Quote Originally Posted by kung fu jesus View Post
I wanted to point out, too, that there are a lot of vastly different regulations and requirements for modern cars that would make a retro-styled NA or NB difficult to execute. Pedestrian crash regulations for one, let alone the packaging of a FR engine and drivetrain configuration. Mazda engineers made a huge effort to produce a modern, functional, lightweight car that was congruent to their other products. I don't think that is really appreciated in a technical aspect enough. Consider the amount of added safety equipment, infotainment, insulation, and chassis rigidity the ND has over it's predecessors. That the styling would be as unique and true to the original formula of the first Miatas realeased in '89 is really a tremendous feat.
This! I still am amazed that they were able to do all of that and keep it as light as they did! The fact that is weighs about what an NA does and it has all the creature comforts and safety features of a modern day car is incredible!