Currently immersed in the featured multiplayer spec event, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Cup car (PI:C-477) offers a compelling racing experience in its stock configuration. This event, which prohibits parts upgrades but allows for tuning adjustments to the race-ready platform (excluding aero), presents a unique challenge to optimize performance through setup alone. Equipped with race tires, the MX-5 demands precise tuning to extract every ounce of speed and handling prowess.
Races are structured at a medium length, approximately 18 minutes, and incorporate a 4x tire wear multiplier. This tire wear setting introduces a strategic element, compelling drivers to consider tire management throughout the race. While some circuits permit the use of medium compound tires for a no-pit-stop strategy, more demanding tracks necessitate hard compound tires to ensure durability for the race duration.
The default vehicle tune provides a solid foundation, yet iterative refinement after each race has proven crucial in adapting to the nuanced demands of diverse track layouts. The following tune, optimized for controller/gamepad inputs, represents a continually evolving setup. Acknowledging the presence of faster competitors, feedback and alternative tuning suggestions are highly encouraged to further enhance competitive edge.
Current Tune Settings:
- Tire Pressure: 30 PSI Front | 30 PSI Rear
- Final Drive: 6.10
- Gears: 1st: 2.33 | 2nd: 1.60 | 3rd: 1.21 | 4th: 0.96 | 5th: 0.78 | 6th: 0.65
- Camber: -2.3° Front | -1.9° Rear
- Toe: 0° Front | 0° Rear
- Caster: 7°
- Anti-Roll Bars: 12 Front | 22 Rear
- Springs: 410 lb/in Front | 400 lb/in Rear
- Ride Height: 4.6 in Front | 4.6 in Rear
- Bump Damping: 3.4 Front | 3.2 Rear
- Rebound Damping: 10 Front | 10.4 Rear
- Roll Center: 9.8 in Front | 9.8 in Rear
- Anti-Dive/Anti-Squat: 5% Front | 0% Rear
- Brake Balance: 47% Rear | 130% Pressure
- Differential: 80% Accel | 20% Decel
Lap Time Performance Across Various Tracks:
The efficacy of this tune is reflected in the lap times achieved across a selection of tracks, each presenting unique handling challenges and tire wear characteristics.
- Grand Oak National Reverse: 1:28.790 (Hard Tires – Minor Wear)
- Hockenheimring National: 1:42.938 (Medium Tires – Moderate Wear)
- Indianapolis GP: 1:39.816 (Medium Tires – Minor Wear)
- Laguna Seca: 1:40.481 (Medium Tires – Minor Wear)
- Lime Rock South Chicane: 1:01.129 (Hard Tires – Minor Wear)
- Maple Valley: 1:46.619 (Medium Tires – Severe Wear on last lap)
- Nurburgring Sprint: 1:43.761 (Medium Tires – Minor Wear)
- Road Atlanta Short: 1:06.720 (Medium Tires – Moderate Wear)
- Sebring: 2:29.169 (Medium Tires – Minor Wear)
- Sunset Peninsula Club Reverse: 1:10.714 (Medium Tires – Minor Wear)
- Watkins Glen Short: 1:25.097 (Hard Tires – Mediums might last)
- Yas Marina North: 1:15.572 (Hard Tires – Mediums might last)
These lap times serve as benchmarks and demonstrate the tune’s competitiveness across a range of circuits. Notably, tracks like Maple Valley highlight the critical aspect of tire management, where even medium tires pushed to their limit can exhibit severe wear towards the race’s conclusion. Conversely, circuits like Grand Oak National Reverse and Lime Rock South Chicane show that hard tires offer sufficient grip while preserving tire life for the entire race duration. Tracks such as Watkins Glen Short and Yas Marina North present a potential strategic decision point, where hard tires were utilized but medium tires could potentially endure, offering a trade-off between outright grip and tire longevity.
Further refinement of this 2017 Mazda Mx-5 Miata tune is an ongoing process. The pursuit of optimal lap times and enhanced handling characteristics continues, and collaborative input from the racing game community is invaluable in achieving peak performance.
