Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune
While it remains an accomplished example of the budget roadster genre, the third generation of Mazda's epoch defining MX5 (Roadster) has been widely accused of having deviated from the uncompromising tenets of light weight and high performance so tenaciously adhered to by its two predecessors. Despite the introduction of a new 2-litre power plant (putting out 170bhp compared to the 146bhp of the previous generation's 1.8-litre unit) to the MX5 range as it embarked upon its third tour of duty, the performance of the Mark 3 has often been chastised as lacklustre, its apparent shortage of pep and élan when compared to its older two siblings singled out for particular critical attention. However, Mazda Engineering and Technology (henceforth Mazda E&T), the subsidiary charged with invigorating Mazda's standard line-up, aims to readdress the balance of power, and lead the MX5 back onto the path of righteousness with the recent launch of its Mazdaspeed M'z Tune model for the Japanese market.
The Mazdaspeed M'z (pronounced M's) Tune, based on the Japanese spec 2.0-litre Roadster RS complete with its soft top and six-speed manual transmission, in addition to offering an interesting take on the use of the apostrophe, also features an array of modifications which should see the somewhat languorous temperament of the standard RS dispelled and the tauter more vivacious character of its ancestors reinstated.
The first component of the standard car to receive Mazda E&T's attention is the engine. Although the M'z Tune ostensibly sports the same 2-litre unit as the standard Roadster RS, Mazda E&T have incorporated a plethora of subtle yet ingenious modifications into the standard engine to imbue the unit with increased potency and heightened responsiveness. Refinements such as a lightened, and hence more inertia resistant flywheel, coupled with the effects of a modified air duct increasing the rate of air intake to the engine and a remapped ECU, all work to sharpen the MX5's waning wits and improve both torque and acceleration over the standard car. Meanwhile, a thoroughly revised exhaust system, where a sports muffler and modified catalyser now see action, provides, through a reduction in exhaust resistance, further increases in get-up-and-go while concomitantly indulging the more enthusiastic listener with a more mellifluous exhaust note. While Mazda is yet to release official performance figures for the M'z Tune Roadster, it is thought that this throng of subtle, yet effective mechanical modifications will confer a 7% gain in power over the 170bhp produced my the standard 2-litre RS.
Mazda E&T's goal for its Mazdaspeed M'z Tune products (a range which also currently includes the M'z Tune RX8 and M'z Tune Atenza (Mazda 6)) is to endow its vehicles, not just with increased performance, but also with improved levels of refinement and drivability. Thus, to consummate these lofty goals, the MX5/Roadster M’z Tune employs specially developed Bilstein shock absorbers, which, in conjunction with new sports springs, should impart the M’z Tune’s ride and handling with a more overtly sporting feel. Meanwhile, to ensure that the new model is just as amenable to decelerating as it now is to accelerating, Mazda E&T have furnished the M’z Tune with Mazdaspeed brake pads, which should counter any over exuberant use of the enhanced performance faculties in double-quick time.
The Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune Prototype as Seen at January's Tokyo Auto Salon
Externally, although the Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune prototype exhibited at January’s Toyko Auto Salon was awash with aggressive styling cues, the charismatic aesthetic of the show car has been somewhat subdued for the production vehicle. Although the aero package of conspicuous frontal air dam, subtle side and rear skirts, and understated rear-wing are carried over from the earlier prototype, the seemingly decorative flourishes such as the provocative air ducts which adorned the flanks and bonnet of the show car have sadly failed to make the transition to the finished product. The attractive wheels of the prototype are also conspicuous in their absence, the M’z Tune making do with the standard offerings from the RS model, although the show car’s items are seemingly available as optional extras. The M’z Tune’s exterior is finished off in Mazdaspeed’s signature hue, the delightfully named Moist Silver Metallic.
The interior of the M’z Tune has also seen a number of revisions aimed at increasing the car’s sporting intent, the most notable of which are the new 3D Net semi-bucket seats which offer both driver and passenger alike with increased support for those more sinuous stretches of tarmac. The interior ambiance is further heightened by the addition of a Mazdaspeed-designed gear knob and Mazdaspeed inscribed scuff plates.
With a host of modifications honing the standard car’s already clearly apparent sporting potential, the Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune is set to prove a more visceral and engaging addition to the MX5 range – the definitive MX5 for those frustrated by the stunted performance of the standard car. However, such raw unadulterated performance comes at a not insignificant price – the M’z Tune’s modifications adding \650,000(£3,000) to the price of the 2-litre RS and pushing the total to \3,150,000 (£13,700). Admittedly this is an indubitable bargain when viewed from the perspective of European MX5 pricing however, such a hefty premium for the performance and raw driveability the third generation MX5 should have demonstrated from the offset seems to run counter to the MX5’s ethos of performance on a budget.
