miataturbo.net-like debauchery thread (about the ND or something)
04-16-2014, 02:02 PM
#1
miataturbo.net-like debauchery thread (about the ND or something)
Image: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata SkyActiv chassis, 2014 New York Auto Show, size: 1024 x 678, type: gif, posted on: April 16, 2014, 1:14 am - MotorAuthority
My analysis:
First look at the next generation Miata, er..MX5 chassis. Several interesting details. The pic is a RHD chassis. The engine sits further back than the NA/NB, possibly even further back than the NC. This is a true front-mid engine. Electric power steering. Drive by wire throttle body visible on the LHD side, meaning the head flows the same direction as the NC, opposite to the NA/NB. That means that those long runners are not coated headers but probably a plastic intake manifold as is de rigeur. Difficult to get the scale but those runners are very long, well past 14" to valve seat. That means possibly 2nd order resonance tuning. I'm thinking it will be a variable runner length manifold. Still a clockwise engine rotation. The front spindles, control arms and rear spindles appear to be aluminum. Not enough resolution to determine cast or forged. The front spindles are hollow indicating they could be shared with an AWD/FWD platform. COP ignition. Variable intake and exhaust cam timing. The transmission bell housing is blurred in this press photo indicating either the spec will change or Mazda has something tricky to hide there. No dual clutch as it would be too expensive for a car at the SRP the ND will likely have, and there's a shift lever besides. What's comforting to this Miata enthusiast is the same basic architecture as the first Miata 25 years ago. They got it right and have't messed with it. No struts, no transverse engines, no messing with what works to save a few pennies.
-SuperMiata
My analysis:
First look at the next generation Miata, er..MX5 chassis. Several interesting details. The pic is a RHD chassis. The engine sits further back than the NA/NB, possibly even further back than the NC. This is a true front-mid engine. Electric power steering. Drive by wire throttle body visible on the LHD side, meaning the head flows the same direction as the NC, opposite to the NA/NB. That means that those long runners are not coated headers but probably a plastic intake manifold as is de rigeur. Difficult to get the scale but those runners are very long, well past 14" to valve seat. That means possibly 2nd order resonance tuning. I'm thinking it will be a variable runner length manifold. Still a clockwise engine rotation. The front spindles, control arms and rear spindles appear to be aluminum. Not enough resolution to determine cast or forged. The front spindles are hollow indicating they could be shared with an AWD/FWD platform. COP ignition. Variable intake and exhaust cam timing. The transmission bell housing is blurred in this press photo indicating either the spec will change or Mazda has something tricky to hide there. No dual clutch as it would be too expensive for a car at the SRP the ND will likely have, and there's a shift lever besides. What's comforting to this Miata enthusiast is the same basic architecture as the first Miata 25 years ago. They got it right and have't messed with it. No struts, no transverse engines, no messing with what works to save a few pennies.
-SuperMiata
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04-16-2014, 02:11 PM
#3
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Electric power steering is not good news, but other than that it looks like were in good shape.
I cant wait to know what the engines puts out and what the curb weight will be. Hopefully it will be a step in the right direction from the NC.
I cant wait to know what the engines puts out and what the curb weight will be. Hopefully it will be a step in the right direction from the NC.
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04-16-2014, 02:13 PM
#4
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So Emilio, are you going to try to take a page out of the ND's book and try to build an intake manifold for the NA/NB that does something similar? It's a way to get your 13" runners, but it isn't exactly a straight shot.
Looks like the powerplant is a Skyactiv G 2.0L. Hopefully Mazda will do some massaging similar to what they did to the MZR in the NC.
The electric steering in my Mazda2 and in the S2000 are pretty spot on. I wouldn't knock it until you could sit in the car.
Looks like the powerplant is a Skyactiv G 2.0L. Hopefully Mazda will do some massaging similar to what they did to the MZR in the NC.
The electric steering in my Mazda2 and in the S2000 are pretty spot on. I wouldn't knock it until you could sit in the car.
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04-16-2014, 04:30 PM
#6
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Its pretty **** in my mustang. Vague. No feedback.
The real problem is what happens when you start modifying stuff. Unlike the dumb, mechanical control system on hydraulically assisted power steering, this is an electrical control system that uses some kind of feedback loop from sensors. With the mustangs, changing bushings in the front suspension or even changing the wheels can mess up the tuning of the racks control algorithm. The manifests itself as an unpleasant oscillation in the steering and the only cure is a special rack from ford racing that is like 2 grand.
Hopefully this wont be a problem with the ND. If it is, at least there is a possibility someone around here would figure out how to fix it with different firmware or a workaround, unlike in the mustang world where they just throw money at the problem and live in perpetual fear of electronics.
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04-16-2014, 05:06 PM
#7
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Awesome. Glad to see the same basic architecture in place. Hopefully they make it lighter and more powerful than the NC, and hopefully it looks awesome like every miata thus far does (imho).
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04-16-2014, 05:09 PM
#8
2016 Mazda MX-5's SkyActiv Chassis Previewed In New York
The SkyActiv chassis will help deliver a weight-loss goal of 220 pounds in the new car, bringing some models below the magic 2,000-lb figure. Despite the weight-loss program, achieved through redesigned suspension and joining techniques, safety and rigidity have improved in line with modern standards. It will keep the current car's front-midship layout--where the engine largely sits behind the front axle, rather than over it--and Mazda also says it offers the lowest center of gravity yet in an MX-5.
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04-16-2014, 05:28 PM
#9
have to doubt that sub 2000lb claim... NC weighs 2500? 2500-220=2280 I thought the goal was to match the original '90 miata at roughly 1000kg or 2200 lbs.
Either way, substantial weight loss from such a small car in this day of increasing saftey standards is a huge accomplishment.
Either way, substantial weight loss from such a small car in this day of increasing saftey standards is a huge accomplishment.
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04-16-2014, 05:46 PM
#11
I did remember reading about that a few years ago. They mentioned that a little weight loss here and there adds up to more, as the brakes, clutch, etc. can then get smaller and lighter since they will be seeing less force. Sub-2000 I highly doubt, maybe that guy misinterpreted it and meant sub-1000kg.
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04-16-2014, 06:04 PM
#13
have to doubt that sub 2000lb claim... NC weighs 2500? 2500-220=2280 I thought the goal was to match the original '90 miata at roughly 1000kg or 2200 lbs.
Either way, substantial weight loss from such a small car in this day of increasing saftey standards is a huge accomplishment.
Either way, substantial weight loss from such a small car in this day of increasing saftey standards is a huge accomplishment.
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04-16-2014, 07:09 PM
#14
The RX8 also had an electric rack. I thought it was pretty good. Remember, electric power steering can be better than normal hydraulic because it gives the engineer more options to tune it to be perfect (or more opportunities to completely flub and make it vague and shitty).
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