2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata [Merged]

**sikuya** · February 23rd, 2005 03:58 AM

anyone posted the news photos of the new mazda miata yet? if yes, banish this thread. if not, here they are:

**pparado** · February 23rd, 2005 06:56 AM

sweeeeet! available na po ba ito sa local market?

how much? :D

**carlocaraddict** · February 23rd, 2005 07:31 AM

could be.

**nugundam93** · February 23rd, 2005 08:08 AM

sw33t!!! :D

**mazdamazda** · February 23rd, 2005 09:23 AM

so that's the new miata... am just not too fond of the engine hood...

**BlueBimmer** · February 23rd, 2005 10:00 AM

yeah what kind of hood is that hehe pero at least bago na

**sikuya** · February 23rd, 2005 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by pparado

sweeeeet! available na po ba ito sa local market?

the miata/MX5 will be previewed at the upcoming Geneva auto show, and is expected to come out at least Stateside, next year. I don't think this new Miata is available yet, anywhere.

**cyberdoc95** · February 23rd, 2005 03:08 PM

[SIZE=3]Mazda Ibuki: the new Miata?[/SIZE]
Mazda Ibuki concept
The Mazda Ibuki concept will reportedly pave the way for the new Miata.
by AUTONET.CA
posted Apr 26, 2004

CHICAGO -- Chicagoans and others will have the opportunity to peek into the past of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, as well as its possible future, when the Mazda Ibuki concept makes its North American debut at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show. The Ibuki suggests one possible approach for a future MX-5 Miata model.

"The aim of this concept was to further refine the fun-to-drive spirit that can be derived from a lightweight, convertible sports car," said Truman Pollard, chief designer of Mazda North American Operations. "At the same time, the design team has worked to advance the true roadster identity and further refine the levels of comfort and safety in a vehicle with the top down."

The Ibuki design team has borrowed from the advanced front-midship engine layout of Mazda RX-8, although in this case employing an inline four-cylinder engine.

Overall vehicle proportions have been defined by extremely short front and rear overhangs. The overall shape is reminiscent of the original Mazda MX-5 Miata, with a wide and stable stance, pronounced fenders and the use of oval shapes throughout the design.

Isao Tohda, a key member of the Ibuki development team who also played an important role in the development of Mazda RX-8 says, "We aimed for a sports car that offers the sort of fun felt from being in firm control of one's own driving. With Mazda Ibuki, our primary theme was to minimize the car's yaw inertia moment, and to take Mazda's own sports car values to the absolute extreme."

Mazda Ibuki has an overall length of 143.3 inches, measures 67.7 inches in width, 48.4 in height and rides on a wheelbase of 91.7 inches. The overall length is 12.4 inches shorter than that of the current MX-5 Miata. A key design feature is a 15-inch reduction in the combined front and rear overhang lengths, as compared to the current MX-5 Miata.

ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

In addition to the lightweight, high-rigidity body structure, Mazda Ibuki employs lightweight materials at key strategic points. Reinforced plastic is used for the fenders, bonnet, rear floor panel and door outer panels. Brake discs and door inner panels are made of aluminum. The propeller shaft and power plant frame are of carbon fiber, while the wheels are magnesium alloy. This judicious use of lightweight materials keeps overall vehicle weight low.

In addition to carefully choosing lightweight materials, the design team has also employed recyclable materials such as fiber reinforced plant-based plastic wherever possible.

SUPER FRONT-MIDSHIP LAYOUT

Essential to the success of the Mazda Ibuki concept is the super front-midship layout that places all critical powertrain and accessory components within the wheelbase.

The power unit, including the engine, radiator and key parts of the cooling system, is located towards the rear of the engine compartment, well behind the front axle. Compared to the current MX-5 Miata, the engine is located about 15.8 inches more rearward and 1.6 inches lower. To achieve this position, Mazda's design team moved the air conditioner unit behind the seats, an innovative idea that creates space within the dash section for part of the engine.

At the back of the car, the rear-mounted air conditioner unit, fuel tank and main exhaust muffler are located ahead of the rear axle. The super front-midship layout allows substantial weight reduction in the front and rear overhangs, enabling a 15-percent decrease in yaw inertia moment compared with Mazda's current MX-5 Miata. This decrease in the yaw inertia moment can be felt in the natural and linear handling, and superior control at the limit of tire grip. The ultra low yaw inertia moment in itself promotes the kind of driving fun expected of a lightweight sports car.

INTERIOR INTEGRATED WITH EXTERIOR

The high-mount backbone frame presents an axis that integrates interior and exterior design. The interior expresses the strength inherent in the backbone structure that extends forward beyond the dashboard towards the bonnet and rearward to the cowl aft of the seats. This smooth continuity of interior and exterior is further emphasized in the smooth joining of the rear cowl and interior, and the way the passenger seat integrates with the body and creates a sense of unity between interior and exterior.

BALANCED, RESPONSIVE ENGINE

Mazda Ibuki is powered by a new, lightweight and compact 16-valve MZR 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine equipped with sequential valve timing and lift for both intake and exhaust valves. The engine features an integrated electric hybrid motor that improves acceleration and partly serves to control engine vibration, allowing use of a lighter flywheel for heightened response.

At low engine speeds, the electric hybrid motor provides torque assistance to boost acceleration from a standing start. Additionally, when the car is stationary, the hybrid motor automatically stops the engine from idling to save fuel and reduce emissions. The motor then restarts the engine automatically when the driver is ready to accelerate. Also, during deceleration the hybrid motor functions as a generator, using regenerative braking energy to recharge the battery.

Mazda Ibuki features a six-speed manual transmission. The transmission weighs less than the current MX-5 Miata gearbox and has reinforced synchronizers to give a decisive yet smooth shift feel -- a hallmark of the original MX-5 Miata -- with extremely short, precise throws.