THE LEGEND
Over 35 years of driving joy. Four generations of engineering brilliance. One unwavering philosophy — Jinba Ittai.
MX-5 NA
The One That Started It All
SPECIFICATIONS
THE STORY
Development began in 1983 at Mazda's North American operations under the project code P729. The team, led by journalist-turned-engineer Bob Hall, envisioned a lightweight, affordable roadster that captured the spirit of 1960s British sports cars.
Chief engineer Toshihiko Hirai and the team committed to the philosophy of 'Jinba Ittai' — the Japanese concept of horse and rider as one. Every engineering decision prioritized the connection between driver and machine.
The NA launched in February 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was an instant sensation. Mazda initially planned to sell 40,000 units in the first year but demand far exceeded expectations.
The 1.6L B6-ZE engine was replaced by the more powerful 1.8L BP-ZE in 1994 (Series 2), along with a stiffer chassis and improved suspension. Special editions like the Limited, R-Package, and M-Edition added variety.
By the time production ended in 1997, over 431,000 NA models had been built, proving the concept beyond any doubt.
MILESTONES
MX-5 NB
Evolution of a Legend
SPECIFICATIONS
THE STORY
Launched in 1998, the NB was a careful evolution built on a modified NA platform. Lead designer Tom Matano crafted a sleeker body that was more aerodynamic while maintaining the MX-5's signature proportions.
The most controversial change — the removal of pop-up headlights — was mandated by new pedestrian safety regulations. Enthusiasts mourned, but the fixed headlamps gave the NB its own distinct character.
In 2001, the NB received a significant facelift (NB2/FL). The 1.8L engine gained variable valve timing (S-VT), bumping power to 146 hp. The interior was refreshed, and the car received a glass rear window with defroster.
Special editions flourished: the 10th Anniversary Edition (2999 units in Innocent Blue Mica), the rare Mazda Speed/Mazdaspeed turbo model with 178 hp, and numerous regional specials kept collectors busy.
The NB proved the MX-5 was no one-hit wonder. By 2005, it had sold approximately 290,000 units worldwide.
MILESTONES
MX-5 NC
Bigger, Bolder, Still Beautiful
SPECIFICATIONS
THE STORY
Built on a new platform shared with the RX-8, the NC was a departure in scale. It was the largest and heaviest MX-5 to date, but also the most powerful and refined. Mazda maintained the front-engine, rear-drive, 50:50 weight distribution formula.
The design, led by Moray Callum, was more aggressive and muscular. The car grew in every dimension, gaining a more planted stance and a cabin that finally felt like it could accommodate taller drivers comfortably.
In 2006, the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) variant debuted — a folding metal roof that transformed the MX-5 into a proper coupe in 12 seconds. It became hugely popular, especially in cooler climates.
The NC2 facelift in 2009 sharpened the front end with a new grille and revised headlamps. The NC3 (2013) brought further refinements, a stiffer body, and available Bilstein dampers on sport models.
Despite being the 'big' MX-5, the NC earned respect for its dynamics. The 2.0L engine was eager, the 6-speed manual was one of the best in the industry, and the chassis could be made razor-sharp with a few bolt-on upgrades.
MILESTONES
MX-5 ND
Return to the Roots — Gram Strategy
SPECIFICATIONS
THE STORY
Program manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto had a clear mandate: go back to basics. The ND had to be lighter, smaller, and more focused than the NC. Every component was scrutinized under the 'Gram Strategy' — if it didn't need to be there, it was removed or lightened.
The result was remarkable. The ND was 100kg lighter than the NC, shorter, lower, and narrower. Yet it was stiffer, safer, and more refined. The SKYACTIV-G engines delivered excellent efficiency, and the chassis was the sharpest in the MX-5's history.
Mazda's KODO design language gave the ND a dramatic, emotional presence that the functional predecessors lacked. The long hood, short deck proportions were pure sports car, and details like the flying buttress C-pillars on the RF (Retractable Fastback) were genuinely beautiful.
The ND RF, launched in 2017, replaced the NC's PRHT with a stunning targa-style retractable fastback roof. With the roof up, it looked like a mini Jaguar E-Type; roof down, it was pure roadster theater.
Continuous updates have kept the ND fresh: revised engines with higher redlines (2019+), Kinematic Posture Control (2022), and the Exclusive Sport trim with BBS/Brembo/Bilstein. The ND has won over 80 global awards and secured the MX-5's legacy as the greatest affordable sports car ever made.
MILESTONES
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
With over 1.2 million units sold worldwide, the Mazda MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.
From pop-up headlights to KODO design, from the back roads of Hiroshima to Chapman's Peak Drive — the MX-5 has always been about one thing: the pure joy of driving.