Miata Mailing List: February 1998, Message #100
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From: 	John Brigstocke <brigstoc@pathcom.com>

Subject: Re: '99's at STL auto show

Date: 	Sun, 1 Feb 1998 20:59:16 +0000



At 05:50 PM 01-02-98 +0000, you wrote:

>Just got back from the St. Louis Int'l Auto Show.  3 new '99's in

>attendance.  White w/black cloth; red w/black cloth; silver w/tan

>leather (man, red or black would have looked good).  The red was a base

>model with steel wheels and the old 4-spoke steering wheel...guess the

>base gets that.  I noticed they have passenger air-bag disabling

>switch--hadn't heard that.  It's a cool car, but I'm not inspired to

>trade Dino.

>Regional rep was surprised to hear that oil pressure "gauge" was fake.

>I'm not sure he believes me yet.

>Shot some pics which, if they turn out, will be up on the website later

>this week.

>Bill Kellenberger & Dino

>'90  Red  R-4RE

>Team Escargot

>Gateway Miata Club

>http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/downs/4560

>

Here goes with some differences between US and Canadian 99's!

The Trillium Miata Club had our monthly meeting Sat pm at a local hotel with

Mazda unveiling 2 5's for us right in the ballroom. One a base Classic Red

with black cloth with an optional 'spoiler' package (a front air dam, rear

skirt, rocker panel skirts and flush trunk spoiler). The second was a base

Highlight Silver Metallic with black cloth.  Neither had the 3 spoke Nardi

wheel.  Other available colours are white/Black cloth and the colours

Brilliant Black, Twilight Blue Mica and Grace Green Mica are available with

Black cloth or optional tan leather/tan top.    Really would like to see a

Silver/ tan leather here as you describe is available in US.   Base cars

both had power steering. Optional leather package is only way to get any/all

of the options and includes the Nardi wheel as well as a Torsen LSD and the

LSD includes an item called 'rear subframe brace rods'.  Any one know what

they are?  Are they something new?  

Shift linkage seemed similar to me but hard to tell with new car and engine

stopped - hard to see how that could be improved much (except the second

gear sychro).

Both cars looked great and we went over them pretty good.  Mazda tried to

convince us of the merits  of leasing and a second Miata would sure be nice.

Our current Miata will be around for some time yet - still upgrading - does

it end??