A new aftermarket front bumper from Scud Power is offering Mazda MX-5 Miata ND owners a chance to infuse their modern roadsters with a charming, vintage-inspired aesthetic. This innovative fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) bumper reimagines the contemporary Miata's assertive front fascia, replacing its prominent, aggressive grille with a more understated and classic design reminiscent of the second-generation (NB) Miata. This modification allows owners to soften the vehicle's appearance, moving away from its bold, contemporary look towards a more refined, retro feel.
The current Mazda MX-5 Miata, known as the ND generation, was intentionally designed with a more assertive stance. Its sharp, narrowed headlights and a pronounced, open grille were meant to convey a sense of dynamism and eagerness. However, Scud Power's new bumper aims to counteract this design philosophy by adopting elements from the earlier NB model. The most notable change is the significantly smaller and more circular grille opening, which gives the car a more gentle, 'smiling' expression rather than the 'shouting' appearance of the original ND front end. This design choice appeals to those who appreciate the classic, less aggressive styling of older Miata generations.
Beyond the grille, the Scud Power bumper also subtly alters the area around the headlights. While retaining the ND's distinct sharp headlight units, the surrounding sheet metal is recontoured to feature softer lines. These gentler 'furrows' further contribute to the overall vintage transformation, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious blend of old and new design elements. The aesthetic impact of these changes is substantial, completely redefining the car's 'face' and offering a fresh, yet familiar, visual identity for the ND Miata.
The price for this distinctive bumper is ¥95,000, which converts to approximately $607 USD. However, prospective buyers in the United States should account for additional expenses, including potentially high international shipping fees and the cost of painting the unprimed FRP bumper to match their vehicle. While the smaller grille design undoubtedly enhances the car's vintage appeal, a minor consideration for performance enthusiasts might be its potential effect on engine cooling due to the reduced air intake. Nevertheless, for many, the stylistic benefits of this retro upgrade will likely outweigh such concerns.
This custom front end provides an engaging way for ND Miata owners to personalize their vehicles, especially as Mazda continues to produce the current generation for the foreseeable future. Mazda has already hinted at the development of the next-generation Miata, which is expected to feature a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Despite the engine upgrade, the manufacturer has indicated that the car will retain its compact proportions, measuring under 157.0 inches, similar to the current 154.1-inch model. Given the Miata's long history of diverse design interpretations, it's possible that the upcoming model might adopt a less 'angry' or perhaps an even more 'smiling' front fascia, embracing a range of personalities throughout its evolution as a cherished icon among automotive enthusiasts.
