Fast Car

Unlike the conventional model unveiled a few months ago, this limited edition offers aesthetic changes both outside and inside.

Within the range of the German vehicles on display at the Paris International Motor Show will be able to find the Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept, a midsize SUV that incorporates unique details and of which only 50 units will be available in the market.

While it is based on the SQ5, the first diesel-powered model of the company, this unique alternative stands out thanks to Ara blue paint with glass effect, getting a fascinating optical depth effect and has been specially developed for this issue . Similarly, adds xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and four exhaust pipes that accentuate its sporty character.

In the cockpit, on the other hand, the changes are more noticeable because the Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept lining leather multifunction sports steering wheel and gear lever in black leather contrasted with white snow from seams of the seats, center armrest and instrument panel cover. The black leather sports seats also charge value by the central bands in woven leather.

The upholstered in Alcantara roof, the shade of the sunroof and coatings applications and doors, along with inlays of ash, further increase the comfort level of the passenger compartment.

Where there are no differences with the SQ5 is in the mechanical, since under the hood contains a diesel V6 bi-turbo 3.0-liter that delivers an output of 313 HP and is associated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This drive allows you to go from zero to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 156 mph.

After several glances hoarding during the auto show in the French capital, this medium SUV goes on sale in the first quarter of 2013.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has sold 900,000 units across the world since first being introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, which starts Feb. 11, back in 1989. Since its inception, it has sold 389,000 units in the United States.

The first-generation MX-5 Miata (1990-1997 model years) was equipped with a 1.6-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) of torque. A removable hardtop was optional and initial color choices were red, white and blue. The starting price back then was of $14,000.

A redesigned second-generation model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 (model years 1999-2005 – there was no 1998 model-year car) and the third generation model was introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2005 (model years 2006-present).

The current-generation MX-5 Miata is equipped with an MZR-series 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine, producing 167 horsepower (158 for automatic transmission) and delivers 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. The soft-topped Sport model starts at $23,110 with top-level, Power Retractable Hard Top Grand Touring models starting at $28,550.





Press Release

900,000th Mazda MX-5 to Set New Guinness World Record

- MX-5 reaffirms its position as the worlds favorite lightweight, open-top, two-seat sports car -


HIROSHIMA, Japan-Total production of Mazda Motor Corporations MX-5 sports car (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This significant milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989. The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the worlds "Best selling two-seat sports car" when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. To this day, the MX-5 remains the longest enduring nameplate in Mazdas global lineup.

Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager of the current MX-5, said, "Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people."

Mazdas senior managing executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, said, "More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was born. During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues and the depletion of the Earths natural resources has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we are pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, grew from the long years of development work that have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies - to build cars that are fun to drive - is perfectly embodied by the MX-5."

"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units," Kanai continued, "Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand."