2019 Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary

Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

After 30 years and more than 1 million units sold, Mazda feels that the MX-5 has grown into more than simply its own creation. It now belongs to the fans around the world who have supported the development of the model. To express its gratitude and the high hopes Mazda has for the future of the MX-5, the company developed Racing Orange for the new limited edition, an exclusive body colour that evokes the breaking dawn of an exciting new day.

In addition to Racing Orange, the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features forged aluminium wheels (Rays ZE40 RS30) developed exclusively for the MX-5 in cooperation with Rays Co., Ltd. and a 30th anniversary badge displaying the model’s serial number. Sales will be limited to 3,000 units worldwide including both the soft-top and RF retractable hardtop models.

First unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 was an immediate success. Three decades and four generations on, it still dominates the roadster market. Along the way, the two-seater has always remained true to the original principle of an affordable, lightweight and above all fun-to-drive roadster. And the essence of the Jinba Ittai driver-and-car-as-one philosophy that goes into all Mazda models today.

Racing Orange body colour

The newly developed Racing Orange keynote colour is a precision blend of the pigments to create a special orange with an optimum balance of chroma and brilliance. To better express the MX-5’s pure sports car character, the development team used a gloss rather than metallic finish. The vivid orange body contrasts starkly with exterior parts such as the piano black A-pillars, door mirrors and seatback garnishes as well as the dark gunmetal wheels, thereby emphasising the anniversary model’s exclusivity.

RAYS forged aluminium wheels (RAYS ZE40 RS30)

These lightweight, high-rigidity wheels were co-developed by Mazda and RAYS Wheels exclusively for this anniversary model with a design based on the RAYS ZE40 forged aluminium wheels used by all Global MX-5 Cup racers. The soft-top version for the Japanese market is fitted with 16-inch wheels, while the RF version for Japan and all models for overseas markets get 17-inch wheels. Highlighting the exhilaration of driving the MX-5, both sizes feature a finely honed spoke design combined with a dark gunmetal finish.

Exclusive colour coordination

Orange is the key element in the anniversary model’s colour coordination. Outside, vivid orange front and rear brake callipers stand out against the dark gunmetal wheel spokes, emphasising the special edition’s sporty look. Inside, the door trim, instrument panel, shift lever and brake leaver feature eye-catching orange contrast stitching, while orange piping stands out powerfully on the black seats. Altogether, the orange accents in the cabin combine with the Racing Orange body colour on the upper door trim to further enhance the exclusivity of the anniversary edition – and the pride owners are bound to feel.

RECARO seats

The MX-5’s exclusive seats, jointly developed by Mazda and RECARO, provide firm support and outstanding hold. For the 30th anniversary model, orange stitching and piping add to the quality feel worthy of a special edition.

Bilstein dampers

These specially tuned dampers achieve smoother vehicle behaviour and an enhanced feeling of unity with the car. Combined with the exclusive forged aluminium wheels by RAYS, the Bilstein dampers provide an even more controlled yet refined ride.

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