The new Mazda Miata MX-5, or the ND generation, has been taking the world by storm. Because the answer is always, always Miata.
But to make sure that we’re not left out of the Miata ring, Mazda revealed two new special editions of the Miata: the all-new Miata Club and the Launch Edition.
While the Miata Club is a more performance oriented model, the Launch Edition commemorates the launch of the new generation for our shores.
The Launch Edition comes with bespoke 17-inch wheels, standard heated seats and automatic HVAC, satellite radio with Mazda Connect’s latest infotainment system complete with sat-nav, a Bose nine-speaker audio system, and more. It’s also limited in production.
The Club Edition however is not limited in production and features a 150-pound diet off of the standard model–as if the Miata couldn’t get any lighter. It too comes with special 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, a standard limited-slip differential, Bilstein performance shocks, a shock tower brace, and some exterior modifications. The suspension and drivetrain upgrades however are only available with the six-speed manual model.
For the full rundown, check out the press release below.
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2016 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA CLUB MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
– Performance-focused MX-5 Club has trim level-exclusive Bilstein suspension, limited-slip differential -
NEW YORK (April 1, 2015) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today introduced the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club at the New York International Auto Show, marking the world debut of the North American-focused Club model.
Lighter, smaller, quicker and more nimble than its predecessor, MX-5 has adopted Mazda’s full suite of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. In the process, MX-5 has shed approximately 150 pounds from its predecessor, with a curb weight of 2,332 lbs. when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission (2,381 lbs. with the six-speed automatic transmission).
The MX-5 Club heightens performance with trim-level exclusive:
– 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 tires
– Limited-slip differential when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT
– Bilstein shocks when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT
– Shock tower brace when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT
– Front air dam and rear lip spoilers
Standard equipment on MX-5 Club models includes MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen display and multi-function commander control, HD and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, two USB ports, piano black side mirrors and seatback bars and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers.
Also available for the MX-5 Club is a package that equips the roadster with forged lightweight BBS 17-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes and functional aerodynamic side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt that were previewed at the Chicago Auto Show and on the MX-5 Global Cup race car.
“MX-5 is the heart and soul of Mazda, serving as a beacon for the rest of our lineup with its fun-to-drive dynamics, design and technologies,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Jinba Ittai-oneness between driver and machine-defines the MX-5. It’s a philosophy that has led every decision we’ve made toward bringing the MX-5 back to the basics that made drivers fall in love with it 26 years ago when the first generation debuted.”
All MX-5s bound for North America will come with compact LED headlights, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine. The MX-5 will be equipped with either a standard six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or available six-speed automatic. Further packaging details will be made available closer to the MX-5’s summer on-sale date.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
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MAZDA ANNOUNCES PRE-ORDER WEBSITE FOR 2016 MX-5 MIATA LAUNCH EDITION
– 1,000 MX-5 Grand Touring Launch Edition vehicles will be available for preorder on Tuesday, May 5 at www.longlivetheroadster.com -
NEW YORK (April 1, 2015) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) unveiled the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club at the New York Auto Show, but it hasn’t stopped there with information regarding the world’s most popular two-seat roadster. Mazda also has announced sales plans for the 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition, which will be limited to the first 1,000 roadsters earmarked for the U.S. market. Preorder registration and information is now available at www.longlivetheroadster.com.
Mazda’s 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition will be the first new-generation MX-5 to go on sale in the U.S., following on the success of last year’s 2015 MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition, which sold out in just 10 minutes. Based on the premium MX-5 Grand Touring, all Launch Edition MX-5s will come in Soul Red with a Sport Tan leather interior – a color combination exclusive to the Launch Edition for 2016.
“The MX-5 Launch Edition will give enthusiasts the opportunity to take ownership of one of the very first, very exclusive, 2016 MX-5s to arrive in the U.S.,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Along with the privilege of exclusivity and being among the first 1,000 to take delivery, owners will be able to enjoy our latest entertainment, safety and luxury technologies – many of which are unique among sports cars. And of course, they’ll be the first to experience the exhilaration of being behind the wheel of one of the last true lightweight, driver-focused sports cars available today.”
Starting May 5, customers who preregistered at www.longlivetheroadster.com will have the opportunity to return to the site to place a $500 deposit toward the purchase of an MX-5 Launch Edition, until the 1,000-car allotment is reserved. Full pricing will be announced at a later date.
The MX-5 Launch Edition features 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, automatic climate control, SiriusXM® satellite radio, MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System with navigation, a BOSE® nine-speaker audio system, i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, including blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and automatic high-beam control, among other amenities.
Customers who take delivery of an MX-5 Launch Edition also will receive a Mazda-branded BOSE SoundLink® Mini Bluetooth® speaker in a gift box, along with select items from Mazda’s upcoming Heritage Collection apparel line.
Similar preorder launch programs for the MX-5 have begun in Japan and Europe, with Japan’s entire allotment of 2016 MX-5s expected to be sold out with its presale program. U.K. preorders have totaled nearly 10 percent of last year’s 2,973 MX-5 sales in the first three weeks of the program.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
- By: Chris Chin
All photos copyright © C Squared Photography (Chris Chin) for eGMCarTech