A Message from the Mazda MX-5
Programme Manager
At the
2006 British International Motor Show, we at
Mazda are unveiling a new version of our
modern motoring icon. It's called the Mazda
MX-5 Roadster Coupe*, and it
opens up a new dimension of fun and
versatility for people who love open-top
sports cars.
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe is a brand-new
counterpart to the third-generation MX-5,
which we launched in 2005. It has the same
responsive performance and emotive styling
as the soft-top model. But at the same time,
it's equipped with the unique Power
Retractable Hard Top--the first-ever
electrically retractable hard top that
doesn't sacrifice any boot space.
The third-generation MX-5 embodies Mazda's
belief that the MX-5 experience should
centre on driving enjoyment. And the key to
that driving enjoyment is our dedication to
Jinba Ittai--an intimate driver-car
relationship that can be likened to the
synergy of a rider and horse moving as one.
With the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe, we're
delivering an undiluted MX-5 Jinba Ittai
experience. At the same time, the Power
Retractable Hard Top means a wider range of
people can join the worldwide circle of MX-5
owners and enjoy the exhilaration of driving
an open-top, lightweight sports car.
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe is ready to spread
the fun of lightweight sports cars in
diverse and distinctive new ways. I'm
certain that this new version of MX-5 which
creates the purest-ever expression of
Zoom-Zoom motoring, is going to be another
winner for Mazda.
Takao Kijima
Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager
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The model name differs from market to
market. In Europe, it is 'Mazda MX-5
Roadster Coupe'. In North America, it is
'Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Power Retractable
Hard Top'. And in Japan, it is 'Mazda
Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top'.
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1.
The Evolution of a Modern Motoring Icon
Worldwide Praise for the Third-Generation
Mazda MX-5
Since
its launch in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has been
a smash-hit product around the world. It's
so popular that it holds a place in the
Guinness world records as the world's
top-selling lightweight, open, two-seater
sports car, and it has won over 150 industry
awards around the globe. Demand is as strong
as ever and by the end of May 2006,
cumulative production stood at 769,454
units.
The current MX-5 -- the third generation of
this modern motoring icon -- made its global
debut at the 2005 Salon International de
l'Auto in Geneva. It's an uncomplicated
open-top, lightweight sports car in which
Mazda further evolved the Jinba Ittai-focused
dynamics of the previous MX-5 generation for
even greater driving enjoyment. And sports
car enthusiasts around the world have
overwhelmingly endorsed it.
Customers' high evaluation of the
third-generation MX-5 has been echoed in the
form of many prestigious industry honours
including the Car of the Year Japan
2005-2006 award, Wheels magazine's 2005 Car
of the Year award, BBC Top Gear magazine's
Roadster of the Year 2005 award, a Car and
Driver 2006 10 Best Cars award, and
selection as one of top three contenders for
the 2006 World Car of the Year award.
Jinba
Ittai and the MX-5 Fun Factor
Since
its debut in first-generation form, the MX-5
has been distinguished by an incomparably
high fun factor. So when Mazda began
developing the third-generation MX-5, the
development team remained faithful to all
the attributes that give the MX-5 its 'lots
of fun' personality.
The MX-5 is lots of fun because its Jinba
Ittai-focused dynamics give the driver the
fun of feeling fully in command of the car
and the fun of an open-top driving
experience in which the driver feels in
touch with his or her surroundings and can
enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. At the
same time, the MX-5 makes everyday life more
enjoyable for the owner because it's fun to
look at, fun to personalize, and adds to the
fun of getting together with friends. In
other words, it's outstandingly fun to
drive, fun to own, and fun to use.
Since Jinba Ittai has always been central to
the MX-5's 'lots of fun' personality, a
fishbone chart was created to precisely
define all the attributes necessary for a
further-evolved Jinba Ittai experience in
the third-generation MX-5. Mazda engineers
then worked in each of six fishbone-chart
categories -- driving, braking, cornering,
listening, touching, and styling -- in
pursuit of those attributes. And throughout
this effort, Mazda's unique philosophy of
Kansei engineering, which focuses on
immeasurable Kansei values such as pleasure,
beauty, and emotional attachment, was
applied.
The
MX-5 Roadster Coupe: What, Why, and How?
A
number of retractable-hard-top cars have
made been launched in recent years. Amid
this trend, many Mazda MX-5 users have
expressed a desire for a smartly designed
electric roof that would allow them to enjoy
open-top driving in greater comfort.
Mazda felt an obligation to satisfy these
customers and realized that a model with a
powered, retractable hard top would be an
ideal way to expand the MX-5 fan base. So
with the third-generation MX-5 as its
starting point, Mazda began developing a
retractable-hard-top model in which the
essence of a lightweight sports car would
not be diluted in any way.
The goal with the MX-5 Roadster Coupe*
was to further heighten the fun of the
third-generation MX-5 open-top driving
experience by incorporating a hard top
equipped with a user-friendly open/close
system. Realizing this goal meant also
delivering the Jinba Ittai-focused dynamics
that make the MX-5 fun to drive and the
distinctive roadster design that make it fun
to look at. Mazda also envisaged a new kind
of fun for owners: the fun of having a car
whose novelty, trendiness, and premium
quality would attract attention.
The
MX-5 Roadster Coupe: Challenges and
Achievements Leads to a World First
Delivering an undiluted Jinba Ittai
experience together with the unique benefits
of the Power Retractable Hard Top in a car
that's truly fun to drive, fun to own, and
fun to use meant overcoming numerous
technical challenges. The benefits are
clear:
1)
Jinba Ittai-focused dynamics make the MX-5
Roadster Coupe fun to drive.
The
light, compact, stiff body that forms the
basis of Jinba Ittai-focused dynamics
benefits from an optimally light, compact
roof and from reinforcements that stiffen
the body opening without creating excessive
weight. The low yaw-inertia moment needed in
a lightweight sports car benefits from the
weight distribution yielded by storage of
the roof in the cabin (as opposed to storage
of the roof in the boot) where it's close to
the centre of gravity.
2)
Instantly recognizable styling makes the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe fun to own.
While
meeting the need for roof stowability, the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe inherits the unique
roadster identity that was first seen in the
first-generation MX-5. Its low, flowing
shoulder line and neat, sleek roof lines
mean it looks outstanding whether the roof
is open or closed.
3)
User-friendly features for open-top driving
make the MX-5 Roadster Coupe fun to use.
The
Power Retractable Hard Top has no impact on
boot space and can be operated with ease and
peace of mind by any driver or passenger.
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe eclipses other
retractable-hard-top cars in terms of
user-friendliness.
2. An
Overview of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
The world's first electric roof-retraction
system that has no impact on boot space
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The roof retracts in
three sections into a space behind
the seats, leaving the boot
completely unaffected.
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Roof operation is
easy and quick (12 seconds: the
quickest of any electrically
retractable hard top on the market
today), so it doesn't interrupt
driving enjoyment for long.
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A wider range of
people can enjoy the exhilaration of
driving an open-top, two-seater
lightweight sports car.
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An
undiluted MX-5 Jinba Ittai driving
experience
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Users enjoy a new
evolution of the fun-to-drive nature
of the traditional lightweight
sports car.
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A light, compact
body, a low centre of gravity, a low
yaw-inertia moment, and the optimal
front-rear weight distribution
realized by a front-midship engine
layout yield incomparable
controllability (only 37 kilos
more).
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The MX-5 Roadster
Coupe has the same great-handling
chassis, high-performance powertrain,
and throttle-response-enhancing
powerplant frame as the
third-generation soft-top model.
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The suspension system
is tuned to accommodate the unique
body-stiffness characteristics and
other unique attributes of the MX-5
Roadster Coupe.
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Reflecting the
pursuit of balanced performance,
body stiffness is just as high
whether the Power Retractable Hard
Top is open or closed.
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A refined and
composed road feel reflects the MX-5
Roadster Coupe's premium quality.
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Sports-car design that's both emotionally
stimulating and welcoming
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The distinctive side
silhouette and low, flowing shoulder
line convey the identity established
in the first-generation MX-5.
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Boldly contoured rear
fenders complement a newly designed
rear deck.
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Neat, curved lines
give the closed roof a sleek,
compact look.
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Chrome-plated body
parts add refinement to sportiness
(availability differs by market.)
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A new range of body
colours combines a look of
sportiness with a high quality
appearance (availability differs by
market.)
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Comfort-oriented features for enjoyable
open- and closed-top driving
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The aero board is
optimized to maintain the pleasure
of an open-top experience in which
users feel in touch with their
surroundings and can enjoy the fresh
air and sunshine.
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The same specially
developed climate-control system as
that of the MX-5 soft-top model
allows users to enjoy open-top
motoring in comfort on more days of
the year than ever before.
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With the hard top
closed, exterior noise is
effectively kept out for a refined,
composed ride befitting a premium
model.
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Craftsmanship that heightens the pleasure of
using the car
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The Power Retractable
Hard Top is easy to operate and
moves in a way that looks and feels
natural and reassuring to the user
but also promotes user excitement.
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Controls with
natural-feeling textures and shapes
make driving smooth and easy in line
with Mazda's unique 'dynamic
craftsmanship' concept.
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The same snug,
supportive, adjustable seats as
those of the soft-top model help
users enjoy the car's performance in
comfort and with confidence.
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The sports-car engine
sound that enhances the enjoyment of
driving the MX-5 is the same as that
of the soft-top model.
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Stringently checked
durability of the Power Retractable
Hard Top ensures ample reliability
for frequent operation.
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Safety and environmental compatibility
matching those of the soft-top model
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High visibility,
controllability, and braking
performance enhance the driver's
ability to see and avoid hazards.
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A
high-crashworthiness body made with
a high proportion of high-tensile
steel is complemented, among other
safety features, by an airbag system
developed specially for the MX-5 to
promote occupant protection.
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Advanced security
systems give the owner peace of
mind.
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Fuel-efficient,
low-emission engines, high
recyclability, and minimal use of
substances that place a burden on
the environment address users'
environmental concerns.
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3. A
Detailed Look at the Mazda MX-5 Roadster
Coupe
The
features of the MX-5 Roadster Coupe fall
into three categories: (1) the Jinba Ittai-focused
dynamics that make the car fun to drive; (2)
the instantly recognizable styling that
makes the car fun to own; and (3) the
user-friendly features for open-top driving
that make the car fun to use.
1) |
Jinba Ittai-focused dynamics ('Fun to
Drive' Characteristics)
Notwithstanding the
incorporation of the Power Retractable
Hard Top, Jinba Ittai-focused dynamics
make the MX-5 Roadster Coupe every bit
as fun to drive as the third-generation
MX-5 soft-top model.
Optimal Weight and Body Dimensions
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe is only 37kg
heavier than the soft-top model.
Although adopting the Power Retractable
Hard Top made more weight unavoidable,
the overall weight increase was kept as
small as possible by steps taken to
minimize component weight and reinforce
the body for ample stiffness without
greatly increasing the weight.
Further, the MX-5 Roadster Coupe is
equally as compact as the soft-top
model. An increase over the soft-top
model of 10mm in the overall height with
the roof closed is the only dimensional
difference.
The combination of lightness and
compactness contributes to lively,
linear performance that's manifested in
the form of satisfyingly brisk response
to the accelerator pedal. And since the
roof -- a relatively heavy item --
retracts within the wheelbase, it does
not detract from the weight distribution
and yaw-inertia moment that help to make
the third-generation MX-5 handle so
well.
Uncompromised Body Stiffness
The body opening used to accommodate the
retracted roof is bigger than the
corresponding opening in the soft-top
model. Making the opening larger
compromised body stiffness, so to
compensate, the rear of the body has
newly specified reinforcements, which
are all designed to add the greatest
possible structural strength with the
smallest possible weight penalty.
Overall body stiffness is on a par with
that of the soft-top model.
Great Handling and a Great Sound
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe has nimble,
linear handling characteristics that are
every bit as enjoyable as those of the
soft-top model. However, the handling is
different in a way that suits the new
model's more refined character.
Owing to the relatively heavy roof, the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe's front/rear weight
distribution and the height of its
centre of gravity differ from those of
the soft-top model. Also, the balance of
stiffness between the front and rear of
the body differs from that of the
soft-top model. To minimize the impact
of these factors on Jinba Ittai
performance, Mazda optimized the
suspension damper and spring settings.
The result of the design revisions is
handling that's characterized not so
much by the briskness that distinguishes
the soft-top model but more by
characteristics that give a
refined-feeling ride. The MX-5 Roadster
Coupe's movements feel slightly gentler
than those of the soft-top model;
drivers and passengers perceive a
relatively smoother, milder road feel.
The overall driving and riding feel is
ideally suited to people who appreciate
the MX-5 Roadster Coupe's premium
quality.
To make the driving experience even more
enjoyable, the great handling is
accompanied by an exhilarating engine
sound courtesy of the same Mazda engines
used in the soft-top model.
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2) |
Instantly Recognizable Styling ('Fun to
Own' Characteristics)
The starting point
for design-related development of the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe was the iconic
roadster design of the third-generation
MX-5 soft-top model. So, although the
new model incorporates the Power
Retractable Hard Top, its identity is
unmistakable.
Styling that's Faithful to the Iconic
MX-5 Look
Staying faithful to the MX-5 identity
was central to development of the MX-5
Roadster Coupe's styling, so the
distinctive side silhouette, the low,
flowing shoulder line, and other
elements of the front and side views are
identical to those of the soft-top
model.
Toward the rear of the body, essential
design adjustments were made to
accommodate the Power Retractable Hard
Top without compromising the car's
identity. Most crucially, incorporating
the roof so it could be retracted into
the cabin (behind the seats) without
affecting the boot space necessitated a
rear-deck structure different from that
of the soft-top model. Also, achieving a
good visual balance between the body and
roof demanded several design adjustments
at the rear of the body.
Aside from an electrically powered rear
deck cover, the most visible differences
from the soft-top model lie in the
contours of the rear fenders and boot
lid and in a new design for the
high-mount stop lamp. The rear
combination lamps and rear bumper are
the same as those of the soft-top model.
A
Body Design with Great Looks and Roof
Functionality
The rear deck cover makes the front edge
of the rear deck 40mm higher than the
corresponding edge on the soft-top
model. For an optimal height balance
across the rear deck, the boot-lid
design positions the trailing edge of
the rear deck 20mm higher than the
corresponding edge on the soft-top
model. The new design makes the tail
look sharper and more 'pulled up' than
that of the soft-top model.
To create a visual balance with the
relatively high rear deck without
compromising the car's low-slung
roadster look, the rear fenders are more
prominently contoured toward the top
than those of the soft-top model. The
powerful-looking rear end strikingly
complements the neat, sleek lines of the
closed roof.
A
Compact and Stylish Roof Design
Light, highly formable plastics
permitted a high degree of design
freedom with the roof. As a result, the
roof is shaped to look compact and
stylish in a way that distinguishes the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe from other cars and
allows users to enjoy the same sense of
agility that's communicated by the
soft-top model during closed-top
driving.
The roof's tautly curved form makes the
cabin look compact, and its rear edge is
shaped to flow toward the horizontal for
a look of speed. The rear window has a
printed heating element and is slightly
larger than that of the soft-top model
for enhanced rearward visibility.
Premium-Quality Touches
The body has exclusive features that
emphasize its premium quality and set
the MX-5 Roadster Coupe apart from the
soft-top model. Perhaps most noticeably,
various body parts have chrome plating,
which adds refinement to sportiness (the
availability of chrome-plated parts
differs by market). Also, the high-mount
stop lamp looks sleeker and more refined
than that of the soft-top model thanks
partly to a slimmer design and partly to
a white (as opposed to red) lens.
A
Rich Choice of Body Colours
The MX-5 Roadster Coupe is available in
a range of seven body colours including
two newly created ones: Stormy Blue Mica
and Highland Green Mica. The two new
colours replace two that were introduced
with the soft-top model. They each
combine a look of sportiness with a
lustrous appearance that creates
striking contrasts (vivid where light
falls on the body; deep and subdued in
shaded areas) and conveys a sense of
quality. The other available body
colours are Copper Red Mica, Galaxy Grey
Mica, Sunlight Silver Metallic, and two
'solids': True Red and Brilliant Black
(body-colour availability differs by
market).
An Interior Design Exuding Sportiness
and Fun
The interior design is completely
consistent with that of the soft-top
model; it creates an environment that
exudes the MX-5's sporty, fun-to-drive
roadster personality.
As with the soft-top model, the interior
trim is available in three packages: one
based on saddle-tan leather, one based
on black leather, and one based on black
fabric (availability differs by market).
The only noticeable difference from the
soft-top model at the front of the cabin
is the addition of 'open' and 'close'
buttons and an indicator lamp (to
control and monitor operation of the
roof) near the top of the centre stack
of the instrument panel. The buttons are
easy to reach from the driver's seat.
The back trim differs slightly from that
of the soft-top model: There's no
roof-opening-hook lever between the
seats, and the trim does not incorporate
storage recesses behind the seats
because of the incorporation of the roof
storage space between the trim and the
boot.
The seats are the same as those of the
soft-top model, so a seatback pocket is
provided.
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3) |
Insightfully Conceived User-Friendliness
for Open-Top Driving ('Fun to Use'
Characteristics)
The Power Retractable
Hard Top is a world first in that it
retracts into the back of the cabin,
thereby precluding any impact on the
boot space. Plus, users benefit from
quick, smooth, confidence-inspiring roof
operation and from a special adaptation
of the wind-control technologies of the
soft-top model.
The Power Retractable Hard Top
The roof consists of three sections: a
front roof section, a middle roof
section, and a window section. When the
roof is opened, an electrically powered
mechanism folds the roof and moves it
rearward to stow it in a space behind
the seats. A rear deck cover over the
storage space is automatically lifted
out of the way to allow the roof to be
stowed or unfolded and is then
automatically returned to its original
position.
In pursuit of a smooth, compact
retraction arrangement that would
neither compromise the MX-5's
distinctive roadster styling nor involve
a major weight increase, many concepts
using a variety of component shapes,
materials, and activation mechanisms
were tried. A new combination of light,
highly formable and stiff plastics for
the roof sections was a big part of the
solution.
Roof-opening and roof-closing operations
are initiated using buttons that flank
the hazard-warning button and with
reference to an indicator lamp that's
located beside the buttons. The
operations are quietly effected by two
roof motors and two rear-deck motors,
which are all controlled by a dedicated
electronic control unit.
The user must manually apply a centre
lock (this is identical to that of the
soft-top model) to retain the roof after
closing it. And the user must release
the centre lock before opening the roof.
These requirements help to enhance
safety. The indicator lamp allows the
user to check whether the roof is
presently locked or unlocked.
If the user releases the 'open' or
'close' button part-way through a roof
movement, the indicator lamp comes on
and warning beeps are emitted for 10
seconds as a safety warning.
Advantages of In-Cabin Roof Retraction
Whereas electrically retractable hard
tops on cars made by other companies use
boot space for roof storage, Mazda's
unique Power Retractable Hard Top leaves
the boot space untouched by retracting
entirely within the cabin. Consequently,
luggage capacity is not compromised and
roof-opening and roof-closing operations
can be performed quickly and easily. The
speed and ease with which the roof can
be opened and closed, regardless of
luggage, minimize interruptions in
driving enjoyment.
The in-boot roof-retraction arrangement
of competitor models leaves a greatly
reduced amount of space for luggage (up
to 93% of the boot's luggage capacity is
sacrificed in the worst case when the
roof is stowed) and can force the user
to remove luggage from the boot before
the roof can be opened. With most
models, the user must also get out of
the car and manually position a
partition board in the boot before
starting to open the roof. And since the
roof and partition board obstruct the
boot opening, they impede the loading
and unloading of luggage.
The advantages of the Power Retractable
Hard Top mean that a person in the MX-5
Roadster Coupe can open and close the
roof quickly and easily, without needing
to step out of the car, and without
losing luggage capacity. The boot has
the same deep, capacious design as that
of the soft-top model. It has a capacity
of 150 litres (VDA) and can hold bulky
items such as a case of a dozen 1.5
litre beverage bottles.
Smooth, Easy, Confidence-Inspiring
Opening and Closing
As
well as ensuring that the Power
Retractable Hard Top has no impact on
the boot space, Mazda made it as
user-friendly as possible in terms of
ease of operation, safety of operation,
and look and feel.
Roof-opening and roof-closing operations
each take only 12 seconds (the shortest
time taken by any electrically
retractable hard top on the market
today), so the user can open or close
the roof without a long interruption in
driving enjoyment. But the Power
Retractable Hard Top's operation is not
merely fast; a moment of relatively slow
movement at the beginning and ending of
each roof-opening or roof-closing
operation promotes the user's sense that
the operation has been completed
reliably and safely.
In pursuit of operation with a natural
look and feel, evaluation clinics were
conducted with people of various age
groups. Compared with other
electric-roof-equipped cars, the MX-5
Roadster Coupe scored consistently
highly in terms of roof-opening and
roof-closing speeds, in terms of the
ease with which users can verify
completion of roof-opening and
roof-closing operations, and in terms of
users' confidence that the roof would
neither pinch nor hit them during
opening and closing movements.
To give users even greater confidence,
the Power Retractable Hard Top has
failsafe functions that prevent
unintended roof movements while the car
is moving. The electronic control unit
that governs roof-opening and
roof-closing operations provides these
functions by interacting with the
powertrain control module, keyless entry
controller, and other electronic control
units and systems and by functioning in
accordance with data from sensors
located around the car.
Reliability also contributes to peace of
mind for users. Exhaustive durability
tests in diverse temperature conditions
helped to ensure ample reliability for
frequent operation of the Power
Retractable Hard Top.
Not Too Much Wind in Your Hair
A
wind-in-the-hair open-top motoring
experience without much turbulence in
the cabin is one of the most popular
attributes of the MX-5 soft-top model.
To deliver the same experience in the
MX-5 Roadster Coupe, the aero board
differs from that of the soft-top model
because of the different rear deck
design.
The front edge of the rear deck
(immediately behind the seats) is 40mm
higher than that of the soft-top model,
so the aero board is supplemented by an
air guide that directs forward-flowing
air upward so users don't suffer an
uncomfortable flow of air against the
back of the neck. Consequently, wind
control during open-top driving is every
bit as effective as that of the soft-top
model.
A
Relaxingly Quiet Cabin Environment
With
the roof closed, exterior noise is
effectively kept out of the cabin even
during high-speed driving. The superior
quietness helps to realize a refined,
composed ride befitting a premium model.
At the same time, though, the great
sports-car engine sound that enhances
the enjoyment of the MX-5 driving
experience is uncompromised.
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