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Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition (Press Release)

MazdaPedia — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:19:27 +0000

Mazda launches Limited Edition MX-5 to celebrate 20th Anniversary.

* New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’ model on sale from 1 March 2010
* Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
* Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.

“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

“Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

“The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivaled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability.” adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE – and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out’ additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary’ logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary’ branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminum pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance – 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph – and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

A Slew of Mazda2 Concepts at the Los Angeles Auto Show

MazdaPedia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:26:17 +0000

Oh My Goodness – if you were able to check out the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show your eyes were lucky see an army of Mazda2 Concepts.

Press Release – Mazda 2Evil Special Concept – The Mazda Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concepts

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17″ wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.

The Active2 Surf exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17″ wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and white, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Surf has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbon fiber surfboard.

Via Worldcarfans

Mazda Concepts Pop-Up in Auto Design Contest

MazdaPedia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:07:57 +0000

The 6th Annual Design Challenge is gearing up for the LA Auto Show – and with it we see a familiar visitor from Mazda. A Mazda Taiki-looking vehicle will be entered in the competition – along with cars from General Motors, Honda, Nissan & Toyota. The event is geared towards helping auto makers design a “Youthmobile” for 2030 – a fun, inexpensive sports car that can take a beating – and hopefully won’t kill you in insurance bills.

Press Release:
Southern California Automotive Design Studios Envision the Ultimate Youthmobile in Year 2030
The winner of the 6th Annual Design Challenge will be announced Dec. 3rd at the LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES – Nov. 4, 2009 /PRNewswire/ – As timeless as hanging out at the mall, automobiles have played an important role in young people’s social lives, have acted as a means of self-expression and more importantly a necessary tool for interacting with friends. Today, communication technology is changing how we connect and perhaps even the role the car plays in young people’s lives.

Southern California design studios will envision what a new generation of drivers, raised with cell phones, online communities and webcams will demand from their vehicles in the year 2030.

The design studios for Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota reached 21 years into the future and designed their interpretation of Youthmobile 2030. Designs range from vehicles that incorporate human DNA allowing changes in the shape, color and materials to vehicles that link into a mass transit system where drivers not only share the commute but trade music and compare class schedules.

Entries will be judged by Tom Matano, Director of Industrial Design at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University; Imre Molner, Dean of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies; Stewart Reed, Chair, Transportation Design, Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design and Jason Hill, Principal of Eleven, LLC and Designer of the Aptera electric and plug-in hybrid/electric vehicle.

“Automotive designers have always been fascinated with the next generation of drivers and this year’s Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talents to revisit the concept of ‘the car’ with new eyes, using the hottest technologies to both explore and fulfill the needs of young people,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc.

About the Design Challenge:

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that is held every year during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 2 & 3, 2009. For the last six years a new Design Challenge theme is chosen and the major Southern California Automotive Design Studios battle against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design. The Design Los Angeles Conference also gives designers access to design industry leaders and provides the opportunity to address common industry issues.

via Jalopnik

Mazda Miata/MX-5/Roadster Celebrates 20th Anniversary

MazdaPedia — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:21:05 +0000

The Mazda MX-5, I mean Miata, I mean Roadster, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a huge touring event in Japan. It all took place at the Miyoshi Proving Grounds in Hiroshima, Japan. 1600 Roadsters and over 2600 fans/owners/enthusiasts came out to show their love of the little Miata. The original vehicle was introduced in 1989, and quickly followed up with design tweeks spanning a two-decade successful run of the model.
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Mazda’s fan event included Miata/MX-5 trivia contests, giveaways, fan club meetings and enough Mazda eye-candy to keep your head spinning for hours. Check out all the fun details in Mazda’s Anniversary Press Release below. (There is a website, though it’s in Japanese):

Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan

Over 1,600 Mazda Roadsters converged on Miyoshi Proving Ground in Hiroshima prefecture in western Japan

HIROSHIMA, Japan-To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5), Mazda Motor Corporation hosted a special commemorative event on September 20, 2009, at its Miyoshi Proving Ground in western Japan.

First launched in 1989, Mazda’s two-seat lightweight open-top sports car is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. To commemorate the milestone, over 1,600 Roadsters and their owners made their way to the car’s birthplace at the Miyoshi Proving Ground.

When the proving ground gates opened at 6:30 a.m., the arriving Roadsters were welcomed home by attending staff. Approximately 2,600 owners and fans had journeyed from all over Japan and overseas to join in the celebration. The event was officially launched with a toast from a 20-year old Roadster owner, who had been born the same year as the iconic vehicle was launched.

During the event, members of the development team and MX-5 owners from abroad delivered congratulatory speeches; Roadster owners’ clubs from every region of Japan were introduced; and guests were invited to take part in a Roadster quiz. To bring the celebration to a close, Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer in charge of vehicle development, Seita Kanai, stood up to address the crowd. His cry of, “The Roadster is forever!” was greeted by thunderous applause from the spectators.

To end with a Zoom-Zoom flourish, all 1,600 Roadsters formed up to parade around the track before leaving the Miyoshi Proving Ground with a fond farewell from the Mazda staff.

Main events at the Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet

Date held: Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 10:00 a.m.

Venue: Mazda Miyoshi Proving Ground in Miyoshi, Hiroshima prefecture. (Mazda’s main proving ground in Japan.)

Organizer: Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet Committee. (This committee is mainly comprised of staff from Mazda’s Domestic Business Division and members of Roadster owners’ clubs.)Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation

Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation

Supported by: Volunteers from the “National Roadster Meeting Official Summit for (the) 20th/World Roadster Friendship Clubs”

Participating Mazda Roadsters: Approximately 1,600 units

Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Web Site (currently available in Japanese only):

http://www.mazda.co.jp/roadster_20th/

REAL Pictures of the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

MazdaPedia — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:47:41 +0000

Just a few days prior to the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mazda has finally released a slew of official REAL photos of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept. For months, fan and Mazda spies have been forced to view the same couple design sketches of the topless MX-5. Well friends you have it now, dozens of real life MX-5 Superlight concept images! Enjoy! And let us know what you think.

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Pics via WCF