MAZDA UNVEILS MX-5 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IN RACING ORANGE

•Three decades since the launch of the MX-5, the 30th Anniversary Edition goes on sale in 2019.

•Exclusively offered in unique Racing Orange just 3,000 cars will be sold globally.

•Available to order now, the UK market will get 600 cars – 400 convertible and 200 RF.

Three decades after the 1989 Chicago Motor Show was the stage for the debut of the original MX-5, Mazda has today unveiled the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition at the 2019 Chicago Motor Show, which runs until 18 February.

After 30 years and more than 1 million units sold, Mazda feels that the MX-5 has grown into more than simply Mazda's creation. It now belongs to the enthusiasts around the world who have supported the development of the model and helped it become the world's best-selling two-seater roadster. Launched as both a tribute to these MX-5 fans and as a mark of the high hopes the firm has for the future of its sports car, the 30th Anniversary Edition is exclusively offered in the newly developed Racing Orange body paint, a strikingly vivid colour that marks out this special MX-5.

In addition to Racing Orange, the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features forged aluminium Rays wheels developed exclusively for the MX-5 in cooperation with Rays Co Ltd. and a 30th anniversary badge displaying the model's serial number. Other unique features include orange brake callipers, and for the first time in the UK, Brembo front brakes.

Inside, the bespoke feel continues with orange accents on the seats, door trim, dashboard, steering wheel, air vents and gear lever, while Recaro seats and Alcantara trim on the door trim and instrument panel add a sense of exclusivity. The 30th Anniversary Edition also features Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard.

Just 3,000 cars will be produced globally, and fittingly for one of the world's biggest MX-5 markets, the UK will receive 600 – 400 convertible and 200 RF. Marked out by its black two-tone roof, the Retractable Fastback RF is £29,895, while the convertible is £28,095.

Commenting on the launch of 30th Anniversary MX-5, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: 'in the three decades since the launch of the original model over 130,000 Mazda MX-5s have been sold in the UK. This is a sports car that has resonated with enthusiastic British drivers ever since its debut and four generations on it's as popular as ever. Along the way, it has remained true to the original principle of being an affordable, lightweight and above all fun-to-drive roadster. Today it is the very essence of the Jinba Ittai driver-and-car-as-one philosophy that goes into every Mazda.'

Adding, 'and with its unique detailing, generous equipment levels, exclusivity and bold Racing Orange paint, the 30th Anniversary Edition is the perfect way to celebrate three decades of this iconic sports car'.

As with all 2.0-litre 2019 Mazda MX-5 models, the 30th Anniversary features the new 184ps version of the Skyactiv-G engine, while across both body types this range-topping special edition comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein dampers, strut-brace and limited slip differential. Available to order now, the first UK customer deliveries will begin in the summer.

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