What is it?
Mazda Miata MPS Concept
What's special about it?
MPS stands for Mazda Performance Series, and this massaged Miata concept is all about performance. Its 1.9-liter engine, making 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm, benefits from faster throttle response and higher engine output thanks to four independent throttles and higher-lift camshafts. A six-speed manual transmission sends the power to the rear wheels.
A modified suspension includes height-adjustable mono-tube dampers and springs and aluminum-reinforced suspension mounting points. Seventeen-inch wheels and 215/40 tires keep the Miata MPS Velcroed to the road, while large-diameter brake discs bring the fun to a halt, when necessary.
Styling changes are subtle but effective. Exclusive headlamps and a redesigned fascia for better cooling create a new look up front, while in back a revised end cap features an integrated bumper and a lip spoiler sits atop the decklid. Blistered fenders (that look too obviously tacked on) cover the thick rubber, while air outlets in the fenders reduce air pressure under the body and lower rearend lift.
Inside, black Alumite-finish metallic interior trim and seats upholstered in black buckskin with Alcantara fabric greet enthusiastic drivers.
Why should you care?
This Miata, if produced, would be deserving of a "Get in, sit down, shut up, hang on" license plate frame more than any other production model in the icon's history. Or you could go on a spending spree in any of several aftermarket catalogs and build yourself a supercharged sleeper that looks just like every other Miata on the road. We'd choose the latter, thank you. — Christian Wardlaw
Mazda Miata MPS Concept
What's special about it?
MPS stands for Mazda Performance Series, and this massaged Miata concept is all about performance. Its 1.9-liter engine, making 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm, benefits from faster throttle response and higher engine output thanks to four independent throttles and higher-lift camshafts. A six-speed manual transmission sends the power to the rear wheels.
A modified suspension includes height-adjustable mono-tube dampers and springs and aluminum-reinforced suspension mounting points. Seventeen-inch wheels and 215/40 tires keep the Miata MPS Velcroed to the road, while large-diameter brake discs bring the fun to a halt, when necessary.
Styling changes are subtle but effective. Exclusive headlamps and a redesigned fascia for better cooling create a new look up front, while in back a revised end cap features an integrated bumper and a lip spoiler sits atop the decklid. Blistered fenders (that look too obviously tacked on) cover the thick rubber, while air outlets in the fenders reduce air pressure under the body and lower rearend lift.
Inside, black Alumite-finish metallic interior trim and seats upholstered in black buckskin with Alcantara fabric greet enthusiastic drivers.
Why should you care?
This Miata, if produced, would be deserving of a "Get in, sit down, shut up, hang on" license plate frame more than any other production model in the icon's history. Or you could go on a spending spree in any of several aftermarket catalogs and build yourself a supercharged sleeper that looks just like every other Miata on the road. We'd choose the latter, thank you. — Christian Wardlaw
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