2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

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 Únited 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 Ú.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, SIRIÚS® 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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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 Únited 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.

Source - 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, SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Also on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be:
• Turbo2 - Únveiled 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 Únited 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.

Source - Mazda