RX8Club.com - MX-5/Miata 2.0l getting 26 hp bump from 155hp to 181hp

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MX-5/Miata 2.0l getting 26 hp bump from 155hp to 181hp

BUT HOW?

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/mazda-migh...150700828.html

Quote:

A document filed with NHTSA on February 27th shows that the MX-5 will continue to offer the trim levels we're familiar with and a 2.0-liter engine, but the power rating has changed from 155 horsepower to 181. This would constitute a power increase of 17 percent - the biggest jump for any version of the naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G motor.

Naturally, we're a bit skeptical that such a power increase is possible: currently, the most powerful version of the 2.0L SkyActiv-G produces 162 horsepower in some overseas versions of the Mazda3; the VIN document that references the assumed Miata power increase does not list any power adders such as a turbo or supercharger. Our first thought is that the MX-5 might be getting the SkyActiv-X engine which Mazda states will make in excess of 180 horsepower in 2.0-liter form, but Mazda has said in the past that the MX-5 would not get this innovative compression-ignition gasoline engine anytime soon.

This gap in deployment of the SkyActiv-X engine might actually explain the power bump. The MX-5 will be due for a refresh soon, and engineers might be working on squeezing out a bit more power if they plan to continue using the SkyActiv-G engine. Adding 26 horsepower to that engine will be no easy task: it will likely require changes to make the motor breathe easier while staying emissions compliant. The most common aftermarket upgrades to intake, exhaust, and computer only add about 12 horsepower to the current engine. There are a few tuning packages that bump the engine over the 180 horsepower mark, but they require extensive mods including new camshafts and intake manifolds.

Mazda has done similar upgrades to previous generations of engines, like the 2.0-liter MZR of the last-generation MX-5 which debuted at 136 horsepower in some models but was tuned to go as high as 167 horsepower in others. Mazda has stated it doesn't plan to offer a turbo version of the current car, as it would require significant weight-adding drivetrain alterations that would deviate from the current car's lightweight formula. This might be another reason for a breathed-on version of the current engine, as the jump to 181 horsepower would likely not require upgrades to the transmission, rear differential, or wheel bearings - the weight increase would be minimal.

Discuss :)

They might be feeding their learnings from SkyActive-X into pre-SA-X designs. It could be something silly like a different intake manifold tuning and software tweaks. We'll know as soon as someone disects one of these new SA-Gs. All things considered, 180hp from a 2L is early-2000's Honda territory :)

Pretty sure I read about a tuner making that with software and a header. BBR, maybe?

But again this is the European calculated BHP (crank) BS.

rumors point to new head and header design with higher redline

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loki (Post 4853448)

Lets not forget the relevance of efficiency, torque values, and cost when comparing engines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SayNoToPistons (Post 4853513)

Lets not forget the relevance of efficiency, torque values, and cost when comparing engines.

Exactly.

I just looked up. A 2008 Civic Si engine(K20Z3) can have peak horsepower of 197 BHP, but the fuel economy is not that great... EPA estimate is 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The fuel economy is actually pretty close to my 2008 Accord Coupe V6(19 MPG city, 28 MPG highway), and my V6 is capable of 268 BHP.

Also, I have read that 2.0L Skyactiv-G doesn't have a very high redline. The 2.0L Honda engines have that much power because they rev balls high. 2008 Civic Si could rev to 8k RPM. That's also how our car get that much power. If Mazda can lift the redline a bit with some new designs, that can also help.

Here is what is Just out from Mazda Australia concerning the MX-5/Miata and updates for this year..

Out Now.. in OZ..nothing about a higher HP engine??

28th March 2018
Ever in pursuit of driving pleasure, Mazda has further evolved the MX-5 to enhance the thrill of top-down driving with updates to design, dynamics and NVH across the soft-top and RF models.

In its first update since the fourth generation launched in 2015, the MX-5 has been refined to deepen the sensation of Jinba-ittai and enhance the sports car's iconic fun factor.

Much lauded for its driving feel, the roadster has seen its rear suspension fine-tuned to realise an even smoother and more comfortable ride, improving every driving situation, whether braking, cornering or cruising.

Using knowledge gleaned from the RF's development, the soft-top's rear suspension's upper link bushings were lowered, while the rear bump stop was lengthened, so it comes into play a little earlier.

The roadster has also undergone NVH improvements to reduce unwanted cabin noise, while accentuating the pleasing quality of the MX-5's engine sound.

Sound insulation was applied over a wide area of the centre tunnel and noise-absorbing material was added along its top for the first time. Performance of the dash insulator was also improved, holes and gaps around the tunnel reinforcements were reduced, and vibration-damping and noise-absorbing materials were added to the rear wheel housings.

Bolstering the MX-5's five-star ANCAP safety rating, the GT will add more equipment to its already impressive package, including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Mazda's Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH).

Using a windscreen mounted camera, LDW monitors road lane markings and provides an audible alert when a driver is about to stray from the designated lane.

Improving visibility when driving at night, ALH offers flare-free high beams that automatically control the area of illumination, wide range low beams that provide a wider field of vision and Highway mode, which automatically shifts the aim of the headlamps upwards when driving at high speeds.

Further enhancing its unique road statement, the MX-5 now offers broader colour options across RF and soft-top models.

Mazda's latest and most lustrous body colour, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, is now available on the MX-5, while the soft-top variant has also added Machine Grey Metallic to its body colour lineup. For extra shine, bright aluminum is on offer for 16-inch wheels on the 1.5L Roadster GT.

Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the updated MX-5 offers the thrilling and liberating drive that has always defined the iconic sports car.

"The MX-5 carries a promise of fun, and the upgraded fourth generation model certainly upholds this," said Mr Bhindi.

"The enhancements and added equipment are another phase in its constant evolution, which is testament to Mazda's endless pursuit of achieving driving pleasure."

The updated Mazda MX-5 is on sale now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by neit_jnf (Post 4853498)

rumors point to new head and header design with higher redline

Yep -- same deal that happened to the MZR in the 2009 Miata. They improved the ports and cam, even added improvements to the bottom-end (forged components, oil squirters, etc). Sky-G already has some forged bits in the bottom, all but the crank from memory. The Sky-G standard ports are tiny, so I'm guessing those and a cam swap will be the bulk of the gains.

It is already a fun car to drive, but it does feel like it should rev higher than it does, and you yearn for a little more power up top. It feels so good in the mid-range that it is still preferable to the power delivery of the BR-Z/GT86.