The heart of the 2011 Mazda MX-5 remains a highly-responsive MZR-series 2.0-liter powerplant making 167-horsepower (158 for automatic transmission-equipped models). The MZR is light and compact, featuring chain-driven double overhead camshafts, a lightweight flywheel, variable intake valve timing, electronically controlled port fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition.

The sophisticated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gives strong performance, has an inspiring exhaust note, and most important of all, is tremendously responsive. It reacts to driver commands with lightning-quick reflexes, and offers progressive power delivery. Such linearity is the key to all of the Mazda MX-5′s driving controls.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5’s fun and modern exterior design retains the iconic feel of the earlier generation MX-5 Miatas while simultaneously moving it into the future. The body is shaped to make the cockpit the widest portion of the car, delivering a roomier, safer design that still expresses the compact look of a lightweight sports car.

The Mazda MX-5 interior design theme balances comfortable snugness below shoulder level with openness above, to give the impression of riding in open air.

The T-shaped instrument panel is consistent with Mazda design-DNA while the center console accentuates the backbone of the car. Strong horizontal and vertical theme lines connote rigidity and sports car capability. The black center stack is as simple and functional as possible. The arched hood over the instrument cluster and four circular vents are part of the 2011 Mazda MX-5′s cabin identity.