Mazda celebrates MX-5 present and future in New York with world premieres

Mazda Canada Inc.

- NY auto show debuts 25^th Anniversary Edition MX-5 and next generation FR SKYACTIV-Chassis -

NEW YORK, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Mazda today confirmed development details of the highly-anticipated next-generation MX-5 roadster. Making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the vehicle's all-new SKYACTIV-CHASSIS was revealed with affirmation that the future model would be lighter, stronger and smaller than the current generation MX-5.

With the fourth-generation MX-5, the quintessential roadster is not only revisited but reinvented. With no sheet metal to hide beneath, the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS lays out a narrative of the engineering behind the new MX-5. This chassis is the first time SKYACTIV Technology has ever been shown in a front mid-ship engine rear-wheel-drive design. Also, its compact configuration showcases an engine closer to the vehicle's center, a center of gravity which itself is lower than that of any previous generation. And not only lower but decidedly leaner with a weight reduction goal of more than 100 kg (220 lbs), to continue to achieve the highest standards of body rigidity and collision safety performance.

This unwavering determination to keep the MX-5 faithful to its roots of being compact, light and fun-to-drive also is a further evolution of the brand's Jinba Ittai signature - the oneness between a car and its driver.

"The original concept behind the MX-5 was so simple: to offer the pure joy of a lightweight sports car that moves precisely as the driver intends," said Takashi Yamanouchi, chairman of the board, Mazda Motor Corporation. "While responding to increasing safety and environmental requirements, in the 25 years since its launch we have had to continually reinvent the MX-5 - far beyond a 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."

More information on the next-generation MX-5 will be announced at a later date closer to the vehicle's launch.

Mazda also unveiled the MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). A global announcement, this limited-edition MX-5 will be sold as a 2015 model with only 100 vehicles being slated for sale in Canada. The anniversary edition was built not only as a tribute to the best-selling roadster that sparked a large automotive impact but also to celebrate every owner and car enthusiast it's won over throughout its 25-year history.

Nearly one million MX-5 fans can't be wrong, and without their dedicated enthusiasm the MX-5 would not be the iconic roadster it has become. This heartfelt passion is the reason there is a 25th anniversary to celebrate and a golden future in the form of an all-new SKYACTIV-CHASSIS to lead into another generation of Zoom-Zoom. As a result, the MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition was crafted as a sincere "Thank You" to every enthusiast - past, present and future.
With an adherent attention to details, meticulous attention was paid to the weight and balance of the engine's moving parts. While components such as pistons, connecting rods and flywheel are already preferably lightweight with low inertia and their original tolerance is set extremely fine, even within these acute tolerances Mazda engineers hand-selected the lightest, best balanced parts for inclusion in the engine. The result is an engine with exclusive tuning that revs even more freely, delivering an extraordinary response, precision acceleration and a deeply satisfying engine note.

Outfitted only in a Soul Red Mica, the depth of this deep red creates a striking contrast against the Brilliant Black A-pillars, windshield surround, outside mirrors and Power-Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). Other unique exterior elements include black front combination lamp bezels and 17-inch Dark Gunmetal 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, which are wrapped in grippy Bridgestone Potenza RE05A 205/45R17-84W tires.

The interior opens up brightly with its standard Almond leather seats and door trim. A satin chrome finish is used on the louver rings, gauge cluster meter rings and inner door handles. Brilliant Black appears again in the seatback garnish with Piano Black commanding the steering wheel spokes. Genuine black leather wraps the steering wheel, parking brake lever, armrests and manual transmission shift lever booth.

To continue the exterior's contrast-colour theme, distinctive red stitching is used throughout on all premium touch points. The instrument panel features a red base paint but is delicately hand-painted a Piano Black gradation, meaning no two vehicles will feature the exact same texture. Also, only the anniversary edition will be equipped with aluminum alloy pedals.

But no limited-edition anniversary model is complete without the proper badging. The 25th Anniversary logo is proudly etched into the leather headrests as well as on the stainless steel door scuff plates. On the exterior, a 25th Anniversary badge is mounted onto the driver's side front fender and features an identifying serial number. As the soul of the sports car continues to be reinvented, this MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition is only the beginning of another 25 years and beyond of daily driving, weekend racing and outstanding open-top motoring.

The MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition will be on sale this summer with an MSRP of $40,925.

About Mazda Canada
Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 163 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca

Image with caption: "2015 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140416_C9843_PHOTO_EN_39223.jpg

SOURCE: Mazda Canada Inc.

Sandra Lemaitre, National Manager, Public Relations
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