Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will unveil its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The limited-run model features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) – the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America – as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colors, new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.
The MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster with more than 900,000 produced, and made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. The MX-5 Special Edition continues the sports car’s history of being a dynamically-engineered, enthusiast-approved roadster whose price doesn’t discriminate and whose luxuries are not stripped.
Available with either the six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Special Edition model is based off the Grand Touring model. Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.
Also on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be:
Turbo2 – Unveiled at the SEMA Show held in Las Vegas this past November, this concept is the brainchild of The Autobarn, which owns two Mazda dealerships in the Greater Chicago area. Here, a “Zoom-Zoom Concentrated” Mazda2 is outfitted with an extra-strength component in the form of a MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine. Consider the Turbo2 a subcompact cat that doesn’t purr – it growls.
Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car – Most recently seen Zoom-Zoom-ing across the SPEED Channel’s live coverage of the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona last month, the No. 40 car – piloted by Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Charles Espenlaub, Tom Long and Charlie Putman – made its third consecutive Top 10 finish in the annual 24-hour race, besting competitors in a 46-car field which included BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche.
1990 Miata – A first-generation Mazda Miata, which made its debut in Chicago in 1989. This vehicle has 3,688 original miles and is the 15th Miata off the line.
Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car – The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is a major part of the Mazda Road to Indy. Rising motorsports stars from around the world compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million, including a scholarship to move up and compete in the 2013 Firestone Indy Lights series.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Mazda ‘i-ELOOP’ World’s First Capacitor-Based Regenerative Braking System for Passenger Vehicles
Hiroshima, Japan 25 November 2011. Mazda Motor Corporation has developed the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor. The groundbreaking system, which Mazda calls ‘i-ELOOP’, will begin to appear in Mazda’s vehicles in 2012. In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, ‘i-ELOOP’ improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent.
Mazda’s regenerative braking system is unique because it uses a capacitor, which is an electrical component that temporarily stores large volumes of electricity. Compared to batteries, capacitors can be charged and discharged rapidly and are resistant to deterioration through prolonged use. ‘i-ELOOP’ efficiently converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components.
Regenerative braking systems are growing in popularity as a fuel saving technology. They use an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity as the vehicle decelerates, thereby recovering a portion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy. Regenerative braking systems in hybrid vehicles generally use a large electric motor and dedicated battery.
Mazda examined automobile accelerating and decelerating mechanisms, and developed a highly efficient regenerative braking system that rapidly recovers a large amount of electricity every time the vehicle decelerates. Unlike hybrids, Mazda’s system also avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery.

‘i-ELOOP’ features a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. ‘i-ELOOP’ starts to recover kinetic energy the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to decelerate. The variable voltage alternator generates electricity at up to 25V for maximum efficiency before sending it to the Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) for storage. The capacitor, which has been specially developed for use in a vehicle, can be fully charged in seconds. The DC/DC converter steps down the electricity from 25V to 12V before it is distributed directly to the vehicle’s electrical components. The system also charges the vehicle battery as necessary. ‘i-ELOOP’ operates whenever the vehicle decelerates, reducing the need for the engine to burn extra fuel to generate electricity. As a result, in “stop-and-go” driving conditions, fuel economy improves by approximately 10 percent.
The name ‘i-ELOOP’ is an adaptation of “Intelligent Energy Loop” and represents Mazda’s intention to efficiently cycle energy in an intelligent way.
‘i-ELOOP’ also works in conjunction with Mazda’s unique ‘i-stop’ idling stop technology to extend the period that the engine can be shut off.
Mazda is working to maximize the efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles with its groundbreaking SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. By combining this with i-stop, i-ELOOP and other electric devices that enhance fuel economy by eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption, Mazda is striving to deliver vehicles with excellent environmental performance as well as a Zoom-Zoom ride to all its customers.
At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will debut the i-ELOOP system in the TAKERI concept car, a next generation mid-sized sedan that features SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO – Soul of Motion design theme.

Mazda Press Release: Mazda unleashes track-inspired ‘Black Limited Edition’ MX-5 and Mazda2

Mazda MX-5 Sport Black inspired by this year’s highly successful MX-5 GT race car
Mazda2 Black introduces a black vinyl roof, privacy glass and matt black alloy wheels
Only 500 and 618, respectively of these Limited Edition Mazdas available for the UK market
Inspired by the highly successful 275bhp Mazda MX-5 GT race car competing in the 2011 Britcar Production GTN Championship, Mazda has introduced two new ‘Black Limited Edition’ models – a Mazda MX-5 Sport Black and a Mazda2 Black – bringing a darker edge to Mazda’s model range.

The success of the 850kg MX-5 GT race car is that is retains the same characteristics that make the road-going Mazda MX-5 a great handling, nimble and fun-to-drive roadster. In its first year of racing the MX-5 GT has achieved two podiums and is currently third in class. The MX-5 GT race car continues to challenge convention, taking on the more powerful established race cars from Lotus, BMW and Ferrari.

The success of this year’s MX-5 race programme and the popularity of MX-5 GT has lead to the track-inspired ‘Black Limited Edition’ Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2. Available from mid-July, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification, offering more for a lower price than the car it’s based on. Externally the car is highlighted by a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top, this is in contrast with the choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica – but compliments the dark ‘gun metal’ 17-inch alloy wheels.

The model also comes with black leather interior with contrasting ’sand’ colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique ‘Black Limited Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

The MX-5 Sport Black incorporates the generous equipment specification of the Sport Tech model, including climate control air-conditioning, a premium Bose® audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth® system, cruise control and front fog lights. Owners will also benefit from the world’s fastest folding powered retractable roof, which goes up or down in 12 seconds.

Only 500 examples of the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black will be produced, each costing £22,995 (OTR), just £360 more than the 160ps, 2.0-litre, six-speed transmission Sport Tech model on which it is based.

“Special Edition models of the Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers, and the new Sport Black model takes inspiration from the MX-5 GT race car that embodies Mazda’s Defy Convention brand strategy,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK. “Both the race car and road-going sportscar remain true to their roots, those of driving entertainment, great handling and fun to drive. The Sport Black model delivers a distinctive and sharper edge to our long-running star performer and as in the Britcar Production GTN Championship, it remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar.”

Five-door Mazda2 with attitude

Following the MX-5 Sport Black theme, the new Limited Edition Mazda2 Black five-door is also available in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red. Based on the 84ps, 1.3-litre Tamura model, the Mazda2 Black adds a black vinyl roof, matt black 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim.

Inside, there is the Sports interior with climate control air-conditioning, a Parrot Bluetooth® hands-free system, electric rear windows, plus unique ‘Black Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats.

Inspired again by Mazda’s convention-defying race car, just 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black will be produced, with prices starting at £12,395 (OTR) for the True Red version and £12,815 for the other metallic and pearlescent colours.

The next Britcar race takes place at the Snetterton race circuit from 13-14 August 2011.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Mazda MX-5 Sport Black
Additional equipment above MX-5 Sport Tech Roadster Coupe

Unique dark Gun Metal 17-inch alloy wheels
Three unique exterior colours
Brilliant Black painted powered retractable hardtop
Black door mirrors
Black fashion bars
Alloy pedal set
Unique ’sand’ colour stitching on Black leather seats, steering wheel and handbrake
Piano Black finish to steering wheel and deco panel
Unique, numbered plaque and ‘Black Edition’ branded floor mats

Mazda2 Black
Additional equipment above Mazda2 Tamura

Unique matt Black 16-inch alloy wheels
Black vinyl roof
Dark rear privacy glass
Rear sports bumper
Front fog lights
Climate-control air-conditioning
Parrot Bluetooth® system
Electric rear windows
Black sports interior trim with red piping
Unique, numbered dashboard plaque and ‘Black Edition’ branded floor mats