MAZDA

First-generation MX-5 undergoes major update and becomes a ''single seater barchetta''

Without a doubt, when you think of a small, light and fun-to-drive car, the Mazda MX-5 is likely to come to mind. This is exactly what happened to Omar Abu Eideh, journalist, and David Galliano, engineer, during a conversation that took place in 2019 and that ended with a wish: to update and improve a first-generation Miata.

After months of work, the NM Concept appears, the first creature born from the Italian start-up based in Rome, Gorgona Cars, and presented at the Mazda Italia 2022 meeting, celebrated a few days ago. The starting point is a first-generation MX-5, codenamed NA, and the work carried out affects every aspect of the roadster, which now becomes for all intents and purposes a single-seater barchetta.

The mechanics were modified, the components were modernized and the chassis was improved. The architecture, however, remains faithful to the scheme that made the Miata a reference: rear-wheel drive, manual transmission and 4-cylinder engine.

The only exception we find in the engine part of the NM Concept (which means bare single-seater), which is the block of the last generation of the MX-5, specifically the 184 hp Skyactiv-G 2.0.

Also derived from the ND are the 6-speed manual transmission, the self-locking rear differential and the aluminum crossmember that acts as the backbone of the entire powertrain.

In this way, we are talking about modern mechanics aspirated, but without frills, for the purest possible driving. The result is a sports car that weighs just 830 kg dry on the scales.

Inspired by various concept cars and limited series from the 90s and 2000s, the NM Concept harks back to the design of race cars of the time. The cabin is almost completely closed and incorporates a fairing that protects the speedometer.

At the front, the bumper features a striking air intake to cool the engine, with a curious 'mouth' design. The alloy wheels are the very light and iconic 15-inch Enkei RPF1, shod with 205/55 Yokohama A052 tires.

Inside, the dashboard, door panels and seat cushions are upholstered in Alcantara fabric. The steering wheel is MoMo, the seat is an RCC bucket and the seat belts are four-point. As for the rest, there is nothing else: no radio, no air conditioning. In the Concept NM you only drive...

A new high waistline (more evident given the new shape of the doors) gives the chassis greater rigidity, which also benefits the safety of the driver, who is better protected in the event of a side impact.

A protection bar was installed on the hump, while new steel spars were welded under the body. And so, with additional reinforcement welds and new front and rear bars, the NM Concept achieves twice the torsional rigidity of the original MX-5 NA.

Handmade by Gorgona Cars in collaboration with several Italian companies, the NM Concept will be able to be manufactured in small series. The order book will open in November 2022, at a price of 70,000 euros plus tax, with the MX-5 NA donor being outside this amount.

Autonews