Forza Motorsport 6: The new Roadster

The all-new, fourth-generation, Mazda Roadster or MX-5 is one of the must-have cars of 2015 and here we are, in the world of Forza, got to try out the latest Roadster in one of the world's finest race tracks just for the fun of it.

Here in Forza Motorsport 6, players can get to know more about the latest version of the Mazda Roadster/MX-5 not just by observing every detail inside and out but also getting to know how its newly-found dynamics work in the racetracks, be it dry, wet, or dark. Once again, we are driving the fourth-generation Roadster, in-game, powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine that the Japanese market never had at launch. Looks like the Japanese Forza fans will wistfully listen to its SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine sound via ForzaVista because this engine is not available for the new Roadster up to know. Only the world market had the chance to drive it because that's what it came from Mazda's dossier.

Be that in mind that even though this is a 2.0L engine, it's still reasonably small, and thanks to SKYACTIV-CHASSIS and SKYACTIV-BODY applied to this new Roadster, it still retains the classic Roadster formula, valuing aerodynamics over performance, as well as delivering its nimble and yet accessible dynamics everyone can master. Enjoy this car as much as you want because the new Roadster is still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in Forza Motorsport 6.



Speaking of enjoyable, since this is Forza Motorsport 6, I decided to give this new Roadster a Top Gear Power Lap round the Top Gear Test Track. See if how much fun this new Roadster can do...



So, how's the new Roadster at the track? Well, it did set a lap time of 1:36.792. Not the fastest it has ever done but this track demonstrated how good the new Roadster is and I am very happy to taste one of Mazda's latest masterpieces. Ah the joys of driving the Mazda with SKYACTIV Technology in-game...

Forza Horizon 2: Long Live The Roadster

No. You're not seeing things. This is the real deal. What you're looking at is the new and improved version of Mazda's lightweight open-top sportscar that captures the hearts of most car enthusiasts for over 25 yeas thanks to its simple recipe of lightweight body, small engine in the front, rear-wheel drive, and its fun-to-drive character.



This is the brand new Mazda MX-5, the fourth-generation ND model. It's yours to drive thanks to a free-to-download Mazda MX-5 Car Pack on the Forza Horizon 2 video game for the XBOX One console.



For the past 10 years of Forza Motorsport history, players from all over the world have enjoyed playing with their favorite generation of Mazda's lightweight roadster from the first NA model to the outgoing NC model. With the new ND model, this will give players an unprecedented access to the latest generation before rushing one to their nearest Mazda dealerships to buy one in real life.

This particular ND MX-5 comes with the one engine that Japanese car enthusiasts can wistfully hear it to their ears because it's not available to the Japanese dealerships; yep, it's a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine producing 155HP of power and 148lb-ft of torque. It's kinda unfair why this engine made it to the global market alongside the smaller 1.5L model but not Japan at the moment but even with a bigger displacement than what the Japanese had, it's still very small as promised. And because it's so small, it was counterweighted with its lightweight bodywork and improved dynamics, delivering the same Mazda Roadster formula that has enjoyed drivers for over 25 years. The more you drive with this latest model, the more you'll love about how enjoyable this model is.



It's a great job bringing in a Mazda car with SKYACTIV Technology in the world of video games because being Mazda's sportscar loaded with everything SKYACTIV in it, from the engine to the dynamics, they're built to be expendable, built to be efficient, built to be fun, and overall, built to be a Mazda. For me, I want to prove this new Roadster still has the same spirit that was endowed over the past 25 years and for that, I have given this car a special assignment in the form of a series of races in Nice.



Of course, being in Forza Horizon 2, this all-new MX-5 is not come unprepared for the party with something to fit for the very occasion and I have done much of that. Now, for more golden-eyed viewers may have spotted that the theme in question is Uzuki Shimamura from THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls and yes, it fits perfectly well in tune with the times. If someone sees a man in his new MX-5 with Shimamu's face plastered all over, they are going to question the driver in question how in the name of all things bright and beautiful is possible. You'll find that out in the right moment...

Since this is a brand new car, I am resorting myself to a much difficult challenge to get to know more about the brand new Mazda MX-5 and because of that, I have decided not to improve its performance at all. That sounds bland but this is worth of a challenge if you want to know more how good the new MX-5 is.

Anyway, with the risky gamble all set, it's time to find out just how good the new MX-5 is in a series of races in Nice. Let's see how SKYACTIV Technology works even in here...



Even in untouched performance, the new MX-5 fared very well in the series of races even when faces rough scenarios only experts can handle the rest. I have to say, I am very impressed with this new model, and I am looking forward to enjoy this new model even more.

Huh? Have I just unlocked the Horizon Finale? Does this mean I have to take on the Horizon Finale for the second time? Wow... Looks like our work's almost done here...

AutoExe creates aero parts for new Roadster ND

ND-05 by AutoExe

The new Mazda Roadster ND is a great and affordable sports car you can start with but for some owners, they like to make it more stylish to please the street crowds. To address such situation, AutoExe, makers of finest aerokits for Mazda models, introduced the ND-05 customization kit for the new Roadster ND.

The Styling kit for the ND-05 customization features a new front spoiler (priced at 45,000 Yen), rear wing (priced at 74,000 Yen), and a rear under panel (priced at 31,000 Yen). For functional parts, AutoExe will provide tuning parts for the new Roadster ND such as a low-down spring, street sports suspension kit (KIJIMA-SPEC), adjustable stabilizer ring, sports stabilizer, strut tower bar, floor cross bar, member plate set, air filter replacement, center dual sports exhaust, and other parts to bring the best out of the new Roadster.

URL: http://www.autoexe.co.jp/car/nd.html

Mazda Roadster ND

For over 25 years, the Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata in the world market) continues to provide exhilarating thrills in a lightweight package suitable for a Japanese sports car for the masses. Because it was influenced by British sports cars of the past century, it values aerodynamics over performance. With the lighter bodywork, smaller engine, and rear-wheel drive, the Roadster continues to impress numerous car enthusiasts worldwide and now, there's a new version.

2016 Mazda Roadster

Welcome to the all-new Mazda Roadster ND, the latest generation of the hit lightweight sportscar, and starting at just 2,494,800 Japanese Yen, it's still an affordable sports car you can buy. This is an all-new car because the new Roadster implements Mazda's revolutionary SKYACTIV Technology which balances fuel efficiency and performance at a same pace. This is an all-new car but even though it's all-new, the Roadster formula still remains; light body, small engine, rear-wheel drive, and its fun-to-drive character.

The new Roadster features an all-new body which is now 100kg lighter than the previous model and it's all because Mazda employed their "gram strategy", involving the extensive use of lightweight aluminum materials which makes it as light and rigid as the first-ever Eunos Roadster from the distant past.

2016 Mazda Roadster

In true Roadster tradition, the new model is powered by a small engine in the form of the new SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine developing a reasonable 131PS of power and 150Nm of torque while mated with either a 6-speed automatic (annoyingly sourced from the Toyota 86) or a newly-developed SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox developed specifically for the new Roadster. To further enhance the fuel consumption for the new Roadster, an available i-ELOOP regenerative braking system is offered, resulting to a fuel economy of up to 18.8km/L by JC08 mode standards.

Handling-wise, the new Roadster, thanks to its lightweight bodywork, is becoming more accessible and soon, more popular. The front suspension is double-wishbone, the weight distribution remains perfect, it's got electric power steering, and it's more enjoyable in the bends. The way it handles is becoming more generous than struggling with the more powerful sportscars and as long as there are blue skies and the long winding road ahead of you, the Roadster feels like it's completing an image of what motoring dreams are made of.

2016 Mazda Roadster interior

Even though this is a lightweight car, the new Roadster still comes with concessions of comfort despite being a driver-focused sportscar. You can have available leather seats, climate control, even the available MAZDA CONNECT, which allows the driver to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. That's a great car to live in and it's not like you're sleeping in a storage room for numerous reasons.

2016 Mazda Roadster

If there's something I didn't like about the new Roadster, then probably it's the design that makes the case for itself. I know this car is good as well as the Kodo design language but I'm afraid that it wasn't as aggressive-looking as any other sports cars would be. It can be somewhat problematic on the city streets because even with the roof close, discretion is no longer a priority and people are starting to know you are driving this.

But it doesn't really matter though because despite its flaws, the new Roadster really has a lot to live up with. It's still one of the most enjoyable sportscars money can buy but there's a bit of an argument because most people will believe that the best lightweight sportscar you can enjoy is an Alfa Romeo 4C but you should remember that the new Roadster ND is more affordable than the 4C even if it has a Spider version coming up.

However, if you compare it to a much smaller roadster available in Japan in the case of the Honda S660, that's a different story because the S660's more cheaper than this and it's more enjoyable thanks to its MR layout but let's note that the S660's available only in Japan while the new Roadster will be available globally shortly after its Japan release. Fact.

Available colors: Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, Blue Reflex Mica,  Crystal White Pearl Mica, and Arctic White.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

25 Years of Mazda Roadster

The Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata in the world market) is now 25 years old. It grown up, it matured, but the secret formula for the Roadster's success never change; providing exhilarating thrills in a lightweight package, and that's good. While the Roadster was a Japanese sports car for the masses, it always goes under the influence of what true British sports cars do; aerodynamics over performance. As the late Colin Chapman from Lotus says that adding power makes you go faster on the straight line but subtracting weight makes you go faster everywhere. The Mazda Roadster is like that, being a lightweight car that makes you go faster everywhere.

Let's rewind the best 25 years of the Mazda Roadster with the best of what the past three generations have pulled together;

1) Eunos Roadster, we presented

The first Roadster (1989-1998)

The first Roadster (designated as NA) debuted in 1989 under the name, Eunos Roadster. which of course, Eunos is one of the brands from Mazda aside from Efini and Autozam back then. If you're new to the world of Japanese cars, let me get this straight; At the end of the 1980's, Mazda tries to diversify the Japanese car market by introducing three different marques. This is just like Toyota, Honda (with their Primo, Verno, and Clio marques), Mitsubishi, and Nissan from their heydays. The three marques are; Autozam (comprised of affordable entry-level cars), Efini (the exclusive luxury brand where the FD RX-7 is sold), and Eunos. Eunos is an upscale brand from Mazda and it's naming comes from the Greek word "eu" meaning "good" and "nos" referring to the abbreviation to the word "numbers".

For the list of Eunos cars aside from the Roaster, click here.

Anyway, The Eunos Roadster was exported worldwide as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It was hugely popular among enthusiasts because of such lightweight chassis. The Eunos Roadster is powered with either a B6-ZE 1597cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 120ps/6500rpm of power or the BP-ZE 1839cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 130ps/6500rpm of power. There are so many special editions of the NA Roadster, including the S-Special, V-Special, or the J Limited. The first Roadster is all about choice.

2) ROADSTER, Reborn

The second Roadster (1998-2005)

In 1998, the arrival of the New Roadster came into reality. It even exported worldwide as the second-generation Mazda MX-5. The positive aspect about the NB Mazda Roadster is that it retains the styling from the Eunos Roadster, only this time, the retractable headlights from the NA Roadster has been replaced by the fixed headlights, providing the essence of style. This generation offers a 1.6L or a BP-ZE 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produces either 145/160ps of power.

3) One car. One driver. One feeling.

The third Roadster (2005-2015)

In the year 2005, the Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) received another full model change and gained the designation of NC. By November 2005, the NC Roadster won the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year.  When it first arrived in August 25, 2005, it became a sensation because the Mazda NC Roadster was just a miniature version of the Mazda RX-8 but the 3rd Roadster retains the 2-seater capacity from the previous two generations. The standard engine is the LF-VE 1998cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170ps/6700-7000rpm of power and torque of 19.3kgf-m/5000rpm. Being an FR sportscar seems to be more enjoyable but for the Roadster, its about looking at its best. The concept of "One car. One drive. One feeling." really serves the point about the NC Roadster, even though in the year 2005, when the car was released, it gained a huge success and earned the title of being 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year.

That's the end of it. These are the previous generations that helped shaped the Roadster image over the past two and a half decades and now, the moment of truth has arrived because Mazda finally showed the world the brand new 2016 Mazda Roadster (ND).

2016 Mazda Roadster

Set for its 2015 release, the new, fourth-generation, Mazda Roadster still retains the same Roadster legacy while gaining its new look and new features, although details remain scarce for now. With the KODO design language and SKYACTIV Technology in place, the ND Roadster will become the best Roadster the world has ever witnessed.

So thank you and happy 25th birthday, Mazda Roadster!

2013 Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) info

2013 Mazda Roadster

2013 Mazda Roadster

It appears that the current NC Mazda Roadster (known in the world market as the MX-5) will stay on a little longer as they launched an updated 2013 version of the FR open-sports roadster. On front, you could expect an aggressive face that seems to be somewhat Kodo-fied or a bit more CX-5-ish. Once more, the 2013 Mazda Roadster now comes with an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

2013 Mazda Roadster interior

PRESS RELEASE:

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has upgraded the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) for the Japanese market. The refreshed two-seater open-top sports car goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The design of the upgraded Roadster distinguishes between the sporty character of the soft top and the refined character of the power retractable hard top (RHT) through the use of coordinated black and silver features respectively. The front face of both versions has been redesigned to present a more aggressive look. For the interior, a new luxury tan color is available for the genuine leather seats. In addition, revised characteristics of the throttle and brake booster (power braking device) have improved control of the accelerator in the manual transmission models and the brakes in all models. The enhancements add polish to the pure driving pleasure which has made the Roadster (MX-5) famous.

In addition, the updated Roadster features an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system) which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.

Main features of the upgraded Mazda Roadster:

A distinct character for the RHT and Soft-top version

The keywords guiding the design of the soft top were "tight sports". Coordinated black features express sportiness

The keywords guiding the design of the RHT were "premium sports." Coordinated silver features denote refined, high quality driving performance

<Aggressive front view>

Front face has a sense of depth with a larger front grille opening

Newly designed front fog lamp bezel

New front chin spoiler

New body color, Dolphin Gray Mica now available (Total seven body colors are available. Metropolitan Gray Mica is no longer available).

<Enhanced interior quality>

A lustrous and expressive new color, Glossy Dark Gray is used for the decoration panel and steering wheel bezel. (The color is an option for the Soft Top version of the S model grade.)

Addition of a new tan color for the genuine leather seat covers. Black on the seat sides creates a stylish two-tone design. Fabric (black), leather (tan and black) and a combination of Alcantara® and black leather seat cover materials are available.

Sports car driving pleasure taken to the next level

Enhanced acceleration control (manual transmission models)

Fine adjustments to the throttle management program make it more responsive when accelerating out of corners. This creates a linear and nimble feel.

Enhanced braking control

Changes to the characteristics of the brake booster (power braking device) make it easier to control the front and rear load distribution, increasing the feel of mastery over the vehicle.

Newly developed active bonnet for all model grades

Active bonnet

At certain vehicle speeds, when sensors detect an impact exceeding a defined level, the rear end of the bonnet is raised. This creates a space between the bonnet and the engine which acts to absorb the energy of impact and reduces the severity of head injuries in collisions involving pedestrians.

Cutting weight one gram at a time

In order to keep weight down, uncompromising attention was paid to weight reduction in the design of new parts including the re-designed front bumper, the active bonnet, the new 17-inch aluminum wheels and the internal wiring.

Scoop: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2012/201207/120705a.html?link_id=nr

Roadster History

Song played on my Personal BGM: What a Fool Believes by Matt Bianco

From the Album: Samba In Your Casa

Since August 3, 2011, the NR-A Roadster Cup is added on Gran Turismo 5's Seasonal Events. There were bigger prizes await not just big money, but Racing Suits/Helmets (1st place), new exterior colors (2nd place) and new car horns (3rd place) are awaiting to players much like the other Seasonal Events that offer that kind of prize. Anyway, time to get sentimental because we're going to tackle the history of the Roadster. Three generations of Roadsters were offered in Gran Turismo 5 at all kinds but let's go over about these generations;

1) Eunos Roadster, we presented

The first Roadster (1989-1998)

The first Roadster (designated as NA) debuted in 1989 under the name, Eunos Roadster. which of course, Eunos is one of the brands from Mazda aside from Efini and Autozam back then. The Eunos Roadster was exported worldwide as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It was hugely popular among enthusiasts because of such lightweight chassis. What I don't like about this car is the old, retractable headlamps. The Eunos Roadster is powered with either a B6-ZE 1597cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 120ps/6500rpm of power or the BP-ZE 1839cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 130ps/6500rpm of power. There are so many special editions of the NA Roadster, including the S-Special, V-Special, or the J Limited. The first Roadster is all about choice.

2) ROADSTER, Reborn

The second Roadster (1998-2005)

In 1998, the arrival of the New Roadster came into reality. It even exported worldwide as the second-generation Mazda MX-5. The positive aspect about the NB Mazda Roadster is that it retains the styling from the Eunos Roadster, only this time, the retractable headlights from the NA Roadster has been replaced by the fixed headlights, providing the essence of style. Hunting the second-generation Roadster (MX-5 Miata) sounds more challenging and it may take a few days to get this model. Here in Gran Turismo, the second-generation Mazda Roadster/MX-5 Miata is powered with the BP-ZE 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produces either 145/160ps of power. Because of the lightweight body, I guess the fun-to-drive factor is all it can do but not always. You need the right suspension setting to bring this Roadster's cornering to its full potential.

3) One car. One driver. One feeling.

The third Roadster (2005-present)

In the year 2005, the Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) received another full model change and gained the designation of NC. By November 2005, the NC Roadster won the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year.  When it first arrived in August 25, 2005, it became a sensation because the Mazda NC Roadster was just a miniature version of the Mazda RX-8 but the 3rd Roadster retains the 2-seater capacity from the previous two generations. The standard engine is the LF-VE 1998cc 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170ps/6700-7000rpm of power and torque of 19.3kgf-m/5000rpm. Being an FR sportscar seems to be more enjoyable but for the Roadster, its about looking at its best. The concept of "One car. One drive. One feeling." really serves the point about the NC Roadster, even though in the year 2005, when the car was released, it gained a huge success and earned the title of being 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year. The world-class Roadster seems to be fitting well in GT5.

These are the three generations of the Mazda Roadster (MX-5 Miata) that are featured on Gran Turismo 5. Select the one you'll think it's the best on the NR-A Roadster Cup on Seasonal Events, and go for the win! If you're aiming on your next Racing Gear, go for first place! If you're aiming for the next exterior color for your car, go for 2nd place! If you want a new horn for your car, aim for 3rd place! This is just like any previous races that offer that kind of prizes. Go forth and win!