Miata Mailing List: May 1993, Message #94
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   From: (none)
Subject: 1994 Miata
   Date: (none)

*** Reply to note of 05/13/93 11:28

K. Dore'"  writes:
>I'm not sure where I heard these rumors, seems like a lot of it was
>on this list.  I have no connections, no verification of any of this,
>and I may be dreaming.
I think you heard these rumors from me.
>
>Anyway, I heard that Mazda should start shipping the 1994 Miata around
>September of this year.  Most of the first cars will be the new R1 package.
Press cars may arrive as soon as next month.
>
>Major changes are to comply with new federal laws and emissions.  The
>1.8L engine is a NEW 4 cyl design, not the Protoge engine.  It does
>produce a few more HP and a bit more torque.  The car will weigh a little
>more because it adds side intrusion protection in the doors, passenger
>side airbag, possibly some type of spolier package, and the viscous
>limited slip rear end will be replaced with a torsen unit.  I think
>that 15" rims and tires were mentioned also.  I think the R1 package
>will include stiffer springs and shocks.
Spoilers and Torsen come on the R1 model.  Wheels go to 14x6" for all
models.  I don't know about springs and shocks, but I suspect that the
R1 model will share specs with the other models.  From discs increase
1" in diameter (precluding fitment of 13" wheels).

I lobbied for additional items for the R1 package: adjustable sway bars,
15" wheels, adjustable spring perches, etc.  Adjustable suspension
pieces were nixed for liability reasons (there's something wrong with
our society) and the 15" wheels for ride degradation (I can't believe
this from the people who brought you the RX-7 R1).
>
>Somebody might want to check the archives and see if this was already
I don't think the archives have been updated since the end of last year.

Michael Butler (mcb@vnet.ibm.com)