Back in March we talked a bit about an NHTSA document that had turned up claiming that the Mazda MX-5 would get a bump in power to 181hp. We haven’t heard anything else about that rumored power bump until now. A publication called Car Watch in Japan has tested out a Japanese market version of the MX-5 this week.
According got that publication the MX-5 has 181hp and a higher redline bumped up to 7,500 rpm. The extra power and rev limit required lots of work on the 2.0L engine under the MX-5’s hood. Specifically, things like lighter connecting rods, revised crankshaft, and better valve springs are used.
The MX-5 is also tipped to get a telescoping steering wheel. That is something that drivers with shorter legs that like to lean the seat back will really appreciate. None of the changes have been confirmed for the US market, but that power bump and redline are sure to come here.
via Road & Track