Mazda MX-5 Miata NB Roadster Turbo
A turbocharged variant of the second-generation Roadster, introduced in Japan in February 2004. Mazda's launch announcement specified 350 cars, while its retrospective chronology lists 300.
Overview
The Roadster Turbo was a Japan-market performance variant of the second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB). It belonged to the established open-top, two-seat Roadster line rather than constituting a new generation. Mazda’s chronology places its introduction in February 2004, late in the NB’s life: the second generation had arrived in January 1998, and the third generation followed in August 2005. Mazda MX-5 chronology.
Engine, transmission and chassis
Japanese launch specifications listed an intercooled, turbocharged 1,839 cc DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder producing 172 PS (126 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 209 Nm at 5,500 rpm, with a six-speed manual transmission. Reinforced driveline components and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential accompanied the engine upgrade. Lowered suspension with Bilstein dampers and 17-inch wheels completed the chassis package. These figures describe the Japanese version. Mazda launch release.
Design and equipment
Distinctive spoilers and dark headlamp surrounds identified the Turbo externally. Metallic interior finishes and red-stitched leather controls reinforced its sporting presentation. Mazda offered four interior packages and four exterior colours. Mazda launch release.
Introduction and the allocation discrepancy
Mazda announced the car on 24 December 2003, specifying sales from early February 2004 and a limit of 350 units. Its later chronology instead records 300 units. Neither figure is treated here as a verified production total; the discrepancy remains unresolved. December is the announcement date, while February denotes the Japanese sales introduction, not an export model-year designation. The sources do not establish an exact final production date. Launch announcement, retrospective chronology.
Production context and overseas versions
Mazda’s contemporary production report documents turbocharged NB manufacture at Ujina No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan. On 5 March 2004, that plant completed the 700,000th Roadster: a turbocharged car destined for the United States. This establishes the wider turbo programme’s manufacturing context, although that particular vehicle was not part of the Japanese allocation.
The report also confirms turbocharged versions for North America and Australia. Overseas specifications, sales allocations and model years must therefore be distinguished from those of the Japanese Roadster Turbo; the milestone car’s quoted output is not substituted for the Japanese specification above. Mazda production report.
Place in the NB range
The Turbo belongs among the late-NB developments that broadened the Roadster’s appeal. Mazda’s chronology separately records the Roadster Coupe in October 2003 and the NR-A in December 2001. These are sibling variants with distinct identities. The chronology also lists a Japanese Mazdaspeed Roadster in May 2001; that earlier name should not be used to date the 2004 Roadster Turbo. Mazda MX-5 chronology.
Sources
- Mazda Motor Corporation — Mazda Launches Limited Edition Mazda Roadster Turbo, 24 December 2003
- Mazda Motor Corporation — MX-5 Chronology
- Mazda Motor Corporation — Mazda Builds Roadster Number 700,000, 17 March 2004
Browse related records
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Mazda MX-5 Miata NB Roadster Turbo 1839 cc Turbocharged Engine
Japan-market Roadster Turbo engine: an intercooled 1,839 cc DOHC four-cylinder rated at 172 PS.
Engine
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