Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University

Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University

      Michel's Auto Design

      The latest car news and reviews, without any fluff

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories straight to you, every weekday.

      If you weren’t around during the Y2K era, let me sum it up: it was odd. But rather than just tell you, I’ll show you. Just take a look at the image above. To be clear, the Plymouth Prowler was already quite unconventional for the year 2000, but when viewed through the lens of the 2025 car market, it appears even more bizarre.

      In terms of design, it targeted hot-rodding enthusiasts, getting as close as possible to disregarding modern safety regulations to achieve the chopped-and-slammed aesthetic associated with classic cars. It truly embodied that look, especially when compared to the bland, melted-soap-bar sedans sold alongside it. The Prowler, in contrast, was sleek and edgy. Keep in mind that in 2001, minivans were still prevalent, and the idea of Ram operating as an independent brand would have been met with amusement by the journalists of the time.

      It weighed approximately the same as the Honda S2000—2,800 pounds—and produced similar power, but instead of a high-revving four-cylinder engine with a precise six-speed transmission, it relied on a minivan-level V6 and a four-speed automatic. Quite dull. That’s where Michel’s Auto Design steps in. This Wisconsin-based shop offers a simple turnkey package that upgrades your standard V6 Prowler into a Hellcat-powered, manual transmission beast.

      We’ve seen Prowlers converted with Hellcat engines before, but until now, no shop has provided this as an official build. The “Sinister” package features a Mopar crate Hellcat engine (boasting the same 707 horsepower as the standard road engine), a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, a custom independent rear suspension, a specially valved exhaust with an integrated X-pipe, an enhanced cooling system, custom hood vents, and a removal of the front bumper.

      And yes, it keeps the factory air conditioning. How did they manage to fit everything? Well, very carefully. As you can see in the video below, the installation was tight:

      So, the Prowler’s main flaw is addressed, as long as it's within your budget. The good news? The base models are still (relatively) affordable, meaning the primary expense here is the upgrade itself.

      Have a tip? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University

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Mazda The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any fluff. Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter, delivering the essential stories directly to you every weekday. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the visionary behind iconic Mazda sports cars such as the Miata and FD RX-7, passed away on September 20 at the age of 76. Widely regarded as “the Father of the Miata,” Matano played a crucial role in its development alongside Bob Hall. However, his career encompassed various automakers. After earning an engineering degree from Tokyo’s Seikei University in 1969, he relocated to California to study design at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena before joining General Motors in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Australia to work for Holden, where he developed liveries for the brand’s touring cars, among other responsibilities, before heading to BMW in Munich, contributing to the E36 3 Series development. Yet, it was Matano’s time at Mazda that truly defined his legacy, inspiring countless automotive enthusiasts and professionals. He began as Mazda North America's Chief Designer in 1983 and spent the following 20 years rising through the ranks until he managed Mazda’s global design team. During this period, he was responsible for iconic models such as the original NA and second-generation NB Miata, as well as the third-generation FD RX-7. By the time he left Mazda in 2002, he had also taken on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design in San Francisco. A significant aspect of why Matano’s passing resonates deeply within the automotive community is his continued involvement up to the end of his life. He was a familiar presence at public events, particularly among Miata enthusiasts. In the last two days, social media and enthusiast forums have been filled with heartfelt tributes, memories, and photos of Matano interacting with those inspired by his work. Rest in peace, Tom—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will undoubtedly endure. To conclude, I would like to share a quote from an interview he gave to Auto & Design in 2023 that reflects his philosophy, especially resonant for anyone like me who aspired to design cars as he did: “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ’empathetic’ way. I remember that when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was deliberately envisioning an athletic but not overly muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners kept it in the garage with smiles on their faces. My point is, design should never lose this intent.” Tom Matano. Academy of Art University

This 25-year-old classic hot rod was full of character, but lacked in power. This modification addresses that issue.