2019 Mazda MX-5 gets significant power bump, raised 7,500 rpm limit, active safety and telescopic steering

2019 Mazda MX-5 gets significant power bump, raised 7,500 rpm limit, active safety and telescopic steering

Following an earlier indication of a power bump for the 2019 Mazda MX-5, Japanese publication Car Watch has revealed details of the 2019 MX-5 ahead of its Japanese market launch later this month.

Headlining the raft of changes is the breathed-upon 2.0 litre Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will now produce 184 PS and 205 Nm of torque, while its rev limiter has been raised from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm. That’s significant gains over the current car‘s 158 hp and 200 Nm of torque.

The higher RPM capability is supported by uprated valve springs, the pistons lightened by 27 grammes thanks to a shaved-down dome, while the valve reliefs have been repositioned closer to the edges of the piston skirts. The connecting rods also undergo some weight loss, shaving 41 grammes with a more compact design and bolts that are shorter and thinner.

Meanwhile, the crankshaft has been optimised, with revised placement of the counterweights. In terms of breathing, the engine gains a throttle body with a 28% larger opening for greater air intake, and the intake flow is further improved in terms of tumble flow and a larger valve diameter.

The piston updates allow for the increased air and fuel mixture to be safely combusted thanks to improved knock prevention, at the same time maximising thermal efficiency and minimising emissions. The exhaust valves have also been enlarged, and scavenge through a new exhaust manifold with larger runners towards a new muffler, the latter tweaked for less high-frequency noise.

Updates to the intake ports, pistons, fuel pump and injectors have also been reported for the smaller 1.5 litre Skyactiv-G engine available in Japan. Elsewhere, the MX-5 gets additional safety equipment including Smart City Brake Support, along with cosmetic updates including new interior and exterior colours. On the chassis side, the Japanese website also reports the use of softer rubber bushes in the rear suspension links.

Mentioned last, but certainly not least, particularly for taller drivers, is a new steering column which now adjusts telescopically for reach, in addition to rake (height). This allows for a 30 mm range of reach adjustment, which will offer scope for a wider variety of drivers to get comfortable in the car.

For some, the answer is Miata. What do you think of the changes, dear readers?

GALLERY: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

GALLERY: 2016 Mazda MX-5

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Mikey on Jun 12, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    According to most Motor Magazine, the older generation’s of MX5 is one of the best if not the best roadster in the world. It’s cheaper to maintain & fun to drive not to mention it’s a chick magnet too.
    I believe the New MX5 with it’s significant higher rev limit of 7,500 rpm & bump in power will only make it more fun to drive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  • seancorr (Member) on Jun 12, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    Make it scream and it’s acceleration time should be quite a boost too

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • stastasta on Jun 13, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      this new engine is still weak compare to the engine in subaru/toyota 86.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
      • stfu yre dumb on Jun 14, 2018 at 6:41 am

        power to weight ratio is justifiable, this car is fastet for 0-100 than both the subie and the toyota

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Syafiq on Jun 12, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    The power bump is it for mx5 or mx5 rf or both

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Bernard on Jun 12, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    Its great but 99.999% of bolehlanders cant afford it and the remaining wont buy it as exhorbitantly priced!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • bieight on Jun 12, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    now put that new 2.0 in the mazda 6 and the new 1.5 in the mazda 2 and also bring the new 1.8 diesel to Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • snail on Jun 12, 2018 at 11:58 pm

      still snail cars

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • Moron Terminator on Jun 14, 2018 at 1:17 am

        Just Like CX3 , the MX5 performance is till like a TORTOISE despite improvement of no value..

        What a shame ..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • miatamad on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    It most certainly needs a rear re-design to make it look wider and more planted stance, much like it’s close cousin the FIAT 124 SPYDER. With the same miata rear light, of course.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Sam 'Ohwai' Loo on Jun 12, 2018 at 10:44 pm

    Before someone ask a real stupid question that is “Is there a temperature gauge or not” without properly looking at the pictures in this site (but for me, this kind of question we should indeed ask Poodua), answer is A BIG YES in this Mazda MX-5.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Jimmy on Jun 14, 2018 at 1:13 am

    Where is the junk Low class CX3 ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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