Mazda MX-5 to get a Power Boost for 2019

The Mazda MX-5 is set to get a few updates for the model year with the most notable of which being an increase in power out the same SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine as the previous year. Mazda’s engineers enriched the engine with the goal of increasing response, performance, feel and efficiency with the net results being an increase to 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The redline has increased from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm and the added power was achieved through several means including reducing internal mass and friction, reducing exhaust loss, improved combustion, a dual-mass flywheel and a new exhaust system with a richer sound quality. Finally, the transmission’s final drive ratio has been increased from 3.454 to 3.583 to improve the linear response. Beyond the improvements to the drivetrain, the 2019 MX-5 also sees a newly available brown canvas soft top, new black metallic 16 and 17-in. wheels, a newly telescoping steering wheel, and revised cupholders and seat levers. Also new is the addition of a new rearview camera and other new available features such as the Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support. Mazda says that when this fourth generation MX-5 launched 4 years ago, the development team rallied around the idea of innovating in order to preserve and these latest round of improvements continue that notion.