Though the world first caught glimpse of the redesigned MX-5 Miata last fall in Paris, Mazda officially introduced the United States-specification MX-5 Miata earlier today at the Chicago Auto Show. Though the weather outside was hardly convertible-friendly, the zoom-zoom automaker showed off a mildly revised MX-5 Miata, along with an original 1990 Miata – the car that started it all for Mazda.
The MX-5’s makeover is mostly cosmetic, though its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 167-horsepower for 2009, a single horse improvement over the outgoing model. Mazda says the suspension has been revised to improve handling and the roadster gets new front and rear fascias as well as a few feature upgrades.
Mazda says that fuel economy is up for 2009, though the automaker declined to reveal specifics. the outgoing model’s fuel economy ranged from 22/27 mpg city/highway with a five-speed manual to 21/28 with a six-speed manual and 20/27 with a six-speed automatic.
02/11, 5:06 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
If you look at the front end head on it looks a little funny in a sci-fi way.
02/11, 5:09 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
cute
02/11, 5:15 PM
posted by:
Zcarsales
Rascal Flats has more testosterone than this car. Put the Mazda 3 motor in this.
02/11, 5:24 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY MX-5
02/11, 6:04 PM
posted by:
Tritonpower5.4
Nice car!! Good job Miata keep on truckin while the Solstice and Sky go the way of the Dodo bird…Good Riddance!!!
02/11, 7:05 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Sweet Blue one!!! Is that the new base? Price it at $9995 and you may find some buyers.
I like these cars, and the update makes it look less boring, almost taking on some gen 2 design cues. If it weren’t for, um, liking the same sex for owning one of these, I’d be all for it. Oh yeah, and also seeing them abandoned on the side of the highway everytime it snows.
02/11, 7:57 PM
posted by:
CottonPanties
Great car, still not those sexy/aggressive curves though and still not enough power. Although the folding metal roof (does this still have it) was enough to get me to test drive one at least.
Still if i’m going to trade in my 04 350Z Roadster for anything it will be a 06-07 Merc SLK with the V8. Nothing else really gets me going except the Alfa 8C Spyder but i’ll never be able to get one, not to mention will probably never see one in person.
02/11, 9:17 PM
posted by:
Borat
It’s grinning like someone is facking it in the tailpipe.
02/11, 10:29 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Borat, at least it’s still getting some. That’s more than you can say for the S2000.
02/12, 1:35 AM
posted by:
A4
say cheese
02/12, 1:36 AM
posted by:
A4
does this mean chris kattan is making corky romano 2?
02/12, 2:10 AM
posted by:
mg198242
Viva Lotus! Viva Elan! Viva Chapman! Oooops…… Go Mazda!
02/12, 8:27 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
I think the Mazda grin is actually growing on me a little. Kind of makes me think of the two girl Miatas from the Pixar movie Cars. At least Mazda has been able to keep this fresh for 20 yrs. Other companies have a hard time keeping fresh when they hit the 3rd gen.
02/12, 8:53 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Still trying to match the Solstice and Sky. Fail. Nobody wants the embarrassment of driving foriegn trash.
Buy American. Buy GM
02/12, 9:16 AM
posted by:
jonmiles
^being an asshole isn’t going to convince anyone of your point of view.
02/12, 9:53 AM
posted by:
valenburg
it’s more like the solstice and sky wanted to be like the miata, douche. Albeit the miata is falling behind on power, it’s still up there beyond it’s gm offspring.
02/12, 12:39 PM
posted by:
shaver
Really though why not around 220 HP? Its the only glaring problem with this car.
02/13, 8:50 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Solstice and Sky sell way more than this japcrap chick car. Driving a foriegn car is embarrassing. Nobody wants to be seen driving a terrorists vehicle
BUy American. Buy GM. It is your duty
02/13, 6:22 PM
posted by:
jimbocardude2
ever seen the metrosexual southpark episode? well this car pretty much sums it up. wipe that smile off your face miata
02/13, 10:32 PM
posted by:
Renton
shaver — “Really though why not around 220 HP? Its the only glaring problem with this car.”
Honda S2000… still superior to any modified 220 HP MX-5.
They are both fantastic, but the Honda is a thoroughbred.
02/16, 1:52 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Contrast the difference between the old and new interior. It’s amazing.
If someone wants modesty, they’ll go for a Miata. If someone wants to be noticed, they’d go for a Solstice. Even though the current Miata’s interior is put together better, I like the Solstice’s design better.
And the Saturn Sky… well, just go for the Miata or Solstice.
If only someone made a real fun convertible for $16k…
Smart doesn’t count.