Norman Garrett: The Man Behind the Miata & the Soul of Sports Car Engineering

The podcast episode explores the fascinating journey of Norman H. Garrett III, an accomplished automotive engineer primarily known for his pivotal role in developing the Mazda Miata. The conversation delves into Garrett's early passion for cars, his experiences growing up surrounded by various automotive influences, and his academic journey at Georgia Tech. Garrett details his professional career, highlighting key roles at Mazda, Subaru, and other major companies. The episode particularly focuses on the development of the Miata, including its design philosophy, engineering innovations, and the challenges faced during its creation. Garrett also discusses topics like engine tuning, the future of internal combustion engines, and his perspective on the transition towards electric and hybrid vehicles.

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00:00:00 Meet Norman H. Garrett III

00:01:33 Norman's Early Passion for Cars

00:05:25 First Cars and Early Experiences

00:12:35 Journey into Automotive Engineering

00:20:04 The Birth of the Mazda Miata

00:30:18 The Evolution of the Mazda RX-7 and Miata

00:31:33 The Decision Behind Miata's Engine Choice

00:33:44 Driving Experience and Design Philosophy

00:36:38 Miata's Popularity and Customization

00:42:25 The Future of Miata and Its Legacy

00:44:27 Comparing Miata with Other Sports Cars

00:54:52 Restoring and Modifying Classic Cars

00:57:59 Carburetors vs. Fuel Injected Engines

00:58:24 The Decline of Aftermarket Performance

00:59:45 The Rise of Superchargers

01:00:35 Miata's Insurance Strategy

01:03:11 Porsche 959 vs. Ferrari F40

01:06:26 The Future of Autonomous Driving and EVs

01:09:23 The Evolution of Internal Combustion Engines

01:21:07 Closing Thoughts and Shout Outs

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