| Mazda MX-5 (NA) | |
| Manufacturer: | Mazda |
| Model Code: | NA |
| Production: | April 1989–1997 (431,506 units produced)[1] |
| Assembly: | Japan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant) |
| Class: | Roadster, sports car (S) |
| Body Style: | 2-door convertible |
| Layout: | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Wheelbase: | 2265mm |
| Length: | 3950mm |
| Width: | 1675mm |
| Height: | 1230mm |
| Weight: | 2210lb |
| Successor: | Mazda MX-5 (NB) |
The Mazda MX-5 (NA) (sold in Japan as the and in North America as the Mazda MX-5 Miata) is the first generation of the Mazda MX-5 manufactured from 1989 to 1997. Inspired by the post-war era British sports cars, the MX-5 rejuvenated interest in roadsters after the demise of cars such as the MG B and Triumph Spitfire. Since its debut, the MX-5 has won numerous automotive awards and has become the world's best selling sports car.[2]
The MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989, with a price tag of .[3] The MX-5, with production code NA, was made available for delivery to buyers worldwide in the following dates: May 1989 (as a 1990 model) in the US and Canada; September 1, 1989 in Japan; and 1990 in Europe. An optional hardtop was made available at the same time, in sheet moulding compound (SMC). Demand initially outstripped production, fueled by enthusiastic press reviews.
In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was in the process of launching different marques for deluxe models, similar to Nissan's Infiniti, Honda's Acura and Toyota's Lexus. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was sold as the Eunos Roadster, and was joined by the MX-3/AZ-3/Eunos Presso (based on Japanese Mazda dealerships). The exterior dimensions and the engine displacement were also in compliance with Japanese Government compact car regulation.
The NA has a steel unitary body-shell with a lightweight aluminium hood. Overall dimensions are 3970mm in length, 1675mm in width, and 1235mm in height. Without options, the NA weighs only 980kg (2,160lb). It has a . Suspension is independent by double wishbones on all four wheels, with anti-roll bars front and rear. Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated at the front, are behind alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires. The base model came with stamped steel wheels from the then-current 323/Protege.
The original MX-5, with standard manual transmission, came with a 1.6L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, producing 86kW at 6,500 rpm, and 136Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine employs an electronic fuel injection system using a vane-type air flow meter and an electronic ignition system with a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor. This engine, codenamed B6ZE(RS), was specifically designed for the MX-5 and featured a lightened crankshaft, flywheel, and aluminium sump with cooling fins. An MX-5 with the optional automatic transmission had its 1.6L engine tuned to develop peak torque at lower rpm's (136 Nm, 100 lbf-ft at 4000 rpm) to better mate with the automatic transmission gearing and torque requirements. This tuning resulted in a lower peak power of 78.5 kW (105 bhp) at 6500 rpm.[4]
The standard transmission was a 5-speed manual, derived from that used in the also rear-wheel drive Mazda 929/Luce.[5] The gear-shift was the subject of close attention during development, with engineers told to make it shift in as small a gear pattern as possible and with minimal effort.[6] In the American and Japanese markets, a 4-speed automatic transmission was also offered, as well as an optional viscous limited-slip differential on manual transmission cars. To achieve a low introductory price and low weight (true to Lotus' "add lightness" philosophy, applied on the Elan model), the entry model was kept basic. It had steel wheels, no power brakes, steering, or windows, and no stereo or air conditioning. Power brakes, steering, stereo, and air conditioning were added as standard equipment in later years, and depending on market.
Mazda reported that the 1990 NA would reach 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 116.8mph.[7] Car and Driver tested the NA for their September 1989 issue, achieving a 0-60mph time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 116mph, with hardtop installed.[8] Motor Trend
In 1993, 1,500 LE (Limited Edition) cars were produced. This model featured red leather interior, upgraded stereo, Nardi shift knob, Nardi steering wheel, cruise control, limited-slip differential, power windows, power mirrors, power steering, air conditioning, BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks, front and rear spoilers, ABS brakes, stainless sill plates, and Harley style peanut tank door speaker trim. All 1993 LE cars came in black.
For the 1994 model year, the first-generation MX-5 was freshened with the introduction of the more powerful 18391NaN1 BP-ZE engine, dual airbags placed in a redesigned dashboard, the addition of a Mazda badge on the front fascia in the US and a Torsen limited-slip differential in some markets. The chassis was substantially braced to meet new side-impact standards, most visibly by adding a "track bar" between the seatbelt towers inside the car, but also to the front and rear subframes. Also, 1994 and 1995 were the only years in which Mazda offered a light metallic blue paint (Laguna Blue Mica), making these cars desirable to some collectors. 1994 also saw the introduction of the "R" package, a sport-themed package with Bilstein shocks, stiffer sway bars, retuned springs, subtle front and rear underbody spoilers, and a Torsen LSD. Air conditioning was optional, but the "R" package was not available with power steering, leather, or an automatic transmission. It can also be identified by a red Miata badge on the rear instead of the usual black. No body style changes were made, however. Halfway through the 1997 model year the hazard light button was changed to a black button with red symbol as opposed to the earlier red button with white symbol.
The new 18391NaN1 engine produced 960NaN0 at 6,500 rpm and 149Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm,[11] which was then increased to 990NaN0 at 6,500 rpm and 155Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm for the 1996 model year.[12] The base weight increased to 990kg (2,180lb). Performance was thus improved slightly, because the additional weight was more than offset by the extra power. In some markets such as Europe, the 1.6L engine continued to be available as a lower-cost option, but was detuned to 66kW. This lower-powered model did not receive all the additional chassis bracing of the new 1.8L. Japanese and U.S. models offered an optional Torsen LSD, which was far more durable than the previous viscous differential.
There were a number of trim levels and special editions available, determined by local Mazda marketing departments. In the US, the base model was offered for US$13,995 at launch and was very basic, with manual windows, steel wheels, and without air conditioning or power steering. The "A Package" offered power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum alloy wheels and cassette stereo. The "B Package" added power windows, along with cruise control and headrest speakers, while the "C Package" included a tan interior and top with leather seats. The "R Package" was for racing, and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". These included all of the luxury options from the "C Package" as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels. In the UK, to celebrate Mazda's 24 hours of Le Mans win, Mazda brought out a special edition of the MX-5, with the winner's color scheme (see Mazda 787B) and came equipped with BBR (Brodie Brittain Racing) turbo conversion; the car is one of the most sought after special edition cars of the MX-5s.
The first generation MX-5 was phased out after the 1997 model year (with the exception of 400 limited edition Berkeley models sold only in the UK in 1998 to mark the end of the NA), with the final 1,500 NAs produced for the US market being the "STO" ("Special Touring Option") versions.
A small range of Eunos Roadster units were assembled by the M2 Incorporated. Founded in November 1991, M2, also known as "Mazda Too", was Mazda's new off-line planning / niche-house / Research & Development company back in the early '90s. The M2 Corp. employees had noble intentions — creating niche-mobiles derived from Mazda's volume products. Although M2's basic mission involved focusing on the "soft" aspects of vehicle design in an attempt to create more specifically targeted niche variants, the changes to the off-line cars would go well beyond mere cosmetics.
Heading the M2 operation was Mr. Masakatsu Kato, original father of the Miata (Eunos Roadster) in Japan, as well as creator of several Mazda concept vehicles. Kato-san was assisted by Hirotaka Tachibana, development engineer responsible for the superb dynamics of the Mazda FC (second generation RX-7) and the NA Roadster. M2 Corp. was based out of Tokyo, Japan. M2-Corp was a 100% owned subsidiary of Mazda, and it was closed by Mazda in 1995. Mazda kept a similar program going with the Mazdaspeed vehicles, and then in the late '90s Mazdaspeed was absorbed into Mazda as a subsidiary company in Mazda Auto Tokyo. There were many types of M2 branded vehicles between 1991 and 1995, beginning with the 1001 up to the 1031 Cafe Racer (Dec-91).
This upscale Roadster was M2's first turn-key, race-ready offering. A list of popular features, while not exhaustive, is as follows: functional front airdam with integrated fog lamps, vintage aero mirrors, 4-point roll bar, vintage gauge cluster, fixed back bucket seats, polished 3-spoke steering wheel, stiffer suspension package with M2 specific rates, polished aluminum strut brace, upgraded exhaust by HKS, intake system, 1.6 L motor with new aggressive pistons, upgraded camshaft, lightweight flywheel, LSD cooling intake, manual steering, manual windows (A/C was optional), racing pedals, centerless console with matching shortened radio bezel, aluminum gas filler cap, a more aggressive wheel & tire package (15- x 6-inch Panasport rims), and a rear spoiler (which became standard for the R package). The performance changes made to the Roadster would bump the power to 98kW at 7,000 rpm, and 148Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Once released, it proved so popular that people were paying up to $35,000 for one.
Brodie Brittain Racing (BBR) of Brackley, England, have had a long history of involvement with NA models in the UK, having supplied parts and equipment for a dealer supplied BBR Turbo version of the car between 1990 and 1991. This raised power output to 110kW, and produced 209Nm of torque. The kit consisted of 68 parts and was covered by a full dealer warranty. They were supplied and fitted to around 750 UK spec cars, including for the 1991 'Le Mans' special edition, with a further 150 kits being supplied overseas.[16] Two decades later in 2011, BBR now offer a turn-key refurbishment package for old NA MX-5's, again including a turbo charger kit. This now increases power output to 160kW, and produces 237Nm of torque. The estimated top speed is now 230km/h, with 0–97 (60 mph) approached in 5.5 seconds. The turbo charger used is a Garrett AiResearch GT25 ball bearing unit, and the package also includes an air-to-air intercooler, and a digital piggy-back ECU to control timing, fueling, and boost pressures. Subject to a satisfactory donor car, the refurbishment and turbo upgrade package includes rust treatment, a paint respray, new seats, wheels, and other trim. As of January 2011 the cost for a 'refreshed' BBR MX-5 Turbo is £7,500.[17]
In the United States, NA (and later model) turbo conversions are available from companies like Flyin' Miata. The conversions use mainly Garrett turbochargers (GT2560R) and are available as a kit or fully installed. Flyin' Miata also offers a CARB-legal kit as well.
In 2018, Mazda began a factory restoration program for Eunos Roadster owners in Japan. The work is performed at the Hiroshima Factory where all Roadsters are built. The program offers a choice for each car to be fully restored to factory-spec using OEM parts, or selected restoration options. All work is then certified by TÜV Rheinland.[18] [19] When the program was announced over 600 owners applied for the restoration program. At the Japanese language website, not all NA series can be restored and conditions are listed.[20]
On September 27, 2018, Mazda unveiled the first fully restored Roadster: a 1992 V-Special in British racing green with tan leather interior. The car belongs to tomato farmer Keiji Nishimoto, who has owned it since new.[21]
The Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan gave the program a Special Award for Classic Car Restoration Service at the 2018 RJC Car of the Year Awards.[22]
On October 28, 2019, Mazda announced that they will introduce select reproduction parts for North American MX-5 Miata NA owners. All parts will be remanufactured using modern methods and materials while retaining the original look and feel of that era. Enkei will reproduce the original alloy wheels, but with a lighter weight and a more durable finish.[23]
| Drivetrain specifications by generation (UK market) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model year(s) | Model no(s). | Chassis code(s) | Engine type | Engine code | Transmission(s) | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm | Redline |
| 1990–1993 | 1.6i | NA | 1.6 L inline-4 | B6ZE(RS) | 5-speed MT | 114hp @ 6,500 | 100ftlbf @ 5,500 | 7,200 rpm |
| 1994–1998 | 1.6i | NA | 1.6 L inline-4 | B6ZE(RS) | 5-speed MT | 88hp | - | |
| 1994–1995 | 1.8i | NA | 1.8 L inline-4 | BP-ZE | 5-speed MT | 128hp @ 6,500 | 110ftlbf @ 5,000 | 7,000 rpm |
| 1996–1997 | 1.8i | NA | 1.8 L inline-4 | BP-ZE | 5-speed MT | 133hp @ 6,500 | 114ftlbf @ 5,500 | 7,000 rpm |