Mazda MX-5 Special Edition to Debut at 2012 Chicago Auto Show
Mazda will unveil a Special Edition of its MX-5 roadster at the Chicago Auto Show, featuring a power retractable hard top in black and exclusive styling details.
Mazda has confirmed it will present a Special Edition of the 2012 MX-5 Miata Roadster at the Chicago Auto Show, with the public debut scheduled for next week. The launch marks a return to the model’s roots, as the original MX-5 made its global debut at the same show in 1989.
The headline feature of the Special Edition is a power retractable hard top finished in black, a first for the MX-5. Previously, the hard top always matched the main bodywork. This change gives the car a more distinctive appearance, aligning with current trends for contrast roof colours in the sports car segment.
Mazda will offer the Special Edition in a choice of two new exterior colours, though the company has not specified the shades ahead of the show. The car also receives 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, and piano black finishes inside the cabin. Black leather seats complete the theme. These details set the Special Edition apart from the standard MX-5, which remains one of the world’s best-selling two-seat roadsters with over 900,000 units produced since launch.
No changes to powertrain
Mazda has not announced any mechanical changes for the Special Edition. The company has not detailed engine options, but all indications suggest the Special Edition will use the standard MX-5 powertrain. For the 2012 model year, that means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox, depending on market and trim.
Positioning and market context
Special editions have played a regular role in the MX-5’s lifecycle, often marking production milestones or targeting collectors. The Chicago Auto Show is a key event for Mazda in the US, and the launch of this Special Edition follows a tradition of unveiling notable MX-5 variants at the venue. While pricing and production numbers have not been disclosed, previous MX-5 special editions have typically been offered in limited numbers and with a premium over the standard car.
The Special Edition’s focus on cosmetic enhancements rather than mechanical upgrades is consistent with other recent limited-run MX-5s. Buyers can expect the same driving experience that has defined the model, but with a more individual look. The black hard top and interior details are likely to appeal to enthusiasts who want a factory-customised roadster without turning to aftermarket options.
Chicago Auto Show and other debuts
The 2012 Chicago Auto Show will also see other manufacturers unveiling special editions and performance models, including the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GTand the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible. The MX-5 Special Edition will compete for attention alongside these new arrivals, but its established fanbase and the model’s history at Chicago should ensure strong interest.
