The MX-5 isn't influential in how it has spawned a market, as the roadster niche is still small. Still, all attempts to mimic the little, affordable roadster's success have failed. Its influence is deep and comes from how the MX-5 still developed under the same tightly focused discipline in concept and design, despite the first production model rolling off the line over 30 years ago.
The design creed followed through the four generations, so far, of MX-5 is based around the Japanese phrase "Jinba ittai," translating, loosely as, "horse and ride as one body."
The idea of the car and driver becoming one as a core philosophy led to the tenets of what every generation of MX-5 has to be: as compact as possible, lightweight, yet comfortable enough for two adults without wasting space. It has to be front-engined and rear-wheel drive, have a 50:50 weight balance front to rear, a maximized suspension system for grip and handling, and a direct connection from front engine to rear differential to optimize throttle response. The result is an affordable roadster that has progressively improved on each of its tenets and stayed true to its core philosophy.
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