The MX-5 Story

From Concept To The Worlds Best Selling Sports Car

The Idea

In May 1st 1984 Toyo Kogyo business was renamed as the Mazda Motor Corporation. One of the first persons to join the Mazda office was Bob Hall a car enthusiast with a background in journalism and British sports cars and was keen on the idea of a modern equivalent of the latter. In spring 1979 Hall was casually asked what he would like to see Mazda building, he suggested a light-weight sports car!

He later found himself talking to Shunji Tanaka (one of the group over from Japan to evaluate the RX-7) who shared in his belief for a light-weight affordable sports car. Shortly after this a lengthy essay was submitted to head office explaining about the need for a open top sports car with the essence on "it needs to feel faster than it actually is"

LWS (Light Weight-Sports Car)

In November 1983 Mazda launched an innovative new programme, "Offline 55". The aim was to encourage revolution and experimentation in product development. In essence, we would see a vision of the future - and how bright it looked. Of all the proposals that were considered, one in particular stood out the light-weight sports car.

Work progressed in both California and Tokyo, under the watchful eye of programme manager Masakatsu-san. From this competitive beginning, a close race was won by the Californian team's front-engine rear-wheel drive roadster - code-named P279. Next a running glassfibre prototype, the V705, was engineered and built by Britain's International Automotive Design and, in 1985, the world's one and only V705 took to the roads of Santa Barbara, USA.

In February 1986, Toshihiko Hirai was appointed Product Programme Manager for the production phase. He had quite a challenge - to rethink the steel backbone frame and plastic body. Meanwhile Tom Matano (seen right) and Koichi Hayashi were making styling adjustments in the US. Their work was to become the unique design of the Mazda MX-5.

A Car Is Born

A car is born. In February 1989 the Mazda MX-5 debuted at the Chicago Motor Show. A month later it went on sale in Hiroshima. The rest, as they say, is history. The press loved it and the public couldn't get enough of it. The thrilling looks and sense of fun, that classic English or Italian roadster feeling - available to everyone. It took the world by storm. The Mazda MX-5 was hailed as the renaissance of the roadster. It's no exaggeration to say that this car revived the whole segment. And what about the name? MX stands for Mazda experimental. '5' was the next number in the sequence of 'M' concept cars. The Mazda MX-5, a name that would make history.

Evolution

In 1993, Mazda had a change of heart. Or more specifically, a change of engine. Tightening emissions standards and new safety requirements meant we gave the 1.6 version some more Zoom-Zoom oomph. That came in the form of a new BP-ZE 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine. This was followed two years later by another major update. The latest incarnation benefited from improved performance thanks to a lighter weighing flywheel and more powerful engine management computer which optimized the air/fuel ratio.

1999 was a significant year for the Mazda MX-5. After five years' development and in response to more stringent safety requirements, we evolved the next Mazda MX-5. The result was a design classic. New contoured headlights and a sleek, muscular body meant this was a runaway success. In the words of Tom Matano, "we like to think of it an MX-5 that has been to the gym, adding muscle and tone".

The New Generation

At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show The public were treated to a glimpse of the future. The new Mazda MX-5 was unveiled. A slice of history - and the next step in roadster evolution. With its increased athleticism, heightened power and natural good looks, this latest model has certainly been visiting Mr Tom Matano's Mazda gym - and stopped off at a beauty parlour, too!

The Saying "Who Dares Wins" could not be more apt for Mazda.

Photos of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation cars together can be seen below (Click on photo to enlarge)

You can clearly see how Mazda have evolved with the design over the years.