Mazda Unveils Special MX-5 Miata Editions

Manager Saito: ND MX-5 Sales to Continue

Mazda revealed the ND3 MX-5 in Japan last month, implying that the current generation of the iconic sports car is here to stay for a few years, if not longer. In a conversation with CarsGuide, Shigeki Saito, the Miata’s Program Manager, made it clear that the fourth-gen model is not going anywhere soon: “We would like to keep the ND for as long as possible and make sure we comply with all regulations.”

When asked about a potential launch date for the next-generation model, Saito gave the impression that it’s not coming soon: “We don’t have any specific timeframe.” He elaborated that Mazda is in no hurry to replace the current car because electrifying the roadster would make it too heavy to follow the Miata’s lightweight spirit. Ideally, the Zoom-Zoom company wants to wait until batteries become smaller and lighter before introducing an electric MX-5.

In the meantime, the ND3 is not the last update planned for the current MX-5. Saito revealed that plans are already in motion “to make something very cool.” He went on to mention the Japanese automaker is “thinking about cool special editions.” Without giving any specifics, Saito hinted that a 35th anniversary model in 2024 is not out of the question, seeing as the NA went on sale in 1989. Back in 2014, a special edition was released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the MX-5.

One can only wish there will be some exciting shades offered with the upcoming ND3 because the lone color offered for the previously released one was the Aero Gray Metallic. Not to forget that the 30th Anniversary Model had its own Special and Vivid Racing orange tint. Although it’s true that Soul Red Crystal is a great color, it has been out there for quite some time now and people tend to want a change.

It appears as though the ND will be the longest-running generation of the Miata, given it was released back in 2014. Interestingly enough, a special edition to commemorate a decade of the ND in 2024 is also a possibility, even though the Miata actually went into production in early 2015. If that comes to pass, then we could expect an anniversary model to arrive in 2025, as long as it’s one of those “very cool” special editions mentioned by Saito.

No matter the situation, Saito stated that they “like to make the most of the ND, since we believe it has great potential, so we want to do anything and everything we can.”

Source: CarsGuide