A superlight show car capturing the pure essence of the world’s most popular roadster, the Mazda MX-5, will see its world premiere at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from 15 through 27 September 2009.
After 20 years of global success, Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. At Frankfurt, Mazda will present a new take on its affordable roadster in an all-new show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, designed at Mazda’s studio in Oberursel, Germany. A pure show car, it takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for to a new level, which improves driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun.
The new Mazda MX-5 Superlight version will be unveiled at Mazda’s press conference in Hall 3.1, Stand A7, on 15 September, at 12:45 local time.
To commemorate 20 years of Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) sales, Mazda Motor Corporation has released a special edition version of its lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car for the Japanese market. The Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.
Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the Mazda Roadster has attracted a wide range of customers since its launch in 1989, and is currently sold in approximately 60 countries. The Roadster was certified as the world’s most produced two-seat, open-top sports cars by Guinness World Records when production reached 800,000 units. Total production of the Mazda Roadster now stands in excess of 860,000 units.
The Roadster 20th Anniversary is based on the Roadster RS soft-top model with a six-speed manual transmission, and the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) hard-top model with a six-speed automatic transmission. Special equipment includes unique red and black RECARO bucket sport seats, exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges, and clear front fog lights.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including sales tax) is 2,860,000 yen for the soft-top version and 3,110,000 yen for the RHT model.
Main features of the special edition Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary
Base models
Mazda Roadster RS with manually-operated soft-top and six-speed manual transmission, and Mazda Roadster VS RHT with Mazda’s groundbreaking power retractable roof system and six-speed automatic transmission.
Special equipment
-RECARO bucket sport seats (Black Alcantara® and red leather)
-Exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges (on each side fender)
-Clear front fog lights and bezels*2
-205/45R17 84W tires and 17-inch aluminum wheels
-Front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type)
-Fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only)
-Heated seats with five temperature settings
-Soft padding (synthetic leather door armrests and center console lid)
Body colors
All 20th Anniversary models come in Crystal White Pearl Mica, used for the first time on the Mazda Roadster.
