Limited-Edition MX-5 Miata Roadster is Coming

By: Jennifer Shatwell | Ford Communications Network

TOKYO – Mazda is putting another new twist on its famous open-top, two-seat roadster – and giving it some extra zoom.

The Roadster Turbo will be introduced to the United States as the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata in November. Unveiled this year at the Tokyo Motor Show, a limited-edition performance model of the best-selling MX-5 Miata is coming in 2004. To be known as the Roadster Turbo in Japan, and to be introduced to the United States as the Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata in November, this production concept is designed for the Miata enthusiast who demands even more power.

A turbocharged 1.8-liter DOHC engine lies within and rallies more horses with increased low-end torque for even better acceleration. With tinted glass headlamps on either end of an extra-large air intake, a unique front under-spoiler, recessed projector fog lamps and special five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, there's no doubt this Roadster Turbo is a performance machine. It even sounds sporty with a carefully tuned exhaust muffler for just enough "vroom-vroom."

The show vehicle features two-tone, red-and-black seats with matching trim. As if the wind in your hair and blue skies above weren't enough reason to leave the top down, the show vehicle's interior features two-tone seats – red and black – that you'll want everyone to see. Matching red trim lines the doors, and red stitching accents the shift knob and the parking brake lever. For the complete look, pedals and footrests are aluminum alloy, and the dash and shift panels are finished in metallic paint.

Mazda continues to explore new possibilities for its two-seat sports car genre. The Roadster Turbo model builds on the Miata's front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which already is famed for its sporty and nimble ride qualities. Scheduled for delivery in North America, Japan and Australia only, production of this limited-edition roadster begins in early 2004.