MX-5
October 2nd, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, Mazda Motor Corporation hosted a special commemorative event 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 finish the interesting event all 1,600 Roadsters formed up to parade around the track that must have broken some sort of record.
August 4th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
When Mazda launched the MX-5, or Roadster as it’s known in Japan, back in 1989, few would have thought it would go on to become the best-selling open-top sports car of all time. Now, over 860,000 vehicles later, the car is officially the most popular roadster in existence. To celebrate its success and the 20th anniversary of the car, Mazda has released a special edition for the Japanese market.
Based on either the soft-top six-speed manual version or the retractable hard-top automatic version of the car, the Roadster 20th Anniversary comes with a bespoke equipment set to make it stand out from the regular lineup.
Red and black Recaro seats, 20th Anniversary badges and clear fog lights are some details that are different, while 17in alloys, a front strut tower bar, five-setting heated seats and synthetic leather door armrests finish off the unique package.
As for the exterior colour, the Roadster 20th Anniversary only comes in Crystal White Pearl Mica.
Pricing in Japan starts at 2,860,000 ($45,530 NZ) for the soft-top/manual version, while the power-retractable hardtop with the automatic goes for 3,110,000 ($49,500 NZ).
July 7th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
The Mazda MX-5 has become the biggest selling roadster of all time thanks to its simple, unchanging formula of low weight and fun dynamics.
To celebrate the car’s 20th anniversary, Mazda recently unveiled a special edition model for sale in the Japanese domestic market, but that wasn’t enough. Now Mazda has released images of a speedster-style concept dubbed the MX-5 Superlight. The concept, which is set to be revealed at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, has the front windscreen removed and futuristic-looking roll bars at the rear.
While Mazda is keeping mum about the finer details, it is expected that a number of weight-saving measures have been undertaken on the car. The MX-5 Superlight was designed by Mazda’s in-house team in Germany, and other unique cosmetic and structural changes include the absence of A-pillars and door handles as well as the smooth front and rear decks.
In terms of engines, the concept is expected to be fitted with the standard MX-5′s range-topping 2.0L gasoline engine, and with all the weight-saving measures put in place the Superlight should be very rapid.
Sadly, a production version of the car will most likely never happen, and the MX-5 Superlight will most likely remain a commemorative concept for the 20th birthday of the MX-5.
June 5th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
It’s tough to believe it’s been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car. Back in 1989 Mazda brought out the MX-5 and triggered a rebirth of the two seat roadster. Known as the Miata and MX-5 at different times and places around the world it’s 20 years old and to celebrate, Mazda has invited 200 examples and their owners from across Europe to a party in France next month at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Over the course of two decades and three generations, Mazda has sold over 850,000 MX-5s and it remains one of the most entertaining roadsters available. While it’s never been the most powerful sports car and some dismiss it as a hairdressers car, the compact, lightweight roadster has taut handling, a balanced drivetrain and one of the simplest convertible mechanisms ever built.
The Le Mans 24-hour will take place on the 13th and 14th of this month.
February 26th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
If you’ve got an obsession with the prancing horse culture, but don’t have the budget to spring for a period-specific Ferrari, never fear, RetroForza makes it possible to be a nostalgic poseur.
Sporting lines reminiscent of Ferrari’s 275, RetroForza is claiming that its Italia bodywork kit for the Mazda MX-5 takes inspiration from vintage Lotus, Alfa, Jaguar and Cobra models. While It’s not an abomination, the proportions don’t work that well. There’s too much front overhang pushing the nose down, but it avoids looking as stubby as it might on the newer MX-5′s shorter wheelbase. The Mazda mechanicals mean that it’ll be reliable and fun to drive, and with a coupe version supposedly available it’s likely there are worse ways to rebody your MX-5.
For more info on the kit click here to visit the RetroForza website.
