Mazda’s whipping something up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MX-5, issuing a teaser to elicit some excitement. Unfortunately, the photo doesn’t give us much to go on. The only meaningful conclusions we can pry from the series of streaks provided by the automaker is that the special-edition Miata can still fit inside a parking garage (phew) and will have a hardtop.
Where has Mazda chosen to celebrate the MX-5’s 30th birthday? The Chicago Auto Show, naturally. That was where the Miata first debuted in 1989, and that is where the manufacturer wants to preview the special edition on its big day. While we still think forgoing a hilarious Chuck E. Cheese tie-in was a minor mistake, both roadster and brand have matured to a point where the more tasteful choice was bound to win. We also have no evidence to support the idea that the pizza party venue was ever under consideration.
However, with such little information on offer, we’re forced to speculate. We know that the special edition will premiere after the Chicago Auto Show opens its doors on February 7th, probably with an RF-like hardtop configuration, but that’s about it.
It’s hard not to expect something akin to the 25th and 10th Anniversary Edition Miatas, both of which featured unique badging, limited edition color options, and came with a free watch. Considering the probable inclusion of a hardtop, the 30th Anniversary car might have a little more going on.
Frankly, we’d rather see Mazda eek out a few extra ponies from the MX-5’s serviceable 2.0-liter than be handed a Seiko. Which is probably asking too much, as the automaker just added 26 additional horses to the model. We don’t imagine one or two more would create any meaningful improvement in terms of driving enjoyment, a facet where the Miata already thrives.
[Images: Mazda]
That linked MX-5 Miata RF looks like what it is
I’m so happy this car exists but I hate the thought of paying 30k plus for one…..
It can be expensive on the high end, but you can’t buy anything RWD and lighter weight in North America for any price. I hope to get one as a next vehicle once I can afford it, pending an enjoyable test drive and that I can fit in the current gen at my height. A friend had one (NC) and even in winter it was a riot.
It really is impressive how light the Mazda is. The next closest competitor in the compact RWD sports car market is the Toyota 86, which is a solid 400lbs heavier.
tylanner: I purchased my brand-new 2018 MX-5 Grand Touring 6-speed manual in September (before the HP bump for ’19) for $25,888 and learned I could’ve gotten it for $25,250 — D’oh, Bart! First “fun car” I’ve ever owned and my wife and I absolutely love it! So far, the first 2K miles average almost 31 mpg in mostly urban commute driving. Can’t say I feel a need for more power, either.
F the special editions, give us a coupe version! MX-5 GT!
Does the 2.5 turbo fit?
Just plug in an LS3 – Flyin’ Miata did!
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/flyin-miata-habu-mx-5-v-8-test-review
Not to sound haughty or anything but I would like *my* Miata to be pure Mazda.
So, if not the 2.5 turbo, then how ’bout a Wankel :)
The regular non-turbo 2.5 won’t fit. I think Mazda came out and said even the 2.0L was a tight fit in the engine bay.
The color looks more orange than their signature Soul Red. Almost like the Spicy Orange paint they offered on the Protege MP3 back in the day, or even like on the 787B Le Mans winning car.
Just noticed. The pic of the interior is of an older Miata; it doesn’t have the iPad sticking out of the dash.
The two lower pics are of the 25th Anniversary NC2 Miata.