The 2016 Miata is a 350Z.

"GhostZ" (GhostZ) 09/04/2014 at 12:16 • Filed to: None

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Think about it. The NA was the 240Z, the NB was the 280Z/Z31 300ZX (same chassis), and the NC was the Z32 300ZX (including heavy but more powerful versions and lots of tech not present in the other two, and remaining in production for FOREVER)

Going back in tech, lightening up, and throwing on a radically different body style? What other car does that sound like?

EDIT: Not mechanically, stylistically, or literally, I'm talking purely in form of product announcements and initial reception. The NA and the 240Z both sold like hotcakes and were a fresh approach to a sports car. I think the Miata just hit the 'mature, stylish, and a little controversial return to the roots" that the 350Z was.

 > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:18

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For Sweden > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:19

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350Z

smaller, lighter

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:20

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I'm getting more of an S2000 vibe than anything else.

GhostZ >  09/04/2014 at 12:20

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I mean, I don't believe they are literally the same, but the "product announcement" trend is pretty similar.

People hated the 350Z when it was first announced, especially because it wasn't as powerful or light as they wanted despite the body. It took me a while to remember that, but I felt the same way first encountering the 350Z as I did the new Miata.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:20

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I was going to say 370Z

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:20

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I think you meant 370Z.

Also, Huh!?

CB > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:21

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That was the first thing I thought.

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:22

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Not in terms of looks, just in terms of product reception.

GhostZ > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/04/2014 at 12:22

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NOT IN TERMS OF LOOKS, IN TERMS OF PRODUCT RECEPTION.

*flips a table since everyone seems to have not realized this*

GhostZ > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 09/04/2014 at 12:23

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Check my edit. I'm not talking about looks, I'm talking about how the product was received when it was announced, compared to its predecessors. The same complaints we have are similar to the heavy complaints following the HUGE hype for the 350Z before its announcement.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:25

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I realized what you meant, just had to take the low hanging fruit.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:26

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Except that the 350Z was just a re-introduction of a retro model, whereas the 370 is a lighter, purer modern take on a previously successful model.

Still, Huh!?

GhostZ > For Sweden 09/04/2014 at 12:29

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The 350Z was shorter (though wider) than the 300ZX, just like the 2016 Miata, and it weighed 3200lbs, 300 lbs less than a 300zx twin turbo . About 10% less, just like the miata.

So... yes. Smaller and lighter. Maybe you forgot.

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:29

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Ok, I get that. The biggest thing that bugged me and I have been most worried about is they kept using the word aspirational. That means one thing to me: $$$$

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:30

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Bingo. I hate that word. It implies that you're only buying the car to look rich, which was never really the Miata's game.

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:31

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You must be going nuts.

GhostZ > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 09/04/2014 at 12:33

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The 350Z's release was a lot more like the 2016 Miata's release, so no. The precedent had been set by the time the 370Z came out (the 350Z was already lighter, shorter, and wider than the 300ZX) so it was just taking it 'one step further', which isn't nearly as controversial. Not to mention that the design wasn't significantly different.

All I'm saying is that the complaints about the 2016 Miata now, are almost EXACTLY the complaints about the 350z upon release, for a lot of similar reasons.

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:35

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Yeah, this one feels like it's copying more than the S2000's looks.

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:35

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The complaints about the 2016 Miata are almost exactly the same as the 350Z. Radical design (some like, some don't) shorter, wider, not enough power, overhyped, will probably be too expensive, mild disappointment in the hype (people expected a 240Z, remember) weird 'retro' vibe, and divisive opinions despite a bump in performance.

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:37

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I think it's more convergent evolution. You want to look aggressive, but want to keep the hood low for performance? You want to also look happy and mischievous? It's going to HAVE to look like the S2000 because they both embody that.

GhostZ > mcseanerson 09/04/2014 at 12:38

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2016 MIATA IS PEOPLE

2016 MIATA IS PEOPLE

LISTEN TO ME, YOU GOT TO TELL THEM

MIAAATTAAA IS PEEEOPPLLEEEEE

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:39

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My only real disappointment is how Mazda has been handling this "reveal." If they hadn't made such a big deal like they were going to show us everything I wouldn't care but they hyped this event way too much to basically say here it is and then walk away.

As for the car itself I like the looks, hope it doesn't get too expensive, and am excited about a Miata that should get more than 30 mpg.

mcseanerson > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:40

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I'm talking about aiming for the more upmarket crowd.

Bad Idea Hat > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:40

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These look nothing at all like any of the Nissan Z cars whatsoever.

(evil laughter)

GhostZ > Bad Idea Hat 09/04/2014 at 12:42

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Not sure if you're trolling or being serious.

Bad Idea Hat > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 12:46

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I'm kidding. I get the point you're making.

Dsscats > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 13:27

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Actually, 300ZX TTs only weigh 3300 LBS.

GhostZ > Dsscats 09/04/2014 at 13:35

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I've seen 3500lbs, but I'd take your word for it. That might have been for the 2+2.

Dsscats > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 13:41

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Nope, 2+2 weighs the same as the TT.

DatsunOfABit > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 13:44

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I completely agree. Each one got fatter and more luxurious, a step away from the raw sportscar roots.

Nismogtr600 > GhostZ 09/04/2014 at 14:39

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Either they are trolling, or really, really suck at reading comprehension. I get it. Also, seems like Nissan is gonna go back to those roots once again, making the next Z lighter and cheaper, in the mold of the 240Z.