Autos: Mazda MX-5 Miata celebrates 25 uncomplicated years - Indianapolis Star
Seeking the input of the nation's largest sports car market, Mazda conducted a nationwide poll asking car buyers their opinions on the Miata M Speedster concept car. Pop-up headlamps, delicate chrome finger-operated doorhandles and a manually folding canvas top gave the car a simple, yet sophisticated style. Sales commenced in May 1989 with a base price of just $13,800. One drive won over skeptics that Mazda was serious — and they fell in love. Buyers could choose a four-speed automatic transmission, but the wrist-quick five-speed manual was the one to have. Four-wheel disc brakes and a four-wheel independent suspension gave Miata moves the old Brits and Italians could barely touch. Growing up. It was 10 years before Mazda saw fit to update the popular roadster. The body grew slightly and became curvier, but was clearly a Miata. Engineers developed a new 140-horsepower 1. 8-liter four-cylinder engine that scamped the little car from 0-60 mph in 7. 9 seconds on the way to a 122 mph top speed. I was lucky enough to drive one of the 10-year anniversary models that came with a new six-speed manual transmission, Torsen. Source: www.indystar.com
