This is an article from an Australian site so excuse the not-correct-for-USA nomenclature:

Mazda has given the world’s best selling sportscar a significant boost with a more dynamic and highly-tuned version of the MX-5 roadster, going on sale in Australia early next year.

Keeping true to the original lightweight, pure-bred sports car formula that has seen close to 700,000 MX-5s sold world-wide, the MX-5 SE features significant mechanical improvements including 17-inch alloy wheels and 205/40R17 tyres, a limited slip differential and a turbocharged engine tuned for torque to further enhance the MX-5’s class-leading dynamics.

The managing director of Mazda Australia, Malcolm Gough, said: “The addition of the MX-5 SE from early next year adds a new and very exciting dimension to the world’s best-selling sports car.

“The SE’s enhanced dynamic package, underpinned by a user-friendly torquey engine, will further demonstrate why the MX-5 has earned its icon sports car status. It will offer an unrivalled driving experience and great value”.

The six-speed manual MX-5 SE, which makes its debut at the Tokyo motor show next week wearing Roadster Turbo badges, also boasts a body kit, a large exhaust pipe and coloured brake calipers.

The body kit includes a new front spoiler incorporating an extra-large air intake and recessed fog lamps, a boot spoiler and rear under spoiler.

The MX-5 SE, which will only be sold in Japan, the US and Australia, is expected to go on sale here in the first quarter of next year priced about $46,000 AUD.

Powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-litre DOHC engine, it is expected to develop more than 124kW [166 hp] and 200Nm [148 lb/ft] with close to peak torque available from 2500rpm to 5500rpm.

These are the figures given for the Japanese model, which will run on their higher octane fuel, so we may see a slightly detuned version for our lower RON fuel.

Australian power and torque figures will be confirmed closer to launch time, however, with a likely torque boost of more than 20 per cent over the standard car, the 0-100kmh time is expected to fall from 8.4 seconds to about 7.8 seconds.

The torque boost and a modified final gear ratio has also significantly improved in-gear acceleration.

Other driveline changes introduced with the MX-5 SE include a more efficient radiator, an upgraded clutch, propeller shaft and differential, and harder rubber is used for the engine and differential mounts.

The MX-5’s acclaimed four-wheel double wishbone suspension has been retuned for the SE with modified Bilstein shock absorbers and coil springs now 20 per cent stiffer, ensuring great handling and a controlled ride.

The MX-5 SE rides 10mm lower than the standard car and has new roll anti-roll bars fitted, with the front bar increasing by 1mm and the rear by 2mm.

Inside, the SE’s cabin benefits from the upgrades introduced this month to the rest of the MX-5 range. The centre dash now features an alloy finish, while the alloy look has been added to the air vents, door handles and gearbox surround.

The seat fabric is new and boasts a striking red seat insert, a theme that is repeated on the doors. Red stitching has been added to the shift knob and parking brake lever. The MX-5 SE will be available in three metallic colours - Velocity Red, Titanium Grey or Sunlight Silver.

Pics: http://www.autoweek.com/specials/200...tms03_010s.htm
Article: http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news/news0022.htm

So it doesn't look to be an S2000 killer but I guess we'll have to wait to see how much the thing costs. $46,000 AUD is just shy of $32,000 USD, however the equivalent of the LS 6-speed goes for over there what would be $28k here.

However the difference in stickers between a fully loaded up Protege ES and a Mazdaspeed Protege is $3160. A 6-speed Miata LS with ABS and sport suspension goes for just under $27k and the MS Miata doesn't have the huge stereo like the MS Protege did. So I'm figuring the price on the MS Miata should be around $28k, 29k tops.

How much of a deal that is when a 2004 S2000 is $33,290 I dunno.

 

With a LSD and even more more. This would be a killer AutoX car. It would definitely be fun around the twisty. I guess both car are design differently. Right now, we can get a fully loaded Miata for around $23k. So I'm hoping after all the discount, the MS Miata will be around $26k. That wouldn't be too bad at all.

 

Sorry, but the design is too old at this point to get me excited about the car.

 

now hopefully mazda didn't overstate the hp again

 

i agree...

 

that would depend on which class it get put in. I would guess BS and that means competing against S2000 and the like.

 

I don't think miata have much trouble with the S2k. The only one that I see it having alot of trouble with is the C5 Corvettes. It also depends on the course. The smaller course w/ short straights, the miatas usually get the best time. Imagine better low and midrange with LSD, I think it it'll be more competitive in the midsize courses and maybe even dominate the small courses. Large course will still belong to the Z06.

 

There's such a huge range of driver abilities at your average autocross that it will always belong to the person who can hotshoe it around the course the best--what car they have is usually secondary unless you're talking about nationals.

 

yes, I agree. There's a wide range of driver's skills and that's the one determinant of the winner. Of course a pro driving a civic will probably be able to get faster time than a rookie driving a Z06. I agree that the kind of car is secondary and only at a national level where the driver can take full advantage of the car. But to an average to good driver, a car does help.

 

usually the same people are at the top 10 given any autox depending on who shows for that particular event.

and of course I was refering to the car itself not the ability of any given driver.

meaning given similar level drivers.

however what class the car gets put in can make a difference.