All-New Mazda MX-5 debuts in Geneva

Additional attention was paid to intake and exhaust passages. A 57 percent reduction in intake restriction was achieved with a large, open intake pipe and smooth layout. On the exhaust side, the pressure loss of the system was reduced by 40 percent thanks to the use of a high-volume muffler and a dual tail pipe.

In tuning the Mazda MX-5’s engine sound, a smooth, harmonic note was realized that increases with throttle opening. Above 5,000 rpm, this becomes powerfully resonant, consistent with the spirited charge for the 6,700 rpm redline. A throaty 500 Hz sound through the mid-range reinforces the Mazda MX-5’s feeling of nimble responsiveness.

Transmissions

Mazda’s newly-developed six-speed manual transmission is available in all markets. Five-speed manual and advanced six-speed automatic, which can be manually controlled by the shift lever and by steering-wheel-mounted paddles, are also lined up (depending on market).

Sports car enthusiasts reap a special pleasure from changing gears by a quick flick of the wrist. To enhance this aspect of the Mazda MX-5 character, the shift lever’s movement was engineered for ultra low effort and a very short stroke. Triple-cone synchronizers for the first four gears help reduce engagement forces. In the interests of efficiency, the 3rd and 4th gear synchros are located on the counter shaft. The shift rod is supported by low-friction bushings and lever motion is directed by a guide plate.

Harmonized Driving Dynamics

Achieving the tightest possible bond between a driver and a sports car is feasible only if the vehicle responds in a linear, precise, and highly predictable manner. Mazda engineers invested deep soul searching on many field trips to agree upon Mazda MX-5’s character and to identify how to best achieve this lofty goal through chassis tuning.

Two key words for the feeling they pursued were precise and nimble. The goal was for a natural, lively feeling instead of the cold efficiency of some well-oiled machines. While solid stability is essential for safe driving, the ideal for the new Mazda MX-5 was to develop a chassis that is keen to alter speed or direction as swiftly as the driver changes his mind.

...continued