Since Zoom-Zoom took so long to release the Miata’s 35th anniversary edition, we were starting to lose patience with the automaker. The eagerly anticipated premiere happened this past weekend at the Mazda Fan Festa 2024 at the Fuji Speedway in Japan. Although the sports car pair’s full features were kept under wraps, at least the convertibles were displayed on stage.
Exclusive Paint and Wheel Options
A couple of years ago, the rear-wheel-drive SUVs debuted a triple-layer colour called Artisan Red, which will only be available on the soft top and its RF brother. The base roadster with a fabric roof is equipped with smaller 16-inch alloy wheels, whereas Mazda equips the hardtop with 17-inch wheels. Speaking of the manually folding top, both models’ interiors and exteriors are finished in beige. We’re reminded of the NB Special Edition from the early 2000s by the interior’s reddish-tan colour scheme. Going even further back, the NA also had a comparable M-Edition in the middle of the 1990s.
Unique Interior Details
Inside, the key fob, the upper portion of the door cards, and the air vent bezels are all painted in an eye-catching design. Additional modifications include the 35th Anniversary emblem stitched on the headrests and floor mats that serve as further indicators that this is no ordinary Miata. In 2019, Mazda opted to use standard seats rather than the Recaros that were installed on the 30th Anniversary model.
Focus on Comfort Over Sportiness
Front Brembo brakes and Bilstein dampers were also features of the previous special edition, although they might not be present here. Presumably, comfort is prioritized over sportiness in the 35th Anniversary edition. Production will be constrained by time rather than quantity, regardless of the circumstances.
No Limited Quantity
Although each of these vehicles will have a unique number, Mazda will not artificially limit manufacturing. Program Manager for the Miata Shigeki Saito stated, “We don’t have a limited quantity because we want to deliver to everyone who wants it.” The car’s production sequence position will be indicated by a unique plaque on the right side, ahead of the rear wheel.
Life Still Left in the ND
After the 35th Anniversary was unveiled, Mazda officials took the stage to announce there’s still life left in the ND. That’s despite the fact the fourth generation has been around for a decade. Yes, it debuted in September 2014, but sales didn’t start until 2015. With that in mind, we wouldn’t rule out another special edition next year to mark 10 years of the ND.
The MX-5 Miata RS: Track-Focused Version
In January, an MX-5 Miata RS was showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon, where Mazda said the car would go into production. It was the opposite of this special edition since it took the shape of a track-focused version with suspension and aerodynamic upgrades. The RS could be one of the “very cool special editions” promised about a year ago by Shigeki Saito.
