Mazda Mx5 Diff option

This would require two custom driveshafts and could have packaging issues.

It is helped however by allowing a higher ratio if a toothed belt drive is used as well.

this link shows a good image of the diff
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/images/si2999.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/1654&usg=__61qnrl4MxN6DlBN6Y_J26K6dBy4=&h=413&w=550&sz=41&hl=en&start=4&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=QLdHnhjs-bnnfM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=133&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmazda%2Bmx5%2Bdifferential%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1

http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/11.jpg

the link above shows that it may not work as there is no inner cv joint

you can get a torsen diff for a miata

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/557/3141/1391570086_large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cardomain.com/ride/139157/2&usg=__m1sDf7M1VRikNw49Zzm8UNuJvGw=&h=383&w=575&sz=40&hl=en&start=36&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=FiVfw8FWIhOroM:&tbnh=89&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmazda%2Bmiata%2Bdifferential%26start%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1 



this must be some of the best ratio data available.

http://www.miata.net/garage/KnowYourCar/S8_Gears.html

two motor option

It is nice as it is something really different, needs smaller controllers and potentially a lower voltage, however it has a few hassles.

The main hassle I see is sorting out the variable gap controller with two motors. Wouldn't it be better to get this control sorted out with one first?

There is also an issue with the maximum reduction possible with a single stage toothed belt - for the power required, it seems to be about 4:1

Thinking about the next step....

With the mazda almost registered, it is time to think about the next step.

I think that I am pretty sure that the next step will not be another car, rather an upgrade of this one.

That means sticking with the front wheel drive platform.

three current options,

Keep the mazda transmission with gearbox and diff.
Use a mx5 differential to allow direct drive.
Use two motors and some toothed belts to get the gear ratios correct.