Mazda MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata Model Overview

The MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata was the second production car available in the U.S. with the special sports package created by MAZDASPEED, Mazda's in-house motorsports and specialty-car tuning division. The first was the MAZDASPEED Protege, which was available as a limited edition vehicle in 2003. The MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata was also a limited edition, based on Mazda's popular two-seat roadster.
In creating the MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata, the automaker focused on five areas--the Miata's performance, handling, appearance, driver-vehicle connectivity, and value. As far as performance was concerned, the MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata received a 25 percent power boost over the standard Miata, thanks to a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that pumped out 178 horsepower. The standard transmission was a six-speed manual, with refined shift points and a strengthened clutch.
Helping to improve the Miata's handling were a lower ride height, beefed-up springs and dampers, a modified double-wishbone suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. Outside, the vehicle was available only in two colors, which were Velocity Red and Titanium Grey.
Standard features included black cloth-trimmed upholstery, power windows, power door locks, dual second-generation airbags, a black vinyl convertible top, a glass rear window, anti-lock braking system, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a Bose six-speaker audio system with CD. A Grand Touring package added black leather bucket seats and a black cloth soft top, among other features.