive.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by Apex

Yeah, but Toyota sucks at engines, so they had to get with Subaru to find a great power plant.

Toyota makes one the most reliable engines. What about the 2JZ engine found in the supra? That is a wonderfully fast engine and can handle a lot of horsepower when you mod it.

Toyota was never about putting a huge engine, like a v8 or v10 in a car like you see with ford and chevy. But they still made a beautiful engine that was super reliable.

I do admit the camry is garbage though.. and Toyota seriously needs to start making sport cars again, other than the FRS.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Nah, the ultimate is called the Exocet:
http://exomotive.com/exocet/

And then Flyin' Miata got their hands on and Exocet kit and have been making/testing a V8 swap for it. It believe it's also supercharged? Idk. I've been following it on Facebook and it's scary impressive.

it's fun. and it's designed to be fun. keep that word in mind, fun.

the exocet now is a front engine rear drive car. the atom it's based on, and most real purpose built race cars are mid-rear engine, rear drive. the reason they put the engine in front for the exocet was to unload the rear tires in order to make the car go sideways easier. this is "fun" to most people. because of this they have sacrificed their 0-60 times, as well as much of their cornering ability and turning ability. though, it is much harder to crash being this way because the weight being up front it creates a smoother progression into full slide. while the mid-rear/rear wont slide until it hits a certain point and then it basically just tries to spin out.

so what i take away from this is that most people find it fun to be in a situation where they seem like they're saving themselves from danger. but it needs to be easy.

(they try to say its to use flat out miata gear but that's just one reason)

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by alex.s

it's fun. and it's designed to be fun. keep that word in mind, fun.

the exocet now is a front engine rear drive car. the atom it's based on, and most real purpose built race cars are mid-rear engine, rear drive. the reason they put the engine in front for the exocet was to unload the rear tires in order to make the car go sideways easier. this is "fun" to most people. because of this they have sacrificed their 0-60 times, as well as much of their cornering ability and turning ability. though, it is much harder to crash being this way because the weight being up front it creates a smoother progression into full slide. while the mid-rear/rear wont slide until it hits a certain point and then it basically just tries to spin out.

so what i take away from this is that most people find it fun to be in a situation where they seem like they're saving themselves from danger. but it needs to be easy.

(they try to say its to use flat out miata gear but that's just one reason)

hahaha, the handling with FR is more what people are used to in a "pure sports car". Also, don't forget that the way to build an exocet is to literally pull the Miata body off the chassis, and then plunk the Exocet frame onto it. It is literally a miata with a tubular frame. literally.

Fun is good. Fun is more important that flat out performance. That's the theory Miata's have succeeded on since the 80's. Pure, cheap, simple, unassuming fun.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

hahaha, the handling with FR is more what people are used to in a "pure sports car". Also, don't forget that the way to build an exocet is to literally pull the Miata body off the chassis, and then plunk the Exocet frame onto it. It is literally a miata with a tubular frame. literally.

now it is. but they've been through like 5 iterations and they started with midrear/rear

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Toyota makes one the most reliable engines. What about the 2JZ engine found in the supra? That is a wonderfully fast engine and can handle a lot of horsepower when you mod it.

Well, I was speaking of the current lineup. The last good car they made was the Supra with the 2JZ. Before that was the MR2 and before that the AE86 Corolla.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by Apex

Well, I was speaking of the current lineup. The last good car they made was the Supra with the 2JZ. Before that was the MR2 and before that the AE86 Corolla.

Yeah toyota doesn't make a lot of good sport cars compared to everyone else... but the ones they did make were amazing.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Apex

Well, I was speaking of the current lineup. The last good car they made was the Supra with the 2JZ. Before that was the MR2 and before that the AE86 Corolla.

LFA???? Pretty much a Yota.....

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by alex.s

it's fun. and it's designed to be fun. keep that word in mind, fun.

the exocet now is a front engine rear drive car. the atom it's based on, and most real purpose built race cars are mid-rear engine, rear drive. the reason they put the engine in front for the exocet was to unload the rear tires in order to make the car go sideways easier. this is "fun" to most people. because of this they have sacrificed their 0-60 times, as well as much of their cornering ability and turning ability. though, it is much harder to crash being this way because the weight being up front it creates a smoother progression into full slide. while the mid-rear/rear wont slide until it hits a certain point and then it basically just tries to spin out.

so what i take away from this is that most people find it fun to be in a situation where they seem like they're saving themselves from danger. but it needs to be easy.

(they try to say its to use flat out miata gear but that's just one reason)

This is true. Two cars that you could pretty much toss sideways at will and control all day that way (with a huge smile on your face) that I have spend some time behind the wheel on was a friends Miata and my BRZ. Both just had a stupid fun, direct and tangible connection to me. Both are pretty much slow in a straight line, but tons of fun and fairly approachable.

A car that was on the opposite side of the spectrum was a buddies TD06 SW20 MR2. Car was AMAZING ..... up until the point you went to far ..... then it was TERRIFYING as it would switch ends so fast when you ran out of grip it was almost uncatchable.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

LFA???? Pretty much a Yota.....

The LFA isn't quite in the same league as the Supra, Corolla, and MR2 were. Slight gap in pricing....

[alex.s]

http://www.lexus.com/models/RCF

[Road Dawg1]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

See here's the problem with convertible cars in Ohio:

I live in the snow belt... And it spends 5 months of the year below 40, most of that snowing and under 20. Convertibles just aren't practical

That's why I just upgraded to a hard top for the car - and I live in GA.

Then you could have your cake and eat it too.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Apex

The LFA isn't quite in the same league as the Supra, Corolla, and MR2 were. Slight gap in pricing....

lol .... but its still a good car ..... lol

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Road Dawg1

That's why I just upgraded to a hard top for the car - and I live in GA.

Then you could have your cake and eat it too.

But I need a structured roof for a bike rack and minimal reliability issues with constant ice and snow buildup. Not a hardtop convertible, not a Ln aftermarket hard top that's not structural.

It's not exactly that simple. Just sayin, if it were, I'd have my cake already.

[APEmike]

I was at Laguna Seca for the first public sighting for the ND. Its more beautiful in person! Im a miata nut though... Probably explains why I'm attracted to the small ninja... Low power, light weight seems to be a running theme in my life. Anyway, the ND is only a handful of pounds away from being AS light as the 1.6L NA miatas that were only 2200 lbs. depending on the market the ND will get either a 1.5 or 2.0 Skyactive engine, some markets will get both. I am very much looking into buying one of these if my financial situation improves.

P.S. Miatas at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is an absolute blast. If you get the chance to attend, I highly reccomend it. Esp if you follow my car club up Highway 1 with us the friday before the event. Google "KINOD miata krispy kreme"

[Jono]

More beautiful in person! I'm excited.

I'd happily settle for an NC. With a few mods they can be a great car.

[choneofakind]

^^ that's not settling! That's my end goal!

[Hero Danny]

I'm not a huge fan of the soft top, I like T-tops better or hard tops.

I wanted a Miata for a while, but it pissed me off how it got such crappy gas mileage (28 highway)... there's absolutely no excuse for it. I get it that it is RWD, but so is the new mustang and that thing is heavy as fuuhhh... and it gets about 31 to the highway.. Makes no sense to me... Miata weighs about 2,600lbs and makes about 165hp while the mustang weighs about 3,600 (nearly 1,000 more!) and makes 305 horsepower...

I'd love for Mazda to explain it to me, because it makes absolutely no sense. And it's not like Ford has some crazy technology either, Dodge managed 31 mpg in their charger and chevy in their camaro (30mpg)

Disclaimer: I am in no way saying the mustang is better, if you know me then you know i'm not a mustang fan. This is simply looking at the fuel economy aspect of it.

[choneofakind]

1) 28mpg isn't bad. That's regularly what I get. Wish it were higher but it is what it is.

2) you're comparing a small displacement, revvy, low geared engine with much larger, torquier, lower revving engines that are mated to much taller final gearing.

3) pretty sure (but not totally, so I'm likely wrong) that up till now, the miata hasnt had hydraulically actuated variable cam timing like many small cars do. Mazda calls this "skyactive". [citation needed]

4) gross vehicle weight has nearly nothing to do with the expected highway fuel economy. Just saying.

5) this goes back to 2, power is made very differently in those cars you compared. Miata makes power via engine speed. It makes little torque, so it has to rev to make power. Torque*roational speed= power. Look at the mustang. 5.0 liter engine, turns like 1500 rpm on the highway. The miata is a 2.4 or something and probably turns 3500 on the highway. Kinda like comparing a 600 and 250 for highway mileage, the 250 actually does worse, turning 9000-10,000 rpm and screaming the whole way vs the 600 turning only 6000-7000 and purring along.

[dcj13]

28 mpg for a sports car ain't bad at all!

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

This is true. Two cars that you could pretty much toss sideways at will and control all day that way (with a huge smile on your face) that I have spend some time behind the wheel on was a friends Miata and my BRZ. Both just had a stupid fun, direct and tangible connection to me. Both are pretty much slow in a straight line, but tons of fun and fairly approachable.

A car that was on the opposite side of the spectrum was a buddies TD06 SW20 MR2. Car was AMAZING ..... up until the point you went to far ..... then it was TERRIFYING as it would switch ends so fast when you ran out of grip it was almost uncatchable.

Just as easily said about the 250 & the MX5 (miata)

Like the look of the new one

[Ninjinsky]

Looks like fiat are going to start making Miata's badged as Fiat 124 Spyder
I had one of these fiat twin cams back in the day and it was one of the best handling cars around, good torque too.
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/23/f...o-news|content

[choneofakind]

Wait... Isn't Chrysler owned by Fiat and Mazda owned by Ford?

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Wait... Isn't Chrysler owned by Fiat and Mazda owned by Ford?

Yes I thinks so, the Ford Probe, for example, was a rebodied Mazda MX6. But a degree of autonomy was maintained at Mazda so the deal is real.
Here is a Wall Street Journal article about the plan
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014...21502661079014

ps select the article title and google it for the full text

[algs26]

2200lbs estimated
155hp

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/30/2...-review-video/

http://kinja.roadandtrack.com/first-...+matthardigree

[alex.s]

its hawt

[Jono]

Ermahgerd! So much want!!!!!!!!

[sharky nrk]

^^ I enjoy the side and 3/4 view but am just not a fan of headlights/face and taillights (the rest of the rump is great lol)

[Jono]

It's like a mini F-Type, and I like that.

[sharky nrk]

Man the F-Type is such a fine looking car, and the R model should AMAZING

[choneofakind]

Read the first impression article from R&T. They liked it, and they drove the RHD EU spec model with the 1.5L instead of the USA spec 2.0L. Want!

[liberpolly]

I used to have 2001 Miata, loved it. This, looks too much like BMW Z-something. Meh. Miata lines should be simple, and flowing.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by liberpolly

I used to have 2001 Miata, loved it. This, looks too much like BMW Z-something. Meh. Miata lines should be simple, and flowing.

Miata's finally look as good as they drive and you complain.

And it still has pretty simple lines, just more modern.


That being said, I hope the prices of used NC's drops a bit more so I can pick up one of those.

[jenkem]

I just bought a 2000 miata! It's a base model which means no lsd, but the swap is easy enough and I couldn't pass up the deal

[liberpolly]

Originally Posted by jenkem

I just bought a 2000 miata! It's a base model which means no lsd, but the swap is easy enough and I couldn't pass up the deal

[MrAtom]

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I want a more reliable car than my current one, but I hate modern cars and don't have the money for one, and I can't find a Honda that someone hasn't destroyed with "performance mods" (EVEN THE HATCHBACKS!) First gen miatas aren't expensive. They look fun, and I hear a lot of talk about them being simple cars. Does that translate to a reliable car?

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I want a more reliable car than my current one, but I hate modern cars and don't have the money for one, and I can't find a Honda that someone hasn't destroyed with "performance mods" (EVEN THE HATCHBACKS!) First gen miatas aren't expensive. They look fun, and I hear a lot of talk about them being simple cars. Does that translate to a reliable car?

first gen miatas are pretty reliable mechanically yes

[Road Dawg1]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I want a more reliable car than my current one, but I hate modern cars and don't have the money for one, and I can't find a Honda that someone hasn't destroyed with "performance mods" (EVEN THE HATCHBACKS!) First gen miatas aren't expensive. They look fun, and I hear a lot of talk about them being simple cars. Does that translate to a reliable car?

Yes.

I own two 90 model cars. The car with 180K on the clock needs AC and to fix the passenger window. Have to keep an eye on the temp in the summer, but any Miata guy knows running the AC will also switch on the second radiator fan for extra cooling. Some additional electrical gremlins I haven't fixed. Top could do with replacing and it needs paint.

The car with 130K on the clock has a couple of electrical glitches, but I drove 800 miles roundtrip in it for the last several months, usually the first weekend of the month.

I bought the second car for the hardtop and kept the car. Either car is much cheaper than buying gas for the Dodge Ram 1500. I do some of my own maintenance, but not all.

I need a hitch to pull the Ninjette behind a Miata.