80 replies to this topic

[Johnny D]

The first development vehicle for the 2016 MX-5 Cup car has hit the track for some systems checks.

GlobalMX515
On Tuesday, April 7, the fourth generation (ND) Mazda MX-5 race car put tire to racetrack for the first time, in its first shakedown.

 

For those who understand the adage, Long Live the Roadster, you likely know that the road car will be available this summer; the race car is close behind with target availability in October.

 

Long Road Racing (LRR), Mazda Motorsports’ partner assisting in the development of the 2016 MX-5 road car into the next generation Global Cup car, received the first three road cars for development last month. LRR gave each prototype a specific purpose in the development process, and took one of them to VIRginia International Raceway for its first private test.

 

Piloted by Mazda factory driver and professional driving coach Tom Long, the test had several chief objectives: ensure that all systems operated as designed; collect comparison data for the seven-post rig (more on the multi-post rig next week); and identify the initial performance parameters.

Ensuring the systems operated as designed: “Systems integration” is key and checking how well all of the various systems (e.g., engine, cooling, transmission) work together. As an example, the transmission gear ratios are critical for drivability on the race track. According to Long, “The gear spacing is extremely well suited for the racing environment. The gearbox is very smooth, predictable, and has a nice throw length; it even feels to be an upgrade from the current NC model [the third generation MX-5 Cup car].”

 

To identify the initial performance parameters, the team tested and monitored the systems check, electrical components, drivetrain and chassis.

 

The systems checks: Our focus for this short test was on the cooling and brakes. The goal is to run between 170° and 190°; it ran at 185°and idled at 200°. Our first design of a racing radiator certainly looks good so far. Further testing will take place in drafting and high ambient temperatures to confirm that we keep temperatures under control in all environments and racing situations. Though the car was run at 80 percent of its capability for the purpose of this test, the ABS was still checked and gave really good feedback. The brakes will be pushed more to their limits during the coming sessions as we have several different manufacturers’ brakes to test.

Electrical: The factory traction and stability controls (TS/SC), along with an AiM data acquisition system were also tested. While well suited for the street, the TC/SCs were best left off on the race track. The AiM dash picked up all the basic vitals (e.g., water temp, speed, lap time, rpm). There were also shock potentiometers, velocity meters, tire temperature monitoring that collected live track data for use in synchronizing multi-post data and track actuals.

 

The drivetrain: The engine, differential, and transmission were all points of interest. Tom reported, “The engine revved freely and shifted mostly in the 6500rpm range, which was appropriate for the initial testing run. The light flywheel really helps with the quick blipping of downshifts.” The gearbox, as we previously noted, felt great.

 

The suspension: The springs, dampers, and sway bars were noted, but, again, not the focus. Lots more on this in the future.

 

So how do we feel? Simply, really excited. The test went extremely well and there is much to look forward to.

 

What’s next? We asked Tom what his thoughts are for the next test. Of course, as a racer, he was excited to report that the next phase will be to push the performance limits of the car. And we share in his sentiments of wanting to go fast into, through, and out of the corners (not just a drag race and park it kind of car that does not build on your craft as much). He replied, “I’m really excited that we are now at the point of tuning the suspension, in particular. The suspension tuning will be critical to make the ND Cup car drive ‘like it matters.’ Of course, our goal is to continue building on it. Though it won’t be easy to improve the handling since Mazda has always done such a great job with it, we do have an advantage with this car since it is approximately 200lbs. lighter and we have been learning about developing these road cars into race cars since the first gen.”

[lx93]

what class would be this car racing in with SCCA club or NASA? what happens to the current NC cup cars?

[davew]

The current NC Cup cars are legal for T3. You can DE-Tune them and they are legal for T4. Danny Benders Runoffs winning T4 car from last year was a detuned cup car. My guess is that there are around 50 cup cars in existance.

 

The ND model should be eligable for STL with no modifications. It may not be competitive against a true STL car, but it will fit into the class. One caveat, untill the final ND configuration is known, there may have to be a change or 2 made for STL compliance. Until there is real on track performance numbers, we won't know where else it may fit.

 

In multiple conversations with Mazda, I know that they want the car to have a competitive home in club racing. The theory being that you can do a local club racing program and also compete in a few close to home pro events. As we used to do with the GT1 cars. You ran 6 Nationals, then put "Pro Racing" stickers on the car and went to Road America for the Trans-Am race. A month later you put IMSA stickers and ran the GTO race at Road America. Then you put the Club Racing stickers back on and went to the Runoffs.

 

That is my best guess

 

Dave

[wheel]

Dave is correct.  When the final package is complete, the CRB will find a place for it in Club Racing.  

wheel

[Tom Sager]

Calling Jim Daniels, we need to get the ND cars into SM! 

 

Luv ya Jim.

[Johnny D]

2016 U.S. MX-5 Production is Underway
Production of North America-bound ND MX-5 models means the wait is almost over for those itching to get their hands on Mazda’s latest roads

America-bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata production has begun, signaling the imminent arrival of the next generation of the world’s most popular two-seat roadster at U.S. dealers. Additionally, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released pricing for the entire MX-5 range, including the first 1,000 cars earmarked as Launch Edition models.

“The three trim levels available – Sport, Club and Grand Touring – are tailored for three very different types of customers, broadening the MX-5′s appeal,” said Rod McLaughlin, MX-5 vehicle line manager, MNAO. “Whether customers opt for a Sport, Club, Grand Touring or Launch Edition, we’re confident the new MX-5 will deliver the same owner passion, excitement and pride that have made the previous generations among the most beloved cars on the road or racetrack at any price point.”

The 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition will comprise the first 1,000 fourth-generation roadsters sold in the U.S., carrying unique badging and with an MSRP of $30,495. MX-5 Launch Edition comes equipped with features reserved for the MX-5 Grand Touring trim, in addition to Advanced Keyless entry, which is optional in other trim levels. All 1,000 Launch Editions are painted Soul Red with a Sport Tan leather interior – a combination exclusive to the Launch Edition for 2016.

To purchase an MX-5 Launch Edition, customers can currently preregister at www.LongLiveTheRoadster.com  and will receive a reminder email prior to orders opening on May 5. Customers will then have the opportunity to place a $500 deposit toward the purchase of a 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition, also providing them the opportunity to select a dealership from where they can take delivery.

MX5Club2The trim level perhaps most appealing to auto crossers and track enthusiasts, the MX-5 Club has a starting MSRP of $28,600 and adds 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 tires, front air dam and trunk-mounted rear lip spoiler, piano black seat back bars and exterior mirror caps, MAZDA CONNECTTM with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and commander control knob and an AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM® satellite radio with a nine-speaker BOSE® audio system with headrest speakers – all in addition to MX-5 Sport’s standard equipment. A limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein® shocks and shock-tower brace are standard when equipped with the manual transmission.

Additionally, MX-5 Club is available with a package for $3,400 that equips it with forged, lightweight BBS 17-inch wheels, Brembo® front brake rotors and calipers with painted front and rear calipers, functional aerodynamic side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.

At the most affordable end of the MX-5 lineup, the 2016 MX-5 Sport has a starting MSRP of $24,915, riding on 16-inch alloy wheels and carrying a host of new standard features such as a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, cruise control, LED headlights and tail lights, Bluetooth phone pairing and audio streaming, leather-wrapped shift knob, power door locks, single USB input and cruise control.

Those who want to step up to a higher level of content will have a choice between the MX-5 Club mentioned above or MX-5 Grand Touring, lavished in premium amenities and technology.

Moving to MX-5 Grand Touring endows the roadster with 17-inch bright alloy wheels, leather-trimmed heated seats, automatic climate control, BOSE® nine-speaker audio system with headrest speakers, AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM® radio, MAZDA CONNECTTM with and seven-inch touchscreen monitor, commander control knob, Homelink® garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights in addition to MX-5 Sport’s standard equipment. Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. MX-5 Grand Touring has an MSRP of $30,065.

Of course, the model many are waiting for will be the racing version that will form the basis for the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires and the Global MX-5 Cup. That version, sold for the first time by Mazda, is undergoing development. To find out more about the development of the racecar, see here and here.


- See more at: http://www.mazdamoto...h.BZxtXwdT.dpuf

[Johnny D]

FAQs – 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Car and Series
THE SERIES:

What is the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup series?
The next generation 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be raced in a new Global Cup series slated to be held in North America, Europe, and Asia; full details of the Global MX-5 Cup will be announced as they are confirmed. The series will culminate at the end of 2016 with a Global Shootout at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, to crown the Global MX-5 Cup overall series champion. A one-day test in Mazda’s top-level TUDOR United SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV prototype race car will top the list of prizes bestowed on the global champion.

In which series will I be able to compete with this MX-5 Cup car?
The 2016 MX-5 Cup car is being developed to a global specification for all MX-5 Cup series around the world. This MX-5 Cup car will be classified by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for competition after the specs are completed in June, and will run exclusively in the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup. Also, the MX-5 Cup car can participate in any number of track day and marque club events. Updates will be provided as they happen on MazdaMotorsports.com and Mazda Motorsports’ Facebook page and Twitter account – @MazdaRacing.

What’s the plan for autocross?
We are working with the SCCA to get the street car classified for competition. An autocrosser will be able to buy a street car from a Mazda dealership; if you desire to order one of the first 1,000 MX-5 street cars, check out www.longlivetheroadster.com .

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2016 MAZDA MX-5 CUP CAR
Who is the development partner for the Cup car?
Long Road Racing was selected to assist in the development of the 2016 MX-5 Cup car. Long Road Racing has been an elite, full-service professional racing team developing Mazda MX-5s for over a decade.

What are the testing and development timelines and milestones?
March: Three pre-production Mazda MX-5s arrived at the Long Road Racing facility; in-house builds, testing and development begins.
April/May: The 2016 MX-5 Cup car will make its public on-track debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during round 3 of the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires championship.
June: Development partners are selected.
July: MX-5 Cup race car production begins.
September/October: Completion of the first batch of MX-5 Cup cars is planned.

Please check www.MazdaMotorsports.com  for updates and chronicling of the 2016 MX-5 Cup car development.

Note: Testing and development timeline is tentative.

Who is the main test driver during development?
For many reasons, we have selected Tom Long as the primary test and development driver. Tom has driven every platform of the Miata MX-5, both street and race cars. Tom is one of our Mazda factory Prototype drivers and a world-class, professional driving coach.

ORDERING THE MX-5 CUP CAR
With whom should I speak about the MX-5 Cup car or series? Can I buy the MX-5 Cup car?
Please send an email to Mazda Motorsports Business Development Manager David Cook (DCook13@MazdaUSA.com) or call him at 949.929.8494.

What is the price? Will there be a deposit?
The price of the MX-5 Cup car will be released by June. There will be a required 20 percent deposit due upon placing your order.

How many MX-5 Cup cars are you expecting to build this year?

We plan to build as many as we have orders for.

When will the MX-5 Cup cars be built and ready for pick-up?

A limited number of cars are targeted to be available by October 2015, with another batch of cars expected to be available by December 2015. Current Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires competitors will be given first priority in placing their orders; second priority will be given to those who sign up and pay the entry fees for the 2016 MX-5 Cup season. After this, orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. We expect to supply a limited amount of non-2016 Cup competitors with race cars during this first wave. We expect to fulfill all orders received by July 2015 before the end of this year.

THE SPECS OF THE MX-5 CUP CAR
What parts manufacturers are being considered (e.g., shocks, brakes, etc.)?
We are testing several manufacturers’ parts for many categories. Out of respect for those who do not get selected, we decided it is best not to divulge which ones are being considered.

I’m 6’4”; will I be able to fit?
It is being built for those as tall as 6’4”. The cage will be built to FIA regulations with a minimum two-inch clearance.

What is the color of the Cup car going to be?
White – To allow you to paint it the color and scheme you prefer.

- See more at: http://mazdamotorspo...h.dfpSP7O4.dpuf

[Johnny D]

2016 MX-5 Racecar Tech Talk, Part 10
Glenn Long, principal of Mazda’s partner in developing the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car, Long Road Racing, shares some of the technical highlights of the development process. In Part 10, Long talks about wheels and tires.

https://www.youtube....h?v=0GyAaKDtatQ

A racecar is nothing without good tires to keep it planted firmly to the pavement. Mazda and Long Road Racing are testing some different wheel and tire combinations – with an eye toward keeping things cost-effective for the racers – to determine what works best as they determine the specifications for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car. The car is being testing with both D.O.T.-approved tires as well as racing slicks; nothing is being left ont he table. Watch the video to learn more.

Tech Talk 1~9 links are at the bottom.
http://www.mazdamoto...E&uniqueId=4813

 

J~

[Johnny D]

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Financing Available
City National Bank is offering financing options for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car.

The price for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car will be announced in the coming days. A $10,000 deposit will be required to place each order. In anticipation of this, we have aligned with City National Bank to support our customers’ future purchases, mid-racing season. Financing will be considered on a case-by-case basis and can cover the deposit and the remaining balance.

Closing typically occurs within 6-9 business days. Contact David Pijot, City National Bank, to start the process now.

david.pijot@cnb.com

T: 386-481-9680

F: 386-226-1280

C: 386-547-6753
 

[tLinder]

Donor cars arrived 

https://youtu.be/wl_-hIxGu18

[Bench Racer]

[LarryKing]

NSFW

https://www.youtube....h?v=wzfvkqb1ddw

[Johnny D]

The goal of the ND 2016 MX-5 Cup Racecar is to be a tremendous value as far as professional racing is concerned. The Mazda Global MX-5 Cup will also have one of the biggest rewards in motorsports. -

 

https://www.youtube....jgVVaHQE2g#t=48

The new ND 2016 MX-5 Cup car that will form the basis of not only the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires but also the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup, will be the first production-based car sold ready to race by Mazda. It is being specified and priced to be one of the best values in sportscar racing, notes John Doonan, Director of Mazda Motorsports for Mazda North American Operations.
That value comes not only from the final price, which is being nailed down and will be announced within a couple of weeks, but also the fact that the car requires little further investment to get on track. There is also the matter of the prize for winning the Global MX-5 Cup Shootout - a test in a Mazda SKYACTIV Prototype, a rather large reward for winning a single race.
Watch the video above to get the scoop from both Doonan and Glenn Long, the principal of Long Road Racing, Mazda's partner in developing the 2016 ND MX-5 Racecar. - See more at: http://mazdamotorspo...yRacerStoryView?

[Jim Drago]

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Financing Available
City National Bank is offering financing options for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car.

The price for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car will be announced in the coming days. A $10,000 deposit will be required to place each order. In anticipation of this, we have aligned with City National Bank to support our customers’ future purchases, mid-racing season. Financing will be considered on a case-by-case basis and can cover the deposit and the remaining balance.

Closing typically occurs within 6-9 business days. Contact David Pijot, City National Bank, to start the process now.

david.pijot@cnb.com

T: 386-481-9680

F: 386-226-1280

C: 386-547-6753

This seems like such a bad idea on so- so -so -sooooooo many levels.. Less the few that could write the check 1000 times over and have some other reason to finance rather than buy.

[James York]

This seems like such a bad idea on so- so -so -sooooooo many levels.. Less the few that could write the check 1000 times over and have some other reason to finance rather than buy.

 

I thought the same thing when I read about "financing".  Anyone who needs to finance, other than for some cash flow, business breaks, or sneaky tax loophole reasons, probably shouldn't be dropping that sort of green in what essentially is a hole.

 

I would also question the banks financial model if it really intends to lend to borrowers not solvent enough to come up with the cash up front.  Or maybe it's loan shark interest rates.. who knows.

[davew]

I may be speaking out of turn, but this may be a method for the MX5 Cup teams, who own 5 cars and rent them out, to finance the initial investment of $250K+. I do not believe it is intended to help Joe blow racer fund his habit.

 

dave

[Tom Sager]

That or maybe David.Pijot really heads up the repo department and has a racing dream of his own.  

[Johnny D]

Initial orders are being accepted for the $53,000 ready-to-race 2016 MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most road-raced production car in the world. The reason is simple - great performance at an affordable price. The new Global Mazda MX-5 Cup race car follows that formula, and will be Mazda Motorsports’ first-ever ready-to-race MX-5 Miata. The new race car will be available at the special introductory price of $53,000. The race car ordering process begins on www.MazdaMotorsports.com with first deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.

Having a turnkey, ready-to-race car removes the effort of engineering and costs of fabrication, enabling the racer to focus on racing. All racers can purchase identically-built race cars so that driving talent will be the number one determining factor for on-track performance, rather than budget, engineering capability or fabrication skills. Production of the MX-5 Cup race cars starts with a street cars that receives motorsports specific modifications for race track safety and performance. The MX-5 Cup is an entry-level professional series, and is a part of the Mazda Road to 24, which helps promote racers up the ladder to the top levels of sports car racing.

“For the past decade, the third-generation sports car has been competing in our own MX-5 Cup series, and has been the ideal platform to showcase driving talent in a competitive environment on high-profile race weekends,” said John Doonan, director of motorsports, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “With the launch of the fourth-generation MX-5, we are raising the bar by making it even easier for aspiring professional road racers to get involved. We expect to sell out the first batch of cars rapidly.”

The MX-5 Cup series champion earns a $200,000 scholarship to move to a higher level series with Mazda the following year. Additionally, the 2016 Global MX-5 Cup series will culminate with a global finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., with entrants from around the world to crown a global champion. A one-day test in Mazda’s top-level IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV prototype race car will top the list of prizes bestowed on the global champion.

The MX-5 Cup race car has been jointly developed by Mazda Motorsports and Long Road Racing in Statesville, NC. Long Road Racing will exclusively build the left-hand drive MX-5 Cup race car. The team has evaluated key racing components and will announce several strategic component partners at a later date. Mazda factory race driver Tom Long has led the testing, along with fellow Mazda factory race driver Andrew Carbonell and Kenton Koch, the 2014 Battery Tender MX-5 Cup champion and 2015 Cooper Tires Prototype Lites powered by Mazda champion. Tom Long has won races in all previous MX-5 generations, including the championship in the MAZDASPEED Miata Cup, and currently co-drives the Mazda SKYACTIV Prototype in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Priority to purchase the new car will be given to current competitors in the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, and others who intend to compete in the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup. MX-5 Cup cars built by Long Road Racing will be eligible to compete in club racing with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) as well as many track-day clubs.

Click here for the form to place your order for the 2016 Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car! - See more at: http://mazdamotorspo...h.ehNFpPz0.dpuf

http://mazdamotorspo...gId=-1&button=y

[Chad Martin]

Likely the car will be a PTC car in cup trim though it may flirt with PTB (where it won't be competitive).   It depends mostly on tires and suspension.  I don't think NASA has PT/TT base classed it yet, but i'm sure it will be soon and will be based on the road car not the cup car, as it was with all 3 generations so far.

 

I'm guessing with some different tires and suspension and ballast people may be able to get it fit into PTD.

[Steve Scheifler]

Initial price is just the beginning. I'd like to see a full menu of prices on parts including engines, entry fees, etc.