The next-gen MX-5 Miata thread

Heldenzeit
Still my favorite.
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I'd like to see an RF set up like this.
 
This is old. Not what it would look like.
abarth_124_large.jpg

abarth_124_main.jpg

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/AF9CBB79F50B6F0DCA25801A00084882
FIAT is reportedly developing a hard-topped version of the 124 Spider two-seater sportscar that could offer a more driver-focused alternative to the convertible.

British publicationAutocar says it was given an inside line to the Italian car-maker’s design department, and is reporting that a fixed-roof version of the Mazda MX-5-based car could surface as early as next year.

Fiat has nothing official to add at this stage and all details surrounding the potential for a coupe are speculative, but some rumours suggest the coupe version would allow the company to focus on a sharper, performance-focused 124.

Whether the model will show up on Australian shores is dependent on initial confirmation of the Coupe, but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has not yet been given any information regarding a second 124 variant, according to FCA corporate communications director Lucy McLellan.

If the coupe is chalked for production, it is unclear if the fixed-top will be offered Down Under but GoAuto understands the business case is not strong enough at this stage.

If local sporty coupe fans regarded a 124 Coupe in the same light as the Mini Coupe for example, then sales would likely struggle, however, if the hard-top was priced to compete with Toyota’s 86 and the Subaru BRZ then it could be a very different story.

Fiat’s high-performance sister brand Abarth revealed a Rally version of the 124 at the Geneva motor show in March this year, featuring a hard-top, which was the closest thing to a production coupe yet released.

Its roof appears to be more of a bolt-on afterthought rather than the permanently integrated roof panel that is being reported.

Another possibility is a version of Mazda’s retractable hard-top as worn by the MX-5 RF, but it is likely the Italian brand would prefer to distance itself from the Japanese models in a bid to maintain its own identity and target consumer.

Other reports speculate that the roof would be a more complete redesign from the A-pillar to the trailing edge of the boot for a more Jaguar F-type Coupe aesthetic, but the cost of developing such an approach may be prohibitive.

Powertrain possibilities range anywhere from the Fiat 124 entry-level 1.4-litre MultiAir with 119kW, the tuned-up versions under the Abarth 124 bonnet, up to a 224kW 1.8-litre engine that powers the 124 Rally.

Historically, a 124 Coupe fits into the Italian brand’s heritage, with the first 124 Sport Coupe introduced in 1967 a year after the arrival of the original Fiat 124 Sport Spider.

The modern Abarth 124 Spider arrives in Australia later this year.
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IMO the Fiata looks a lot better than the Miata itself, and I like that it's turboed from factory and made in the same plant they make the normal Miatas but...Fiat engine.

Really hoping these prove to be reliable and able to withstand trackday abuse in the long run.
 
Bastet
IMO the Fiata looks a lot better than the Miata itself, and I like that it's turboed from factory and made in the same plant they make the normal Miatas but...Fiat engine.

Really hoping these prove to be reliable and able to withstand trackday abuse in the long run.
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There are many Abarths racing on Track Days.... all use the same engine. These cars are reliable.
 
I got an email from Mazda today inviting me to pre-order one of the 1000 Launch RFs...

I really like the Soul Red Club I got but the RF has got me interested too. The rear 3/4 shot doesn't make me fall in love with it though.
 
Omnis
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It's so good though.
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This is the perfect combo for this car. That really looks spectacular. I also love it in red.
However, I do think the convertible doesn't look nearly as good. Especially in white I don't really like it. It's as if the "skinny-ness" of the car pops out in lighter colours.

For the convertible, I think the previous gen MX-5 looks a whole lot better.
 
No such problems in the UK. All 2-litres have the LSD, all 1.5s have an open diff. Which is kind of as you'd expect. Quite surprised the LSD isn't standard in the States given you only get the 2-litre.

Spent a lot of time in the 1.5 recently (long story) and did some cornering shots on gravel (again, long story). I'd forgotten how much unpredictability there is with an open diff. Car will go sideways easily enough on a low-grip surface, but each wheel individually gripping and slipping makes things a bit messy. The 1.5 is a nice engine and probably nicer still with the packages BBR offer over here, but once you've added more power and the LSD it would inevitably need you might as well have started with the 2.0 anyway.
 
homeforsummer
No such problems in the UK. All 2-litres have the LSD, all 1.5s have an open diff. Which is kind of as you'd expect. Quite surprised the LSD isn't standard in the States given you only get the 2-litre.

Spent a lot of time in the 1.5 recently (long story) and did some cornering shots on gravel (again, long story). I'd forgotten how much unpredictability there is with an open diff. Car will go sideways easily enough on a low-grip surface, but each wheel individually gripping and slipping makes things a bit messy. The 1.5 is a nice engine and probably nicer still with the packages BBR offer over here, but once you've added more power and the LSD it would inevitably need you might as well have started with the 2.0 anyway.
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I wouldn't track my car but I do like to occasionally go on a drive where I'll be driving pretty aggressively up some twisties. I'm not sure if I'll push it far enough to notice a difference between an open diff and a LSD.
 
Blackbird.
I wouldn't track my car but I do like to occasionally go on a drive where I'll be driving pretty aggressively up some twisties. I'm not sure if I'll push it far enough to notice a difference between an open diff and a LSD.
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The diff in my turbo Miata was open. Wasn't really a big deal on track days and canyon runs, but you did notice it during autocross with the much sharper, low speed cornering. I ended up disconnecting the rear sway to help keep the power down for that, but all else was ok.
 
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/309A0DFBE83EB97DCA2580330009BC1F
Oz spec Miabarth
ABARTH has released the first Australian specifications for the imminent 124 Spider sportscar ahead of its October 7 arrival, confirming that the local version will align with the United Kingdom-spec variant that was detailed in June.

Australian 124s will get 125kW and 250Nm sent to the rear wheels courtesy of its 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder engine via a choice of either six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission with the same number of ratios.

Manual versions have a short-shift gear selector for a more involving and sporty feel, while automatic versions have been mapped to make best use of torque and can be prompted into faster cog-swaps by hitting the Sport mode button, or with the steering wheel paddles.

The dash to 100km/h from standstill takes 6.8 seconds for both versions thanks to a near one-tonne kerb weight of 1060kg, which is distributed in the holy grail 50:50 front to rear ratio.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia sidestepped the milder Fiat 124 for sale Down Under, cutting to the chase with the hotter Abarth version, which brings a number of performance modifications over the Fiat version.

In addition to a more powerful version of the 1.4-litre turbo engine, the Abarth gets a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, four-piston Brembo front brakes and an optional quad sport exhaust by specialist Monza for a note that Abarth describes as “earth- shattering”.

At the front end, the 124 Spider rolls on classic double wishbone suspension and a five-link set up at the back with stiffer anti-roll bars front and rear. The car-maker says the chassis was tuned with a focus on cornering stability and handling but also comfort as well.

Alloy wheels measure 17 inches, wear 205/45 rubber and are decorated with Gun Metal paint.

While the 124 Spider is full of the customary electronic vehicle stability systems, Abarth points out that the various systems can be deactivated when safe to do so for a “proper racecar feeling”.

On the inside, the 124 gets sports seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara with Abarth branding, its sports steering wheel has a red leather 12 o-clock marker, more synthetic suede is applied to the dash, while the pedals are finished in aluminium.

To date, the Abarth 124 Spider has only been shown wearing the sporty white with satin black colour scheme, highlighted by red flashes and it is not known if the model will be offered in other themes locally.

With 125kW on tap, the 124 Spider is more powerful than the highest-performance Mazda MX-5, which shares the Abarth’s chassis and some common components.

Rumours speculate that the first 124 Spider could be followed by a more powerful version, while other reports say a coupe version is in the works, but the Italian car-maker is yet to confirm any additional variants.

Pricing and full detailed specifications, along with an available options list is expected when the Abarth arrives on red dirt next month.



abarth_124_spider_large.jpg
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In case you were wondering, the fit in the ND is better than the NC. I can just barely get comfortably in there. Wouldn't be able to heel toe without my thigh hitting the steering wheel though. Right leg room under the wheel is the worst part. And wearing a helmet? Forget it.
 
Omnis
Wouldn't be able to heel toe without my thigh hitting the steering wheel though.
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I've found heel/toe in the ND is more of an ankle roll than a deliberate movement, and I'm assuming you have bigger feet than my size-nines. Shouldn't require much leg movement, really.

As for helmet room, that's why the roof comes down.
 

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