1st gear: Seat belts were once seen as costly options. Once safety tech become more widespread (and it’s already getting that way) cost will come down. In order to be more competitive, manufacturers are starting to push to make some, if not all, of the safety features standard (see Mazda).

You’re right. It’s for China. And it doesn’t matter how it drives. Because when in Chinese hands, they won’t be driven by the owner. That is why the legroom is good.

Regardless of which it competes with... Think. No oil changes or other fluids to drain and replenish. No fuel cost. Plus, over the air software updates. Every try to do software update on the nav or entertainment system on a BMW? I have. Even if you follow all the instructions, it can still be a frustrating experience…

Few years ago... Porsche/Audi/BMW/Merceds: “Worried? Nah. Tesla is a joke.”

It would leave the pavement, just not in America. Think oil-rich middle eastern countries like UEA, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Kill it with fire (though it would probably survive).

For 45k you could get a Lotus Evora. More power. Better reliability and usability.

Your argument works better if it was centered around a Lotus rather than a Miata.

That livery... ugh. SMH. Can the graphic designer already.

When you get old and have to drive in traffic a lot, you will understand. The autos in the Mazdas aren’t bad. They try their best to keep focus on the driving experience (uninterrupted by an unresponsive or indecisive auto). The tranny isn’t the thing I’d pick a bone about. The car could use a little more power...…

Have you or your mom seen the ‘18 RF in Soul Red Crystal? It’s quite stunning. I believe one was on display at Daytona. ‘18 also gets a slight price hike but you get proximity keyless entry and heated seats.

850 and its V12. Phunny? As in not very funny when you get the maintenance/repair bill? These things can be pretty scary to own. Don’t let the cost of entry fool you.

If you ever find yourself stranded in the desert (because you missed a service interval)… you have a emergency supply of water. It’s a design feature. It must be.

For anyone with the diesel itch... BMW X5 35d (‘11-’13). Nearly the same power as the V10 TDI with simple piggyback tunes. Still expensive to own and operate, but not nearly as bad. The M57 engine itself is sound. The troublesome bits are the emissions components; which many owners living in less restrictive states…

It makes sense. After years of building boring cars, do Toyota drivers in this higher price bracket even know/remember how to drive a stick? JK. Sorta.

The 928, 924, 944 and 968 taught them that. Each time they tried to do something different with their sports car platform they got bitch slapped by the consumers.

Actually Bianchi could have been OK if the tractor wasn’t on./near the track and had the race been put on full course yellow or red.

I’m amazed by the lack of optical distortion in the windscreen... and F1 couldn’t make it work for them, opting instead for the ugly halo.

YOLO ;)

A replacement top is around $300 for the top itself. Rest of it would be labor which varies depending on what part of the country you’re in and which shop you go to.