Mazda introduces a limited 25th Anniversary Edition plus a new drivetrain for its iconic two seater at the 2014 New York International Auto Show
The MX-5 Miata
It may have been the last press event of a very long day, but for those who stuck around it was well worth the wait.
For starters, Mazda unveiled a special edition model that was created to celebrate 25 years since the launch of the brand's iconic roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
It should be noted that in this instance the adjective "iconic" is hardly hyperbole as the Japanese manufacturer has produced more than 940,000 copies of the two-seater that, in fact, continues to hold the Guinness World Record as the "best-selling two-seater open-top sports car ever."
Mazda's Chairman of the Board, Takashi Yamanouchi put it succinctly: "The original concept behind the MX-5 was so simple; to offer the pure joy of a lightweight sport car that moves precisely as the driver intends. While responding to increasing safety and environmental requirements, over the 25 years since its launch we have had to continually reinvent the MX-5—far beyond simple evolution—in order to stay true to that original ideal. The history of the MX-5 is one of changing everything in order to stay the same. A history of innovating, in order to preserve."
2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition
The 25th Anniversary Edition Miata revealed in New York is based on the power retractable hard top model, available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, exclusively in Soul Red Metallic.
It also features black-painted roof, A-pillars, and door mirrors; off-white leather upholstery and door trim, a hand-finished decorative panel, and the adoption of Bilstein dampers.
Oh, and one more thing: exclusivity is guaranteed as only 100 examples will be made available to U.S. buyers.
New MX-5 SKYACTIV-Chassis
Mazda also took the wraps off a newly developed SKYACTIV-Chassis for the upcoming next-generation MX-5. Both the engine and chassis are on exhibit and together represent the first time SKYACTIV technology has been configured for "front mid-ship engine rear-wheel drive."
In the next MX-5, the engine will be located more centrally and the center of gravity lowered. According to Mazda, "while the upcoming model will feature outstanding rigidity and crashworthiness, Mazda is aiming to reduce the overall weight by more than 100 kilograms."
