Production of the third-generation MX-5, code NC, began May 17, 2005, for delivery in August, for the 2006 model year. This was partially due to the declining sales of the MX-5 during its second generation run. The exterior styling resembles the original design, but unlike the update from NA to NB, which was mostly a nose/tail/interior change, the NC shares no components with the NB, except for the side-panel turning-lights on non-USA models. In July 2006, Mazda unveiled a coupé convertible version of the NC with a three-piece folding hardtop, named "MX-5 Roadster Coupe" in Europe, "Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top" in Japan, and "MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hard Top" in Canada and the USA. Adding 36 kg (79 lb) to the weight of a comparable model with soft top, the hard top takes 12 seconds to raise or lower and it does not take any of the existing trunk space when folded down. The first units were delivered to customers in late August, for a price premium less than the cost of a separate hard top. Performance times are slightly affected with the weight increase, to 9.6 s (1.8 L (110 cu in)) and 8.2 s (2.0 L (120 cu in)) from 0-100 km/h (62 mph), but top speed is increased from 196 km/h (121.8 mph) to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) (1.8 L (110 cu in)) and from 210 km/h (130 mph) to 215 km/h (134 mph) (2.0 L (120 cu in)), for the European-spec model. The 2009 MX-5 facelift debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Major changes concern the restyled front which now incorporates elements from Mazda’s newer models like the larger grille and new head and fog lights. Further restyled elements are the side skirts, rear bumper and the tail lights. The hardtop Roadster Coupe now features a mesh grille bordered by a chrome frame and chrome elements inside the headlamps and outer door handles. MX-5 Superlight is a concept car commemorating the 20th anniversary of MX-5, designed at Mazda's studio in Frankfurt, Germany. It is made of lightweight materials to improve performance, handling, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions. It also does not include a windshield.Third generation (NC)
Also called Mazda MX-5 Miata (United States) Production start 2006 Body style(s) 2-door roadster Platform Mazda NC Engine(s) 1.8 L (110 cu in) MZR I4 (Europe) Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed manualWheelbase 91.7 in (2,330 mm) Length 2006-08: 157.3 in (4,000 mm)
2009-: 4,020 mm (158.3 in)Width 67.7 in (1,720 mm) Height 2006-08: 49.0 in (1,240 mm)
2006-08 PRHT: 49.4 in (1,250 mm)
2009-: 1,245 mm (49.0 in)
2009- RHT: 1,255 mm (49.4 in)Curb weight 1,095 kg (2,410 lb)
The suspension has changed from a 4-wheel double wishbone setup to a front wishbone/rear multilink setup. Technologies like traction control and stability control were added to increase driveability.
For the USA, the engine is the new 16-valve, 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR I4, producing 170 bhp (130 kW) and 140 lbf·ft (190 N·m) coupled to either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual transmission or 158 bhp (118 kW) with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. A limited slip differential is available with the 6-speed option. In Australia the 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR is offered, rated at 118 kW (158 bhp) and 188 N·m (139 lbf·ft) and the 6-speed transmission and LSD are standard. In Europe, two engines are offered: the 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR rated at 158 bhp (118 kW) and 188 N·m (139 lbf·ft), coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission; and a new 1.8 L (110 cu in) MZR, rated at 126 bhp (94 kW) and 167 N·m (123 lbf·ft), coupled to the 5-speed manual transmission.
A six-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, is optional. A test by Car and Driver magazine revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 s for the 2.0 L (120 cu in) U.S.-spec NC.Manufacturer figures for the European-spec model are: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.4 s (1.8 L (110 cu in)) and 7.9 s (2.0 L (120 cu in)).
The NC was launched with a special edition called "3rd Generation Limited" which featured added chrome accents and special wheels. 3500 were built worldwide (300 in the UK, 750 in the USA, 150 in Canada), delivered in advance of standard models.
The NC offers a wider range of accessories for customization than the earlier generations. The softtop, in cloth instead of vinyl, can now be chosen in more than two colors: black and cream as previously, but also grey, camel, blue and green; and the interior can be customized to the exterior paint color.
For 2008, Mazda released a Special Edition MX-5 in Icy Blue exterior, with exclusive Dark Saddle Brown folding top, with matching leather with blue stitching steering wheel, seats, and hand brake. The Special Edition also featured a silver-accented shift knob, dark-silver finished instrument panel with chrome accents, special 17 in (430 mm) alloy wheels, stainless steel MX-5 scuff plate, and chrome front headlight bezel, as well as grille and fog lamp surrounds. The 2008 Special Edition was limited to 105 PRHT-equipped units in Canada and 750 soft-top units in the US.Facelift
The instrument panel gained darker features and redesigned graphics for the gauges. To create more leg space in the cabin, a protrusion from the door pockets was eliminated.
The 2.0-litre engine was rated 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) at 7,200rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for manual, 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) at 6,700rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for automatic. Engine redline was raised by 500rpm to 7,200rpm in manual model. The suspension and gearbox have been fine-tuned; latter offers smoother shifts and automatic transmission will be introduced in Europe for the first time.MX-5 Superlight (2009)
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The vehicle included a MZR 1.8-litre petrol engine rated 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp) at 6,500rpm and 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) at 4,500rpm, 5-speed manual transmission, double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, Bilstein monotube damper, 205/45R17 tires, 300 mm (11.8 in) ventilated front brake discs and 280 mm (11.0 in) solid rear brake discs. The "Superlight" weighs in at 2,200 lb (1,000 kg), making it 100 lb (45 kg). heavier than the original NA series MX-5 .
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