NEW YORK--Mazda wants to add some bite to the Big Apple. The Hiroshima-based company will use the 2005 New York International Automobile Show to reveal the MX-5 3rd Generation Limited, a unique, launch edition of the all-new MX-5 roadster, the next generation of the best selling two-seat, open-top sports car of all time. The show opens to the public on March 25.

The limited edition launch model commemorates the all-new MX-5’s evolved “lots-of-fun” character and jinba ittai driving attributes, and marks its global sales kickoff, slated for the latter half of 2005. Jinba ittai (pronounced ‘gin-buy ee-tai’) is a Japanese expression that literally means “rider and horse as one” and conveys the harmony felt between car and driver in motion. The limited edition production run will be 3,500 units for global markets, and sales are being synchronized with the start of sales for the all-new MX-5 roadster.

The interior and exterior design of the 3rd Generation Limited features glossy chrome-silver parts as a salient design element, accentuating the feeling of high quality, and evoking the classic and the modern combined in a lightweight, open-top sports car. The inherent dexterity and light, responsive feel of the MX-5 is also expressed in the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a newly-developed silver finish--a hue created to sparkle like that of a finely crafted Japanese sword. All MX-5 3rd Generation Limited models will come equipped with the 2.0-liter MZR engine and a six-speed manual transmission; each will carry a unique badge stating the sequential production number. Show model has Velocity Red Mica exterior--exclusive to the limited edition--matched with deep crimson leather seats. Additional colors will be available.

Mazda MX-5 3rd Generation Limited

At the annual New York auto show, Mazda will also feature additional versions of the all-new MX-5. Other key Mazda vehicles will be exhibited in its Zoom-Zoom showroom, including the all-new Mazda5 and an upgraded model of the award-winning Mazda6. The show runs from March 23 to April 3. Press days are March 23 and 24.

Streaming video and more information about the new MX-5 are available at https://www.mazda.com/product/mx-5/