Zero. That's how many parts were transferred from the '05 Mazda Miata MX-5 to the fully redesigned '06 model. And we thought our Super Street redesign was so cool. Mazda had a team of 180 engineers trying to make the world's best selling roadster better than it already was. Definitely not an easy task considering the first Miata was introduced in 1989, the same year that Nadsy graduated from college. Even with 19 years of R&D tucked under their belts, the Mazda team still had their work cut out for them.
Jimba Ittai was the term used when brainstorming for the Miata. Roughly translated from Japanese it means "oneness between horse and rider." Which, in essence, describes the feeling a driver should have when getting behind the wheel of the Miata MX-5. The driver's feeling of anxiousness after plopping into the seat, adjusting the mirrors, and firing up the ignition. The driver's feeling of anticipation when depressing the clutch, then grabbing the steering wheel in one hand and the shifter in the other. And finally, the driver's feeling of excitement after releasing the clutch, mashing the accelerator, and hitting the open road. Each apex clipped is crisp and precise and the road is feeding through the driver's fingertips. Does this sound familiar? That's what Jimba Ittai is all about. The Mazda R&D team did more than just come up with this theory-they developed it fully with 42 sensors connecting the test driver to the car.
For '06, the Miata gets a larger displacement 2.0L engine that pushes out 170 hp @ 6,700 rpm and 140 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm. That's just a hair under the 178 hp mark of the turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5 and a far leap from the 142 hp and 125 lb-ft of the previous model. The extra power is a blessing, there's no question about that. Driving becomes very blissful when carving the MX-5 through the mountain roads of Kona with only blind corners and unmarked cop cars to scope for. The steering is buttery smooth and shift throws on the 6-speed manual transmission are short and solid. All three pedals are spaced oh-so-perfect for heel-toe downshifts. An important yet rare quality, I might add, in most so-called "sports cars" nowadays. Redline is set at 7,000rpm, just a hair over the peak horsepower rpm, and I didn't hesitate to use every morsel of it.
There isn't much you can cram inside a roadster, but Mazda seemed to manage quite well with two bucket seats, four cup holders, and a Bose audio system that'll blow your lobes away. Cloth seats are standard and leather is offered in the Grand Touring package, which also includes a Smart Key, a very small card that fits inside your wallet or purse and eliminates the need for carrying a key around.
When I said complete redesign, I meant it. Though the Miata look has become notorious over its long history, the '06 MX-5 brings a whole new appearance to the table. From the Xenon headlights to the rear trunk, nothing was left untouched. Despite the full makeover, the Mazda team wanted to ensure that the roadster passed the five-meter recognition test. And it did pass, with flying colors. Another notable difference was the team's ability to shave off some excess weight. Which is a lot more than we can say for Jonny. Using new methods of welding aluminum to steel, 45,589 grams were knocked off. That's 96 pounds, for everyone that's too lazy to do the conversion.
Having a co-driver that insisted on keeping the top down while "Safety Dance" blared on the radio certainly didn't help the masculinity factor. But the increased power, swifter handling and lighter chassis definitely did. It didn't take long to remind me why the Miata is the best selling roadster in the world and quite possibly the number one car used in auto-crossing as well. Would I own one? Throw in a hard top and we'll talk.
That New Car Smell
The Ride
'06 Mazda Miata MX-5
The Sticker
Starting at $20,435
Under the Hood
2.0L DOHC I-4
The Power
170 hp @ 6,700 rpm and 140 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm