Featured Car for July 4, 2024
Owned by Richard Sorrentino, London, Ontario
Richard has been a Miata/MX-5 owner for over 30 years, having owned every model and often multiple examples of each. His current ride is a 2020 MX-5 GT RF in Crystal Soul Red. The “RF” stands for “retractable fastback” which is like an automatically retractable targa top.
This car came from the factory with a 2.0 litre Skyactiv-G DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with fuel injection, producing 181 hp @7,000 rpm and 151 lbâ‹…ft of torque @4000 rpm, which easily handles the car’s 2,200 lb curb weight. Completing the drivetrain is a 6-speed manual transmission with dual-mass flywheel, independent rear suspension and electric power assist steering.
Never satisfied with the standard factory options, Richard has upgraded this car’s suspension with Koni Sport shocks, Progress springs and Flyin’ Miata sway bar, effectively lowering the car by 1.5 inches. Complementing the suspension mods are uprated drilled and slotted brake rotors, and wheel spacers to widen the car’s stance. All these mods would be overkill were it not for the Fab9 Tuning that gives the car even more horsepower.
Not only has Richard owned Miatas for over 30 years but he has been active in the Miata community for almost as long. In the mid-90s, Richard formed the London chapter of the Trillium Miata Club. In the early 2000s, Richard then formed the Miataphiles of London, which continues today with over 120 active members.