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Feann Torr17 Apr 2014
NEWS

NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition

Final limited edition MX-5 breaks cover -- 40 vehicles earmarked for Australia

Mazda has taken the wraps off its MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition at the 2014 New York motor show. This will be a last hurrah for the popular NC model two-seat convertible before an all-new generation MX-5 arrives some time in 2015.

Celebrating the end of a generation, just 1000 of the special MX-5s will be built world-wide. A total of 40 will be coming to Australia, kitted out with uprated suspension, new engine internals and sporting a unique look via several bold cosmetic changes.

Expected to fetch more than the $49,885 asking price for the MX-5 Coupe Sports model, the 25th Anniversary Edition will arrive in Australia early in the fourth quarter of this year. It will be available in both six-speed manual and automatic gearbox versions, the former gaining sports-tuned Bilstein dampers fitted as standard.

Mazda Australia spokesperson, Steve Maciver 's told motoring.com.au, the limited run model would "punctuate" the current generation before the new model arrives in 2015.

Currently the world's best-selling roadster, the MX-5 has sold more than 950,000 units since its inception in 1989. Mazda boasted the limited edition MX-5 will be "the very best MX-5 yet", thanks to mechanical upgrades and special features.

As well as the Bilstein dampers, high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE05A tyres (205/45 R17) are wrapped around dark gunmetal aluminium alloy wheels and according to Mazda the car's powerplant has been fettled to ensure "meticulous" engine balance.

The US-specification 2.0-litre MZR four-cylinder engine doesn't benefit from more power than before, outputting 122kW/190Nm (with Australian models likely to continue with 118kW/188Nm) but with lighter pistons, con-rods and flywheel, the limited run MX-5's engine "revs even more freely" says Mazda, resulting in "extraordinary response and acceleration".

The MX-5’s engine tweaks also make for a deeper engine note, promises the Japanese car-maker.

As the curtain falls on the outgoing MX-5, the limited edition models will stand out via its Soul Red Metallic paintjob, along with a contrasting black roof, A-pillars, seatback bars and door mirrors.

The sporty red-on-black theme is matched to black headlight surrounds, while inside the cabin white leather seats and door trims with 25th anniversary logos and red stitching are featured.

Leather covered steering wheel, gear shift knob, park brake and arm rests get red stitching too and the instrument panel gains satin-chrome finishes on the speedometer and tachometer.

Aluminium pedals are added, and the cars feature 25th anniversary serial numbers and hand-painted red decoration panels. Stainless steel scuff plates are etched with 25th anniversary logos.

Maciver said special edition will sell out quickly. However, he said the company was not considering a special online sales channel – a strategy Subaru recently adopted with its BRZ sportie.

"With only 40 cars, there is going to be a bit of demand... [But] online retailing is not something we're looking at for this car... Nor any others at this stage," said Maciver.

"We've got a really good, professional, dedicated dealer network, and we want to give them an opportunity to sell this car.

“With only 40 cars coming in and 128 dealers, we've got to look at how we do that and how we allocate them, but it won't be done online," he said.

Pricing for the 25th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 has not been finalised for Australia.

Read the latest news from the New York Motor Show

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