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As expected, the 2019 Mazda Miata has been updated with a variety of engine improvements and new optional extras.
The most exciting changes made to Mazda’s mainstay roadster for 2019 have happened under the hood. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine has had each of its four pistons lightened by 27 grams, while each of its connecting rods are now 41 grams lighter as well.
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Additionally, the 2.0-liter now features reconfigured intake ports, higher-pressure fuel injectors, a larger valve opening angle and increase valve lift. The result is an increase in power from 155 hp to 181 hp and an increase in torque from 148 lb-ft to 151 lb-ft. Mazda also promises more torque throughout the rev range and better fuel efficiency. As expected, the fuel cut has been raised from 6,800 RPM to 7,500 RPM.
Other small changes improve the drive experience including a reworked exhaust for a better soundtrack, a greater final drive ratio and a dual-mass flywheel for added smoothness.
There are some minor interior changes, too, which come in the way of a standard telescoping steering wheel, easier-to-open
doors with revised door stops, revised cupholders and redesigned seat levers. New optional extras include a brown canvas soft top (pictured) and black metallic 17-inch wheels.
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Mazda has also applied a new standard rearview camera, along with optional Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support as part of the i-ACTIVSENSE suite of active safety tech. Thanks to the new lightweight engine components and a new aluminum steering rack, the 2019 Miatahas gained just 7 lbs over the outgoing model despite the addition of new features such as the telescoping wheel and rearview camera.
“When the fourth-generation MX-5 launched, its development team rallied around the idea of innovating in order to preserve,” the automaker said in a statement. “The latest round of innovations aim to continue that mission.”
Full details on pricing and availability for the 2019 Mazda Miata will be available at a later date. The automaker is also planning on giving the 2019 Miata Cup Racecar similar enhancements and says it will also detail these changes sometime in the near future.
Discuss this story on our Mazda MX-5 Miata Forum.
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