Miata Mailing List: May 1998, Message #209

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John D. Emerson Said
"Could there even be a rotary model of a Miata coupe in the future?"

John,

In the "New Zealand Herald" last week, there was an interview with Takao
Kajima, who is the Japanese head of Mazda MX5 development. Apparently he
has worked on a succession of RX7s, as well as both generations of
MX-5s.

 The article says "As project leader for the worlds biggest selling
sports car, Kajima is adament that his baby will not be offered with
larger power plants.". "The key to the car is the 1000kg overall weight"
he says. "We have no thoughts for a rotary, V6 or any other larger
engine.".

Kajima says that if a larger engine was used, the MX5 would need larger
tyres, brakes and heavier suspension. It would become a different car.
At the same time, it would be difficult to retain the ideal 50:50 weight
distribution which sets the MX5 apart from rival sports cars.

So there you go John, your question answered straight from the horse's
mouth ;-)

BTW The article also says that Kajima expects the upcoming Toyota MRS to
provide formidable opposition for the MX-5. The MR-S will be lighter and
less expensive than the current MR2.


Cheers

Charles Lynch
91 Silver
Auckland, New Zealand