Japanese automaker, Mazda, will troop to the Windy City to debut another special edition model of their most popular vehicle, the MX-5 Miata.
Based on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring model, the car will be limited to only 450 models, distinguishing itself with a number of unique additions that include two new exterior colors, a black-only power retractable hard top, blah exterior accents, a new set of 17" gunmetal wheels, heated black leather seats, and interior finishes dressed in piano black.
Performance specs will remain the same, which means that the car will sport a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that produces 167 horsepower and 158 lb/ft of torque and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sport automatic transmission.
The MX-5 Miata Special Edition’s participation at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show was done as a tribute to Mazda’s debut on the global stage back in 1989. Since then, the Miata has become one of the most popular roadsters in the world, selling over a million models since it made its debut 23 years ago.
Although we were able to catch a semi-glimpse of the new Mazda6 when the Mazda Takeri Concept debuted in late 2011, we all know that concepts are the jazzed up versions of production models. Luckily, our spy photographers were able to catch a mule for the new generation Mazda6 testing in winter conditions. This mule sits on the next model’s platform, but still maintains the chopped up body of the current generation Mazda 6.
Mazda has made it clear that the next generation Mazda6 will have nothing in common with the current model, with the new model being wider and longer and its exterior design modeled after the aforementioned Takeri Concept. The new Mazda 6 will be built using the company’s new SkyActiv technologies, including a Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, and an engine start-stop system. The next Mazda6 will also be the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking. This system converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering electrical equipment such as the air conditioning, lighting, and audio system.
The new generation Mazda6 will also feature a coupe version set to be released sometime in 2014, but expect to see the Mazda6 sedan at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.
The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon will begin right after the Detroit Auto Show in January and many automakers are releasing all kinds of information on their lineup for the show floor in Japan. For example, Mazda will be bringing plenty of specially customized MX-5 models, including the MX-5 NR-A Jinba Ittai and the MX-5 Black Tuned edition.
The Black Tuned Edition is based on the special edition MX-5 Sport Black model announced earlier this year, but going on sale in the spring of 2012. The model adopts black-based special features for both the interior and exterior, and offers a full range of exclusive specifications including BBS lightweight alloy wheels, Bilstein height adjustable dampers, a Brembo brake system (painted in gold for the front), and Recaro seats.
The list of standard equipment for the Mazda MX-5 Black Tuned Edition includes climate control air-conditioning, a premium Bose audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth system, cruise control, and front fog lights.
Mazda is going full force at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, presenting a grand total of 10 vehicles at their home auto show. We’re not surprised that one of the vehicles they’re bringing to Tokyo is yet another special edition model of their iconic MX-5 Miata line.
Called the MX-5 NR-A ’Jinbai-Ittai’ - translate, Jinbai-Ittai means "horse and rider becoming one" - this special race-spec Miata is a lightweight, two-seater, open-top sports car that has been finished with unique exterior graphics to go with a grocery list of new equipment, including TAKAT four-point seat belts, new Bilstein dampers, Endless brake pads, and a new set of 16" alloy wheels from ENKEI that have been wrapped in Bridgestone tires.
Mazda has been tight-lipped on all the other modifications and enhancements given to the MX-5 NR-A ’Jimba Ittai’. Nevertheless, you can expect more details about this special edition, race-spec Miata to be released leading up to the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon before the event opens its doors this coming January.
Mazda provided the first glimpse of the next generation Mazda6 with the Shinari Concept unveiled back in 2010. They then followed it up with the Takeri Conceptwas created to showcase Mazda’s new design language. These two concepts together provide a general idea as to what we can expect when the third generation Mazda6 goes on sale in the spring of 2013.
An interesting fact about the upcoming Mazda6 is that the company will not only be offering it in the usual hatchback and sedan versions, but in a four-seat coupe variant as well. This was done in order to follow in BMW’s steps with the 3-Series sedan, station wagon, coupe, and convertible models.
The new Mazda 6 will be built using the company’s new SkyActiv technologies and will be powered by a frugal 2.0-liter petrol engine and 2.2-liter diesel engines. The company’s new regenerative braking system will also be offered.
The coupe version will be revealed about a year after the sedan version, so expect to see it sometime in 2014.
