“What do we want?”
Instead of focusing on user feedback and market research, the team behind ND decided to start from their own desires and visions.
Dave ColemanManager of Vehicle Dynamics at Mazda North American Operations, says they identified three types of customers: those who wanted a refined convertible, those who wanted a true sports car, and those who saw the Miata as a small GT vehicle.
Yamamoto explains that they went back to basics and asked themselves why NA was so popular. The answer was simple: it made driving a lot of fun. Therefore, the concept for ND became “Joy of the moment, joy of life”.
A global effort
The design of the ND Miata was the result of intense discussion between the Mazda design studio in Japan and United States.
Mashashi Nakayamachief designer at Mazda, saying that the Japanese team wanted to return to the original philosophy, while the American team wanted sports car with greater sales potential.
Derek Jenkinswho was head of design at Mazda North American Operations, explained that they wanted to give the ND a more modern and powerful look, while the Japanese team wanted to create a modern interpretation of the NA.
The American team managed to convince their Japanese colleagues by presenting the results of interviews with car enthusiasts, which showed that the Miata was often seen as a “barber car” and was not “respected by the street”.
Save on prio pressure
During the development of the ND Miata, Mazda engineers were obsessed with saving weight. They designed a “gram strategy”, where they aimed to save weight where possible. The idea was that all those grams would add up to kilograms.
Yamamoto explains that the biggest challenge is to make the car as small and light as possible. The aim was to keep the weight under one ton.
There are countless examples of how the gram strategy has been applied. Holes are drilled at the bottom of the windshield where no one can see them, the tailpipes have no decorative details, the rearview mirror housing is thinner, the battery has no cover, and the four wheels instead of five bolts.
“In Japan we don’t drive so fast”
Aside from the design, the engine was another area where the Japanese and American teams had different ideas.
Initially Yamamoto only wanted a 1.5-liter engine, but the American team argued for a 2.0-liter engine to meet the needs of customers in the American market.
Coleman explains that a 1.5-liter engine would have been too weak for the American market, and Saito believes that the Miata doesn’t need much power because it’s fun to drive even at low speeds.
Yamamoto eventually relented and Mazda added a 2.0-liter engine as an option, but the decision came late in development.
Soft and flexible Miata
Unlike many of today’s sports cars, which have become more and more rigid in their pursuit of performance, the Miata has kept its suspension soft.
Saito explains that they are focused on real-world driving and prefer a soft chassis with good comfort and long suspension travel.
Yamamoto believes that soft suspension allows everyone to enjoy the car and maximize contact with the road in all conditions.
Miata – iconic sports car
The ND Miata was launched on September 3, 2014 and has since sold over 270,000 units. The car has been praised by critics and won many awards.
A new Miata is on the way, but Mazda hasn’t announced a timetable. It will be electrified in some form.
Ten years after its launch, the creators of the ND Miata reflect on its legacy. Coleman is pleased that the car has been so well received and that it has reinforced their vision. Saito emphasizes that they have been consistent with their philosophy since the beginning and will not change in the future.
Nakayama describes the ND Miata as a miracle and pays tribute to everyone who contributed to its success. Yamamoto believes that they were able to focus on the human side of the car and create a driving experience that touches.
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2024-11-10 20:20:00
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