Recent rumors have made us extremely excited about the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata after leaked documents suggested the fabled roadster was receiving a much-needed power bump. Official details have now been released for the US-spec 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and we're happy to report the updated roadster is indeed more powerful than the outgoing model. Mazda's engineers have tweaked the Miata's Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine to improve the response, performance, feel and efficiency.

As a result, the reworked engine now produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft – that's 26 more ponies and an extra 3 lb-ft of torque than the previous model. This matches the leaked specifications, but it's still not quite as powerful as a Japanese publication recently claimed. If that report was true, we would be looking at a Miata with 198-hp under the hood. Still, we're not complaining. A power increase has been long overdue, because the Miata was starting to look underpowered alongside its competitors. Mazda has also raised the redline from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm and installed a new exhaust system with "richer sound quality."

According to Mazda, these changes make the 2019 Miata "quicker, more responsive and aims to be more engaging to drive". As well as an improved engine, the 2019 Miata also introduces a new brown canvas soft top, new black metallic 17-inch wheels, a newly telescoping steering wheel with 1.62 inches of travel, "easier-to-open doors" and revised door stops and revised cupholders and seat levers. As standard, every trim will include a rearview camera. Other newly available safety equipment includes Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support in addition to other i-ActiveSense safety technologies found throughout various trim levels.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata will go on sale in the US this fall, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.