MAZDA DEBUTS 2012 MX-5 MIATA SPECIAL EDITION AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Limited-Run Model of World's Most Popular Roadster Offers Edgier Look at Two Seats of Luxury

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today unveiled its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition, a limited-run model of only 450 units in the United States. With striking black accents, including an all-new black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), the Special Edition model evokes powerful luxury, with a playful wink. Dynamically engineered and enthusiast approved, the MX-5 Special Edition continues the roadster's history of being small but quick, performance-minded but affordable, uncomplicated but amenity-rich.

Available in two exclusive colors, Velocity Red and Crystal White Pearl, the Special Edition model is based on the Grand Touring model equipped with a PRHT - still one of the industry's fastest power-operated retractable hard tops at 12 seconds. Other exterior changes over the Grand Touring model include black outside mirrors, body-colored door handles and black trim surrounding the front grille and fog lamp assembly. Equipped with a body-colored-contrasting black PRHT (a first for North America) and outfitted with 17-inch Black Gunmetal aluminum alloy wheels, the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition delicately balances the menacing nature of black to create a vehicle that is as imposing as it is sleek, sexy and simply a thrill to toss into tight corners.

The PRHT is the head-cover of choice for the Special Edition model due to its popularity and adaptability in both warm and winter climates, which is why hard tops outsell soft-top models 4:1 worldwide. In both soft- and hard-top models, no trunk space is compromised during stowage for when occupants prefer an open-air experience.

The interior further complements the exterior's refined elegance with a tastefully appointed cabin featuring supple black leather upholstery with contrasting gray stitching on the heated seats, door trim, steering wheel and parking brake. Piano black panels were added onto the steering wheel spokes as well as to the dash. The roll bar garnish also is now black with an alloy pedal set to add the finishing touch.

Both the six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter and six-speed Sport automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available to enjoy the 167-horsepower, 140 lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower with the 6AT). At only 2,593 pounds (2,619 pounds for the 6AT), the MX-5's nearly 50:50 weight distribution, combined with its track-proven suspension and response power, means the two-seat roadster is a lightweight only in terms of size, not road prowess.

Being its largest market, there is no lack of interest in the U.S. for premium accessories - more than 75 percent of Grand Touring models sold are equipped with the Premium Package. The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition is equipped with both the Premium and Suspension packages as standard.

The Premium Package includes a Bluetooth® hands-free phone, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription, xenon headlights, an anti-theft alarm and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System.

For non-errand expeditions, the Suspension Package will only further accentuate the rear-wheel-drive wild child beneath the MX-5's subdued sheet metal. The package includes Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension.

The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition starts at $31,225 for the manual transmission and at $31,675 when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle will be available in dealer showrooms by the end of February.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

by Mazda

2012 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA SPECIAL EDITION MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT IN CHICAGO

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will unveil its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The limited-run model features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) - the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America - as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colors, new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling two-seat roadster with more than 900,000 produced, and made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. The MX-5 Special Edition continues the sports car's history of being a dynamically-engineered, enthusiast-approved roadster whose price doesn't discriminate and whose luxuries are not stripped.

Available with either the six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Special Edition model is based off the Grand Touring model. Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Also on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be:

• Turbo2 - Unveiled at the SEMA Show held in Las Vegas this past November, this concept is the brainchild of The Autobarn, which owns two Mazda dealerships in the Greater Chicago area. Here, a 'Zoom-Zoom Concentrated' Mazda2 is outfitted with an extra-strength component in the form of a MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine. Consider the Turbo2 a subcompact cat that doesn't purr - it growls.

• Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car - Most recently seen Zoom-Zoom-ing across the SPEED Channel's live coverage of the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona last month, the No. 40 car - piloted by Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Charles Espenlaub, Tom Long and Charlie Putman - made its third consecutive Top 10 finish in the annual 24-hour race, besting competitors in a 46-car field which included BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche.

• 1990 Miata - A first-generation Mazda Miata, which made its debut in Chicago in 1989. This vehicle has 3,688 original miles and is the 15th Miata off the line.

• Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car - The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is a major part of the Mazda Road to Indy. Rising motorsports stars from around the world compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million, including a scholarship to move up and compete in the 2013 Firestone Indy Lights series.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

by Mazda

With design inspiration from the Lotus Elan, the Mazda Miata is the world's best-selling sports car. With over 720,000 produced between 1989 and 2005, the production proves Mazda held its title consistently.

The history of the Miata is one of interest and success. Unveiled in 1989 as the 'Eunos Roadser', prior to the name change to the Miata, it was a designed collaboration between the USA and England. Created to be a basic roadster without unnecessary weight, it was an instant success, with over 23,000 sold by the end of its first year. With a starting price of $13,800, the Miata, despite its small design, made a sizeable impact in the success of Mazda's future.

The shell of the Miata is all steel with an aluminum bonnet. Weighing in at over 2,380 pounds, the Miata confirmed its small roadster appeal. The trusswork is uniquely called the 'Powerplant Frame', which connects the engine to the differential, creating a more firm and responsive feel. It's quick and responsive handling is helped due to the independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an anti-roll bar at the front. Optional paddle shifting was available with the six-speed automatic versions of the Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models. With the power to the rear wheels, drivers thirst for corners even if they're beginners.

The Miata's appearance ranks among attractive qualities. Its cozy, subtle, curved design helped to propel sales to customers of all ages to a higher level. The bright color palette offered during production accented the appearance and still turns heads today, making onlookers yearn to get behind the wheel of this convertible on owners pine for the summer months.

A 'Special Touring Option Edition' was also offered, which included stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, and 15-inch Enkei wheels. The 'Club Spec' version was available with 16-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, but it also offered a limited amount of color options: Winning Blue Metallic, Marble White, and True Red.

The interior, though tight, beckoned stereo enthusiasts and those who revel in the appeal and stigma of leather. Optional passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provided safety without drastically impacting the beauty of the interior.

With the introduction of the 'M Edition' came a wood shift knob and chrome wheels with Montego Blue paint. The option of a wooden parking brake handle was available in this edition, completing the look. Other editions such as the 'Touring Package' included power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, aluminum alloy wheels, and power windows. Also, the available 'Club Spec' model included a CD player with speed-sensitive sound, four speakers, black cloth-trimmed upholstery, power windows, locks, and mirrors and a black vinyl top.

Engines for the Miata were available with a 1.6L, 1.8L, or 2.0L. The 1.6 L dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower with 0-60 times consisting of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 119 miles per hour.

The 1.8L produced 140 horsepower with help of the raised engine compression ratio and the additions of domed pistons. The additions also helped the 0-60 time, which was marked at 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 123 miles per hour. In 2005, the 2.0L was the latest engine thrusting the Miata. The 16-valve engine produced 170 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, bringing the Miata to a fast finish when production ceased in the same year.

Even though all 3rd generation 2006 models all over the world now go with the name 'MX-5', the Miata will always be the true coupe that helped to accelerate the sports car appeal with today's roadsters.

by Kyle McMullen