Mazda Sports Cars

Mazda sports car is a small usually two-seater or a two-door car designed for spirited performance and nimble handling. The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-seater sports car with a front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The MX-5 was conceived as a small roadster with light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety requirements while being technologically modern and reliable. The body is conventional, but light, unibody or monocoque construction, with front and rear subframes. The MX-5 also incorporates a longitudinal truss, marketed as the Powerplant Frame, providing a rigid connection between the engine and differential, minimising flex and contributing to responsive handling. Some MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and anti-lock braking system. Traction control is an option available on NC models. The earlier cars weighed just over a tonne, with engine power output usually 116 bhp. The later cars were heavier, with higher power engines.

The MX-5 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989, with a price tag of US$14,000. In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was experimenting with the creation of different marques for deluxe models, similar to Nissan Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was sold as the Eunos Roadster in Japan and was joined by the MX-3/AZ-3/Eunos Presso. The exterior dimensions were also in compliance with Japanese Government dimension regulations, and the two engines provided Japanese buyers with a choice that obligated an affordable road tax option. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual, a unit derived from the one used in the Mazda 929/Luce.

A small range of Miata units was 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. Heading the M2 operation was Mr Masakatsu Kato, original father of the Miata in Japan, as well as creator of several Mazda concept vehicles. M2-Corp was a 100% owned subsidiary of Mazda, and it was closed by Mazda in 1995.

Mazda Rx-7 Sports Car

Mazda Rx-8 Sports Car