Miata Mailing List: November 1997, Message #193
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From: 	Stephen Foskett <sfoskett@concentric.net>

Subject: 98 (!) Miata in Car and Driver!

Date: 	Sun, 2 Nov 1997 19:41:51 +0000



The latest (December '97) Car and Driver has a '98 Miata on the cover

(along with a Toyota MR-S) and a short preview.



It's similar to what we know.  They like it and are glad Mazda didn't try

to take it upmarket.  They include these minor points:

* Front and Rear track are .4 and .8 inches wider, respectively

* weight is down by 45 lbs

* a lighter (!) hood

* the larger trunk was "a direct response to owner gripes"

* drag is down from .39 to .36

* glass rear window has an electric defogger

* has "VICS", or variable-volume intake system

* includes a knock sensor!

* louder exhaust note

* roll center is down .75 inches and "increased caster by a quarter"

* radio with CD player is standard, tape deck and Bose stereo are optional

* no more headrest speakers!  Just door speakers standard, tweeters

apparently are added with the Bose!



They also lament the passing of all the other sports cars and include some

scary quotes from Ford product planners.



The Toyota MR-S looks like it could be a contender, though.  It's ugly and

has NO trunk space and is probably no quicker than the Miata, but it'll be

priced similarly if it comes here.  I doubt Toyota will do it, though.

This is not exactly a hopping market segment...



Later,

Stephen & Buckeye

'94C Black/Tan

Houston, TX