Miata Mailing List: January 1999, Message #124

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On Jan 1, 1999 Hobbes90@aol.com wrote:
> The S2000 is an interesting challenge for the Miata but remember the
> S2000 is going to be priced in the low $30k range.  That is a
> considerable amount more than a Miata.  Mazda has found a profiatble
> nitch for the Miata, they will not give that up quickly.
>
> Do we really need a 190hp Miata?  I do not mean you or me
> specifcally ( I am in the middle of a BEGI system 4 install right
> now) but the average Miata owner.  I know many people in local club
> chapters who are happy with their stock Miatas, be them 1.6s or
> 1.8s.  If Mazda takes the Miata up to 190hp the owners of the
> current cars will not see the benefit of such high power but will
> see the inevitable higher price tag and insurance rating.

Well, in principle, if Mazda decides to bring out a new Miata with
more power (and thus a higher insurance premium), that shouldn't
affect the premiums of those of us who own "low" power current Miatas.
Granted, these are insurance companies we're talking about, but they
generally seem to be willing to charge different amounts for different
years and models.

The other assumption you seem to be making is that if Mazda brings out
a higher-powered Miata, they'd have to do it with all Miatas, and I
don't see that that's necessarily the case.  There's room for Mazda to
continue selling 2000 $20-25K 1.8L Miatas a month while adding a
smaller number of higher-powered $30K Miats.  These "Miata GT"s (to
use Ford terminology) can reel back in the customers who would
otherwise be buying the S2000 or Z3 in the quest for warrantied,
factory-equipped power.  Many other cars are availabe with multiple
powertrain choices, why not the Miata?

--Ian
'99 Emerald Mica LP