Mazda has kicked off a special MX-5 launch dedicated website that will invite the first 1200 people as special guests for the rare event. Instead of the standard new car launch attended by media, Mazda will hold three simultaneous unveiling events on September 4 for owners and fans in Japan, Spain and the US. In Japan, the event will be called the “Mazda Roadster Thanks Day in Japan” and will take place at the Maihama Amphitheater one hour east of Tokyo next door to Tokyo’s Disneyland. In addition to revealing the all-new model, the Hiroshima company will display examples of the three previous generations in addition to limited edition 25th anniversary merchandise.
The MX5’s chief engineer Nobuhiro Yamamoto has hinted that the car which will also form the basis for the soon to be launched Fiat and also Alfa roadster will go back to basics, back to where it started life in 1989 (like the 1st model pictured). It will be slightly smaller, much lighter, boast higher quality and safety levels and handle better than any previous MX-5. It will weight below 950kg and will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated SKYACTIV powertrain that promises improved mileage, cleaner emissions and of course enough power to satisfy the most hardcore fans.