Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster Coupe – full details

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Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster Coupe – full details

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The body opening used to accommodate the retracted roof is bigger than the corresponding opening in the soft-top model. Making the opening larger compromised body stiffness, so to compensate, the rear of the body has newly specified reinforcements, which are all designed to add the greatest possible structural strength with the smallest possible weight penalty. Overall body stiffness is on a par with that of the soft-top model.

The MX-5 Roadster Coupe has nimble, linear handling characteristics that are every bit as enjoyable as those of the soft-top model. However, the handling is different in a way that suits the new model’s more refined character.

Owing to the relatively heavy roof, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe’s front/rear weight distribution and the height of its centre of gravity differ from those of the soft-top model. Also, the balance of stiffness between the front and rear of the body differs from that of the soft-top model. To minimize the impact of these factors on Jinba Ittai performance, Mazda optimized the suspension damper and spring settings.

The result of the design revisions is handling that’s characterized not so much by the briskness that distinguishes the soft-top model but more by characteristics that give a refined-feeling ride. The MX-5 Roadster Coupe’s movements feel slightly gentler than those of the soft-top model; drivers and passengers perceive a relatively smoother, milder road feel.

Toward the rear of the body, essential design adjustments were made to accommodate the Power Retractable Hard Top without compromising the car’s identity. Most crucially, incorporating the roof so it could be retracted into the cabin (behind the seats) without affecting the boot space necessitated a rear-deck structure different from that of the soft-top model. Also, achieving a good visual balance between the body and roof demanded several design adjustments at the rear of the body.

Aside from an electrically powered rear deck cover, the most visible differences from the soft-top model lie in the contours of the rear fenders and boot lid and in a new design for the high-mount stop lamp. The rear combination lamps and rear bumper are the same as those of the soft-top model.

The rear deck cover makes the front edge of the rear deck 40mm higher than the corresponding edge on the soft-top model. For an optimal height balance across the rear deck, the boot-lid design positions the trailing edge of the rear deck 20mm higher than the corresponding edge on the soft-top model. The new design makes the tail look sharper and more ‘pulled up’ than that of the soft-top model.

To create a visual balance with the relatively high rear deck without compromising the car’s low-slung roadster look, the rear fenders are more prominently contoured toward the top than those of the soft-top model. The powerful-looking rear end strikingly complements the neat, sleek lines of the closed roof.

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