Quote:
Originally Posted by Bror Jace
I love the Miata, but as a hypermiler vehicle, it is poorly suited. The roofline is simply not at all aerodynamic ... even with the top-up. Plus, the fabric buffeting adds drag. Adding the factory hard-top gets rid of the buffeting, but you still end up with a bubble-shape sticking straight up from the chassis in the air stream.
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True. I wish the US market had aerodynamic diesels and hybrids that offer telepathic steering, good driver involvement, precise gearboxes, RWD, and great reliability. Instead, we get a bunch of mushy, beige, wrong-wheel-drive hybrids with automatics and CVTs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bror Jace
I have a Honda S2000 ... even more poorly suited than the Miata because of the increased engine size/power and added weight. One thing I have seen on an S2000 is a fastback hardtop. This is not a simple mod ... more like a transformation of the car.
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I like the fastback idea. I've seen
at least one company that produced a fastback hardtop for the 1989-1997 (NA) and 1999-2005 (NB) Miatas. Alas, nobody seems to have produced a fastback hardtop for the 2006+ (NC) Miata. I think it would be difficult to DIY a hardtop.
Also, just out of curiosity, what is your S2000's typical MPG?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bror Jace
The same treatment, though not as dramatic, is available for Miatas:
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That picture of the yellow hardtop Miata often shows up in Miata forums. Unfortunately, it was a one-off car. It could be replicated, but it would be a tall order for a DIYer to get it just right. Notice that the roof flows seamlessly into the bodywork.