Mazda to celebrate 25 years of MX-5 with 15 Miatas in New York

Thu, 20 Mar 2014

Having first debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been on the market now for an impressive 25 years. So to celebrate that quarter-century anniversary, Mazda is bringing no less than 15 examples of the legendary roadster from throughout its history to the New York Auto Show this year.

Mazda isn't saying just which versions of the MX-5 it's bringing to the Javitz center this year, but with three generations to choose from and over 900,000 units built and sold, there are plenty of examples – including production versions, special editions and concept cars.

What would really put the cherry on this birthday cake, however, would be if Mazda were to surprise us in Manhattan with the debut of the highly anticipated fourth-generation Miata that we're expecting to debut sometime this year.

The new MX-5 is tipped to go back to its roots style-wise, but grow in length ever so slightly to accommodate the requirements of Alfa Romeo, which was supposed to be partnering with Mazda on the development of the new roadster but is now said to be getting cold feet over the prospect of manufacturing an Alfa in Japan.

MAZDA TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF GOING TOPLESS AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
- Brand to Feature Multi-Vehicle Display of Historic MX-5 Miatas -

IRVINE, Calif. (March 20, 2014) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is setting its sights on sun-drenched dreams of spring and summer, and putting plans in place to kick off the winter tires by celebrating 25 years of MX-5 Miata at next month's New York International Auto Show. Showcasing 15 MX-5 vehicles, from auto show concepts to race cars to production models, the Big Apple will host the biggest birthday party yet for the storied two-seat roadster.

"MX-5 Miata is the quintessential Mazda," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "And after 25 years, every vehicle in the lineup continues to feature some characteristic of MX-5: a fluid shifter, lightness on its feet, quickness around a corner, a fun-to-drive DNA. With all the whiz-bang technology and comfort amenities increasingly added to modern vehicles, MX-5's direct connection between car and driver still remains the standard feature that puts smiles on drivers' faces."

Making its global debut on February 9, 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 Miata won over critics and consumers alike with its styling, handling and affordability. After all, here was a racing-tuned convertible sports car that most anyone could afford – and buy one they did. With more than 900,000 units sold across its three generations, MX-5 continues to be a multi-faceted master of the driving experience. As an enthusiast favorite for deep-diving into S-curves, a smooth weekend coastal cruiser or the vehicle that speed-hungry racing champions aspire to, MX-5 Miata exudes driving with emotion.

The New York International Auto Show opens to the public on April 18, 2014. Mazda will have two display booths located on level one (full-line display) and level three (MX-5 display).

About Mazda North American Operations
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 Noah Joseph