Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Mazda unveils Miata special edition

Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary group Photo by: Mazda

Mazda unveiled the chassis that will underpin the next Miata, known as the ND Miata (the current model being the NC). At a glance with the current chassis, not much has changed on the surface. The Power Plant Frame -- that trellis bridging the transmission tunnel and the rear -- looks to be taller and straighter, with larger cutouts. The rear subframe looks more compact, nestling underneath the PPF. The rear strut assembly has been simplified and runs a more aggressive angle. The engine looks like it's in the same front-midship place -- this is good. Mazda claims the center of gravity is the lowest of any Miata yet. The current model is heavily based on an RX-8 chassis; much of it might remain up front, but overall the next chassis appears less complicated.





Even the engine shows a bit of the Miata NA's valve-cover design -- a Skyactiv unit that hasn't yet been announced.



Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 rolling Photo by: Mazda
Mazda's 25th Anniversary Edition Miata gets exclusive colors inside and out. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 front Photo by: Mazda
The special edition wears Soul Red with contrasting gloss black paint. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 side Photo by: Mazda
Pricing has not yet been announced, but preorders are being taken. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 badge Photo by: Mazda
The all-important numbered badge, for future concours purposes. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 interior Photo by: Mazda
The instrument panel starts off with a red base coat, but Piano Black paint is hand-applied. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Edition MX-5 pedals Photo by: Mazda
Hey, metal pedals! Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Skyactiv Chassis live Photo by: Autoweek
Mazda wasn't lying when it said the new Miata would be here. It's here, just not all of it. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Skyactiv Chassis stud Photo by: Mazda
The chassis is a natural evolution of the current Miata. Mazda says that with the body, it should be 220lbs lighter. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary show floor Photo by: Autoweek
Mazda's 25th anniversary display brought out some rare Miatas. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Spec Miata Photo by: Autoweek
A second-generation Miata in SCCA's Spec Miata. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary first race car Photo by: Autoweek
Mazda's very first race car carries the serial number 0017. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Super20 Photo by: Autoweek
The sweet, sweet Super20. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary M Coupe Photo by: Autoweek
The M Coupe debuted at the New York Auto Show 18 years ago. it's still awesome. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Club Racer Photo by: Autoweek
The Club Racer concept debuted alongside the production Miata in 1989. Photo by Autoweek.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary group Photo by: Mazda
The gang's all here. Photo by Mazda.
Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary early cars Photo by: Mazda
Mazda's three earliest, lowest VIN Miatas and the Club Racer camp out in front of Dodger Stadium.



Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary Skyactiv-Chassis Mazda
The chassis is a natural evolution of the current Miata. Mazda says that with the body, it should be 220lbs lighter.
All this bodes well for the Miata and enthusiasts in general -- because Mazda is targeting a weight savings of 220 pounds for the entire car. The current car weighs 2,480 pounds. While it won't be under that magical 2,000-pound mark, it will be daringly close to the original Miata's curb weight of 2,150 pounds.

Mazda says the Skyactiv chassis is "more in tune with its first-generation predecessor than with its heavier, larger current-day cousin." Ouch. Poor, fat NC Miata.

Luckily, the current Miata gets a special edition as it trundles its way out the door.


Miata NYIAS 25th Anniversary MX-5 Mazda
The special edition wears Soul Red with contrasting gloss black paint.
Just 100 examples of the 25th Anniversary Edition Miata will arrive in America, each individually numbered with that all-important commemorative badge. Every car will be painted soul red, a deeper and more metallic paint than the classic red every early Miata seemed to wear. Almond leather seats and door trim swathe the interior, along with "25th Anniversary" badges. The glossy instrument panel receives a red base coat and then piano-black paint that's applied by hand; Mazda claims that no two pieces will look the same.

It's no turbocharged Mazdaspeed, Flyin' Miata Targa or Super20 in tangible form, but hey -- the aluminum pedals are exclusive! If you get the six-speed manual, Bilstein shocks are standard. In fact, we recommend this.

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