One of the outstanding visual features of the model is that it comes with a Power Retractable Hard Top coated in black paint, regardless of body color. This is a first for paint schemes in the U.S. Two new body-paint colors are also being released for the limited-edition, along with a set of gunmetal alloy wheels sized at 17-inches, black accents on the exterior and interior, and black heated leather seats.

Check out more news on the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Both six-speed Sport automatic with paddle shifters, and six-speed manual with short-throw shifter transmissions are available. Standard features for the Special Edition MX-5 include the Premium and Suspension packages, which come with Bilstein shocks, a sport-tuned suspension, Bluetooth, and Sirus Radio.

By: Alexandra Koken

To some it may not be a shock, but to a concerned mass of Miata/ MX-5 fans, the following is good news: the next MX-5 will be rear drive, weigh under 1,000 kg and power will remain similar. So theoretically, the new car will drive differently, but performance will be similar if not slightly better thanks to the newer and lighter (by 15% over the current lightest model) aluminum spaceframe chassis.

The next engines most likely will be lighter and naturally aspirated, once again, not much of a departure from the original, but the point is to shed weight instead of crank out more power. The entry level SkyActiv 130 bhp will be all of 1.5 liters; the current entry level engine is a 1.8 with the larger option being a two liter. The more powerful engine will probably also be a 1.5, but will be turbocharged.

For those who cannot wait to see a new MX-5, a freshened version will appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoCar

Rotary enthusiasts have surely been on the edge of their seats waiting for Mazda’s next move with the upcoming retirement of the RX-8. After a recent announcement at the 2012 Tokyo Motor Show, we’ve learned that there may still be a future for the alternative power.

The RX-8 will be getting a successor, which may be derived from the next generation MX-5, a confirmation made by Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s president and CEO, but it may not be powered by a rotary. The brand feels that if they do release another model with rotary, improvements will need to be made first.

Yamanouchi says “We need a measure a plan to upgrade the [fuel] efficiency and torque [of the engine] otherwise we don’t see much progress [from the current rotary in the RX-8].”

As for the RX-8 successor, he adds “Production of the RX-8 does stop in 2012 but what comes after that I’m not in a position to say. But I have been saying everywhere that we will continue research on the rotary engine. We will not extinguish the flame of the rotary engine. That kind of product is iconic for our brand. So the current MX-5 or RX-8 we have decided in the future to maintain that type of [sports car] product. I can’t say, however, that they will be separate … they may be merged into one.[We] can’t rule out the possibility [of a rotary-powered MX-5].”

It was also mentioned that technology is in the works for a hydrogen-powered rotary, for an electric powered version.

Before the RX-8 is even retired, Mazda is already trying to keep its iconic rotary alive. At this point, it might be more surprising to learn that they were not releasing another model in the future powered by a rotary motor.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CarAdvice (via WCF)

Insiders say that the new Alfa Romeo roadster will be a key part of the brand’s strategy when it returns to the United States in 2013 after a 15 year hiatus. The first model to debut in the U.S. will be a production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept – that will be followed by the 159 sedan.

Power for the new Alfa roadster will come from a turbo 4-cylinder delivering around 150-hp. A new chassis is also reported to be under development that would help the car weigh in less than 2,204 pounds.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Mazda is working quick and hard to increase its market share in the United States to 2.5 percent with hopes to have sales reach 400,000 units by 2014. The Japanese automaker has never sold 400,000 vehicles in its nearly 40 years in this country.

In the works are four new or majorly redesigned vehicles by 2014.

The plan will kick off with the new redesigned Mazda CX-5 crossover. That will be followed by the new Mazda6, which was recently previewed by the Takeri Concept.

Following those two models will be the redesigned versions of the Mazda3, Mazda MX-5 and the CX-9 in 2013.

All of Mazda’s redesigned and new vehicles will offer fuel-saving Skyactiv technologies on lightweight platforms.

Personally, I believe Mazda’s are overlooked by consumers. Why? The company just definitely needs to improve its marketing.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

While no performance figures are available, the Mazda MX-5 Super20 gets an upgraded 2.0 liter 4-cylinder featuring a Cosworth supercharger, Racing Beat 304-stainless steel header and exhaust, Racing Beat hollow front and rear anti-roll bars, ACT organic street clutch, MAZDASPEED coil overs and a shock tower brace, Power Slot slotted brake rotors, StopTech stainless steel brake lines and street performance brake pads, SpeedSource front brake ducts, black 16-inch Enkei RPF1 twin-spoke racing wheels and a remapped ECU.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

On the outside the soft-top is replaces with permanent glossy black hardtop. The interior gets a color-matched roll bar, black leather seats feature suede seat inserts and channel stitching and orange contrast stitching.

The new Mazda MX-5 Super20 Concept is joining the Mazda MX-5 Spyder at this year’s SEMA Show.

- By: Omar Rana

The first is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder, which features a single-panel grenadine-red soft-top made by Haartz Corporation. Its design, a collaborative effort between MNAO Design and Magna Car Top Systems, offers an even lower slung stance of the MX-5 without sacrificing headroom – or whatever little there was in the first place.

The exterior of the Mazda MX-5 Spyder is painted Stratosphere White with 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama AO48 225/45R17 performance tires.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

Power for the Mazda MX-5 Spyder comes from the same 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The concept is fueled by BP’s isobutanol – a biofuel that offers top notch performance with little impact on the environment. The concept also features a lightweight lithium-ion racing battery made by Braille Battery.  It also features a Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust muffler as well as a MazdaSpeed coil over kit and Brembo brakes.

Do you think Mazda should do a production MX-5 Spyder? Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Based on the Roadster RGT, the Mazda Roadster Black Tuned MX-5 is fitted with a power-retractable hardtop, come in two exclusive colors (Spirited Green Metallic and Velocity Red Mica), a Brilliant Black roof and door mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels painted Gun Metallic. Inside, the special-edition model gets black leather seats, steering wheel, door panels and gearshift.

The Mazda Roadster Black Tuned MX-5 can be ordered with a 6-speed manual or a 6 speed automatic. Both are mated a to a 20 liter 4-cylinder engine.

- By: Omar Rana

Rumor has it that Nissan might be back at work to create a Mazda MX-5 competitor. Back in 2008, Nissan had plans for a new rear-wheel drive 200SX but axed the plan for unknown reasons. Now, they may be back at it.

The Nissan Mazda MX-5 competitor was originally going to based off of the current Nissan 370Z with power coming from a 1.6L turbo four good for about 188hp, the same found in the Nissan Juke. Now, the MX-5 competitor would have a new backbone and is most likely going to be get a completely new name. Additionally, the rumor suggests that the new model could go completely electric using updated technology from the Nissan LEAF.

Word also has it though that if the new MX-5 competitor doesn’t go electric, Daimler bosses have signed an agreement to supply Nissan with a new mid-sized platform that could accommodate anything from four-cylinder engines to V8s. If Nissan chooses this route, the new platform would pose as a new backbone for even the new 370Z replacement, Infiniti G37 replacement and the next GT-R.

We won’t know for sure what Nissan has up its sleeve, but the rumor said that we can expect a new model to arrive in 2013 as part of Nissan’s plan to push nearly 52 new cars by 2016.

Nissan ESFLOW Concept:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpress

The U.K. has a special pair of Mazdas that have raced at the 2011 Britcar Production GTN Championship. Competition like BMW M3′s and Lotus Elises have been going up against Mazda’s 275-hp MX-5 with some difficulty. Both Mazda’s MX-5 and Mazda2 models now have “Black Limited Edition” versions.

Whatever you picture in your head upon seeing “Black Limited Edition” is, sadly, probably incorrect. A black power-retracting hard top is being featured on the MX-5, and as for the Mazda2, that’s getting black vinyl on the roof panel. Both cars get a set of black wheels, and contrasting exterior paint colors.

Apart from this description, the new editions get no real change. The “SportTech” is the base model for the MX-5, which comes equipped with Bluetooth, a Bose sound system, cruise control, and fog lights. The car comes as a six speed manual, and has a 2.0-liter 160-hp motor under the hood.

Mazda’s two gets 84-hp from it’s 1.3-liter engine, with about the same standards as the MX-5. Interesting “Edition”, Mazda.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Black Limited Edition / Mazda2 Black Limited Edition:

Press Release:

MAZDA UNLEASHES TRACK-INSPIRED ‘BLACK LIMITED EDITION’ MX-5 AND MAZDA2

Mazda MX-5 Sport Black inspired by this year’s highly successful MX-5 GT race car
Mazda2 Black introduces a black vinyl roof, privacy glass and matt black alloy wheels
Only 500 and 618, respectively of these Limited Edition Mazdas available for the UK market

Inspired by the highly successful 275bhp Mazda MX-5 GT race car competing in the 2011 Britcar Production GTN Championship, Mazda has introduced two new ‘Black Limited Edition’ models – a Mazda MX-5 Sport Black and a Mazda2 Black – bringing a darker edge to Mazda’s model range.

The success of the 850kg MX-5 GT race car is that is retains the same characteristics that make the road-going Mazda MX-5 a great handling, nimble and fun-to-drive roadster. In its first year of racing the MX-5 GT has achieved two podiums and is currently third in class. The MX-5 GT race car continues to challenge convention, taking on the more powerful established race cars from Lotus, BMW and Ferrari.

The success of this year’s MX-5 race programme and the popularity of MX-5 GT has lead to the track-inspired ‘Black Limited Edition’ Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2. Available from mid-July, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification, offering more for a lower price than the car it’s based on. Externally the car is highlighted by a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top, this is in contrast with the choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica – but compliments the dark ‘gun metal’ 17-inch alloy wheels.

The model also comes with black leather interior with contrasting ‘sand’ colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique ‘Black Limited Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

The MX-5 Sport Black incorporates the generous equipment specification of the Sport Tech model, including climate control air-conditioning, a premium Bose® audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth® system, cruise control and front fog lights. Owners will also benefit from the world’s fastest folding powered retractable roof, which goes up or down in 12 seconds.

Only 500 examples of the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black will be produced, each costing £22,995 (OTR), just £360 more than the 160ps, 2.0-litre, six-speed transmission Sport Tech model on which it is based.

“Special Edition models of the Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers, and the new Sport Black model takes inspiration from the MX-5 GT race car that embodies Mazda’s Defy Convention brand strategy,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK. “Both the race car and road-going sportscar remain true to their roots, those of driving entertainment, great handling and fun to drive. The Sport Black model delivers a distinctive and sharper edge to our long-running star performer and as in the Britcar Production GTN Championship, it remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar.”

Five-door Mazda2 with attitude
Following the MX-5 Sport Black theme, the new Limited Edition Mazda2 Black five-door is also available in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red. Based on the 84ps, 1.3-litre Tamura model, the Mazda2 Black adds a black vinyl roof, matt black 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim.

Inside, there is the Sports interior with climate control air-conditioning, a Parrot Bluetooth® hands-free system, electric rear windows, plus unique ‘Black Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

Inspired again by Mazda’s convention-defying race car, just 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black will be produced, with prices starting at £12,395 (OTR) for the True Red version and £12,815 for the other metallic and pearlescent colours.

The next Britcar race takes place at the Snetterton race circuit from 13-14 August 2011.

- By: Alexandra Koken

The upcoming Mazda MX-5 will be gaining turbo while losing weight. With the purpose of making the model the sports car it was intended to be, Mazda has set some goals that will present a few challenges in production.

Mazda has set the goal for its engineers to get the weight of the car all the way down to approximately 1,764 pounds. To date, the lightest MX-5 created was in 1989 at around 2,105 pounds.

Weight reduction comes with some hurdles that were not all present back in 1989, though. Crash testing means added weight, due to the components necessary for multiple airbags, side-impact bars, and other features.

Since the it is difficult to cut the fat on safety specs, Mazda’s team will be looking elsewhere for options. Mechanical components will be trimmed, such as as smaller breaks, a lighter transmission, and a suspension reduced in weight.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

Engine displacement will be sized down to approximately 1.5 liters, featuring 4-cylinder turbo direct injection with low-friction reciprocating parts and variable cam phasing. The transmission will get a makeover while preserving its precision, and the exhaust may be redone, as well.

The overall design will be smaller and more narrow for the MX-5 and the structure will be steel for cost purposes. But Mazda is coming up with other creative ways to keep things light.

Some features may be lost, however Mazda has not made any solid decisions yet on what will be removed. With several alternatives for storage, it is possible the glove box may be removed. Heavy sounds system components will be swapped for lighter ones, as well.

As for the metal folding roof that comes with the cabriolet model, there is still debate over keeping it, because of the substantial amount of weight that it adds.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

The next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata will be all about loosing weight. Sources say that engineers have been ordered to cut 720 pounds from the 2,480-pound curb weight of the current model. The goal is to get the next-generation Mazda Miata to its character of the 1989 original, which weight 2,178 pounds.

While insiders say that the target may not be met, progress on the weight-loss for the Miata is ‘not bad.’ Engineers are using high-strength steels for the body, a smaller, lighter engine and a more minimalist specification to cut extra pounds from the Miata.

Power for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata could come from an engine as small as a 1.4L turbocharged unit with direct-injection and variable cam phasing as part of Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering efficiency program

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

2010 Mazda CX-7

The earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan continues to delay car imports from Japan. Mazda told its U.S. dealers today to stop ordering vehicles made in Japan as the company prepares to shutdown plants again after a brief reopening.

Mazda spokesman Jay Amestoy said that the suspension affects the May allocation for Mazda’s U.S. sales and said that he was uncertain when dealer orders will resume.

Mazda currently imports the Mazda2, Mazda3, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, CX-7, CX-9, and Mazda5 from Japan (basically its whole lineup).

“This is just about when dealers would start to order cars for May’s allocation,” Amestoy said. “It’s a timing thing.” While Amestoy said that Mazda was “in decent shape” with current U.S. inventory, he declined to give exact details.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Kia Kee Concept

Hyundai and Kia are not afraid to say that they are competing with the big guys and while Hyundai may have the right to say it now with cars like the Genesis, Sonata and Equus – Kia may still have a long way to go. Nonetheless, reports suggest that Kia is working on a sports car that will compete with the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

In an effort to position itself as a ‘dynamic, sporting, fun brand,’ Kia plans on adding a roadster to its future lineup.

“I’d like to have a Kia MX-5,” said Kia’s European CEO Paul Philpott. “2011 and 2012 are about establishing the brand. But for 2013 and 2014, we’re thinking about halo models that stretch the company forward.”

“The brand deserves a sporty car, like a roadster,’ said Peter Schreyer also backed the car.

Seems like the whole team is already onboard for it.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

Mazda MX-5 GT

Mazda is not joking around and is ready to take on the big guys including Aston Martin, Lotus, Porsche and BMW on the race track with this lightweight Mazda MX-5 GT at the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship 2011.

Weight in at just 1,870 pounds, the Mazda MX-5 GT features a modified Mazda engine that produces 275-hp, mated to a 6-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox, carbon doors and Polycarbonate windows. That allows it to run from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.

This is basically the lightest and most powerful MX-5 ever built.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

Jota Sport, the race engineering team that will run the cars in the 2011 series, took 400 hours to build the shell to a specification that ensured it was 17 times stronger than required by the FIA. It also features mandatory FIA approved safety equipment including a roll cage, race seats and harness, external electric cut-off and fire extinguisher, safety catches on the hood and boot lids, competition steering wheel and alloy wheels.

We want a limited road-going version – NOW!

Mazda MX-5 GT:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Mazda MX-5 Kendo

At the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, Mazda celebrated the 900,000 unit of the MX-5 Miata with a special-edition model for the United States. It’s only right that the celebration be carried over to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with another special-edition MX-5. Known as the Mazda MX-5 Kendo Special Edition (‘The way of the Sword’), the celebration model will go on sale in the UK on March 1, 2011.

The Mazda MX-5 Kendo Special Edition is based on the ‘SE’ derivatives and features Stone Leather interior (with Stone colored stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake), 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior badging and floor mats, plus front fog lamps, heated seats, brushed aluminum style-bar trim and aluminum pedals. The MX-5 Kendo also gets a BOSE audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a choice of Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica paint finish

“Special Edition models of Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers and I’m sure the two new Kendo models will trigger a strong wave of fresh interest in our long-running star performer,” said Mark Cameron, Sales Director, Mazda UK. “In Britain, the Mazda MX-5 has enjoyed 20 years of incredible popularity, with UK customers accounting for over 10 percent of global sales, while it has received a host of ‘best sportscar’ awards from motoring and consumer media.”

Power for the Mazda MX-5 Kendo soft-top comes from a 125-hp 1.8L unit, while the MX-5 Kendo Coupe is powered by a 160-hp 2.0L unit.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Kendo:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition

Celebrating Mazda MX-5 Miata’s 900,000 sales milestone, Mazda North American Operations today unveiled the 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition, which will see a limited production run of just 750 units.

What’s so special about it? The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition features exclusive interior touches including a gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster as well as aluminum pedals (on the 6-speed manual only).

On the outside, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition models are available in Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica, two new MX-5 colors, and come with 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels.

The model also comes standard with the Suspension package, which is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring models. It offers Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension. Power comes from a 2.0L 4-cylinder making 167-hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. Standard is the 6-speed manual transmission and optional is the 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition starts at $30,925 for the manual and $31,525 with a 6-speed Sport AT automatic.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition:

- By: Zain Haq

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is probably the most popular roadster in the world. The model passed the 900,000 unit mark today marking a significant milestone in its 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989.

“For British motorists, the Mazda MX-5 is the ultimate expression of our Zoom-Zoom philosophy of creating cars that are fun to drive,” comments Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK. “Over 20 years, the MX-5 has maintained its position as an affordable, lightweight sportscar that is responsive and rewarding to drive, while also proving itself to be ‘recession proof’.

In 2000, the Mazda MX-5 was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s ‘Best selling two-seater sports car’ when production reached 531,890 units. Since then, Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and 800,000 units. Mazda is now reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated.

- By: Omar Rana