The MX-5 Miata has been thrilling car enthusiasts ever since its debut 35 years ago—both on the racetrack and on the street. So how does its racing pedigree translate into such an enduringly popular road car?
Pre-production model with options shown
LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN AND HANDLING
In racing, weight reduction is everything. It’s often how a car gains a key competitive edge against cars with similar performance features. The lightweight construction of the MX-5 Miata, paired with its responsive agility, make it as spirited to drive on city streets as it is to take that last corner on the track.
The MX-5 Miata also stands out from the crowd because of its unique suspension and chassis design, which were influenced by its racing heritage. With a double-wishbone front suspension and low center of gravity, the vehicle provides a truly dynamic driving experience that is smooth, controlled, and connected to the road.
ENGINE AND POWERTRAIN
Throughout its many evolutions and iterations over the years, the MX-5 Miata has evolved its engine to prioritize responsiveness and linear power delivery. These are both qualities highly valued in racing, where drivers must react quickly to pull ahead of the pack.
One example is the development of the SKYACTIV®-G engine, which was developed to enhance the vehicle’s performance, as well as its fuel efficiency. So even as the MX-5 Miata evolves to win on the track, Mazda engineers are also focused on improving the experience for casual drivers and enthusiasts.
TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN
For those who prefer to drive with a manual transmission, the MX-5 Miata has prioritized the driver’s engagement by offering precise and direct shifting. This was developed to give it the feel of a race car, which requires responsive, quick gear shifts to react to the dynamics of the track and the competition.
AERODYNAMICS AND DESIGN
In addition to its performance engineering and its lightweight construction, the MX-5 Miata was designed to evoke a sense of movement—even at a glance. And its design elements aren’t just for aesthetics. Even the most subtle details intentionally contribute to optimized aerodynamics, stability and performance.
THE SPEC MIATA RACING SERIES
While the Mazda MX-5 Cup is the premier entry level professional racing series, the Spec Miata series is one of the most popular and accessible racing series to come up in recent years. It reinforced the Mazda brand racing credentials and provided a direct link between street and track.
Racing is in the DNA of the MX-5 Miata, and how it thrills and connects its drivers to the road—no matter who they are. It isn’t just integral in its engineering; it’s how it delivers a truly engaging and rewarding driving experience. To see this connection in action, watch First to the Finish, a new original series on Prime Video, featuring three remarkable women as they attempt to channel their passion for driving into racing victory.
Watch the new original series on Prime Video now.
BE A PART OF THE TEAM
Whether First to the Finish is your introduction to racing, or you’re a longtime fan of the sport, shop the Mazda Collection and show your support for drivers and for Mazda. Get quality gear that matches your drive and looks great anywhere you go.
