Aussies get New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition with Bilstein-tuned Suspension

A new special edition version of the MX-5 with some very minor styling and suspension upgrades has been added to Mazda's vehicle range in Australia. A total of 200 MX-5 Special Editions are being brought into the country with Mazda announcing that the upgrades are being added at no additional cost.

However, this should not comfort Australian buyers as the list price of the limited edition model is a hefty AUS$47,200 (~US$47,800), or roughly the same as a 430HP 2011 Corvette Coupe (US$48,950) in the U.S. We understand that prices between different markets are not comparable for a variety of reasons, but close to $50 grand for an MX-5?

The highlight of the special edition model is the addition of a Bilstein-tuned suspension, which promises to further improve the roadster's handling. A bright painted strut tower bar is also part of the suspension package.

On the outside, the MX-5 Special Edition gets new bright painted 17-inch alloy wheels and the choice of two new colors, Dolphin Grey Mica and Sparkling Black Mica, along with an Aluminium Metallic finish.

Inside, the driver and passenger are greeted by unique grey colored leather seats which are complemented by a leather steering wheel and handbrake both featuring grey highlight stitching, while the chrome meter rings and air vent bezels complete the look.

Mazda Australia marketing manager, Alastair Doak, said "The Mazda MX-5 is an iconic car with enthusiasts across the world making it the best-selling two seater roadster of all-time. Offering a limited number of MX-5 Special Editions to Australian consumers will ensure it appeals to the enthusiasts out there who are seeking something a little different."

New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Comes to the States, will Debut in Chicago

Earlier today, we told you about the Australian market Mazda MX-5 Special Edition featuring a sports suspension kit and some exclusive styling touches. Well, we now learn that the same model will be offered in the States in a limited run of 750 units, albeit at a much lower price as the U.S. version starts at $30,925 with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when equipped with the six-speed Sport AT automatic. That's compared to US$47,800 for the Aussie market model.

The Special Edition is based off of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with the retractable hard top, and is available only in two new colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. It rides on 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, the limited run version of the MX-5 gets gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster, plus aluminum pedals when equipped with a manual gearbox.

The most important addition is the Suspension package, which is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring model, and includes Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension.

Power for the Limited Edition comes from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 167-horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda has not yet released a launch date for the limited edition MX-5, but we assume that it will be available shortly after its debut at this week's Chicago Auto Show.

Mazda MX-5 Achieves Another Milestone as Production Reaches 900,000 Units

The world's most popular roadster model ever, the Mazda MX-5 (also known as Roadster in Japan and Miata in North America), is celebrating yet another milestone in its enviable history as total production reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This latest milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989.

The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000, with the record being updated when sales passed the 700,000 and, later, 800,000 mark. Mazda is currently reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, "Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5's spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people."

To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup, and from the looks of it, this isn't going to change soon with the Japanese firm planning to further develop the model.

"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units, Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5," said Mazda's executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai. "We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand."