The world’s most popular roadster will soon get a very limited trim to expand upon Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy. The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition will only find 450 homes in the United States but those buyers will have in their possession one of the most diverse factory offerings since the namesake was born more than 20 years ago. Building off of the upscale Grand Touring trim with the Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), the SE looks to evoke what Mazda calls, “powerful luxury, with a playful wink.”
At first glance, the Special Edition looks like a ragtop Miata but in actuality, it is much more than that. Using the 12 second PRHT, each SE features an exclusive body-colored-contrasting black roof, giving the appearance of cloth top. Other trim pieces such as the mirrors, grille and fog light housing have been painted black and the 17 inch wheels feature a gun-metal finish. Two exterior colors will be offered: Velocity Red and Crystal White Pearl. In SE form, the upscale Grand Touring’s inside gets exclusive Piano Black trim for the dash, roll bar garnish and steering wheel.
Mechanically, the Special Edition is still the same razor-sharp mountain tool the Miata has always been. Up to 167 horsepower can be had out of the 2.0 liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine and a history-proven rear wheel drive set up remains. Both the six speed manual and six speed automatic with paddle shifters will be offered but the three pedal variant is both lighter and more powerful as all auto MX-5s put 158 horsepower to the ground. Consumers can equip the Special Edition with packages such as the Premium with bluetooth, satellite radio and xenon headlamps. The Suspension Package adds Bilstein dampers, sport-tuned springs and a limited slip differential. When the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition hits Mazda dealer floors at the end of February, it will start with MSRPs of $31,225 for the manual and $31,675 for the automatic.
Source: Mazda
