Mazda has introduced some changes to its beloved MX-5 roadster, providing it with more power for its 2019 edition.
From a meager 155 horsepower in its 2017 and 2018 editions, the Mazda MX-5 Miata now comes with the same 2.0-liter engine, but its output is now 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 pound-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm.
According to a report by Joseph Capparella of Car and Driver, Mazda's vehicle dynamics engineer Dave Coleman described the MX-5 Miata's engine changes for 2019 as a "standard hot-rodding procedure."
To boost the engine's power, Coleman said Mazda made the throttle body, intake valves, exhaust valves, and their corresponding ports larger. Also, the pistons and connecting rods are much lighter, while the crankshaft is stiffer.
Higher Output Engine For 2019 MX-5 Miata
The MX-5 Miata now also runs with a fuel-injection system that operates at a higher pressure, resulting in a higher redline at 7,500 rpm compared to the old engine's 6,800 rpm limit. The adjustments also resulted in additional 26 more horsepower that MX-5 Miata enthusiasts will surely love.
Mazda coupled the engine improvement on the Miata MX-5 with new a new exhaust system and a dual-mass flywheel. While the flywheel adds more weight to the roadster, it will remain the same as the additional bulk is in the center. The drivetrain remains the same, as Mazda used the old six-speed manual transmission for the 2019 model, per Auto Week.
According to Wesley Wren of Auto Week, the additional power has no effect in Miata's "core mission of letting you drive the car to its limit, which is mercifully low enough to avoid a lasting jail sentence." Wren said the additional power could be utilized in a useful manner, and it makes the engine more efficient in the process.
Additional Power Barely Improves Miata's Performance
Capparella, in his report, said the MX-5 Miata's performance advances on the track are barely noticeable. The more powerful 2019 edition was 0.1 just second quicker to 60 mph and quarter mile compared to the 2016 MX-5, the fastest that the magazine tested.
Despite having an additional 26 horsepower under its hood, the 2019 MX-5 Miata accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and 14.5 seconds in the quarter mile. The softtop edition of the car needed between 6.1 to 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and 14.8 seconds to finish the quarter mile.
The MX-5 Miata has seven different versions in 2019, with prices starting at $27,000. For the Club RF, with an optional Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and BBS wheels, the base price is $32,345. The GT RF comes with a price of $33,335.
