Chicago Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata SE


When the first-generation Mazda Miata debuted way back in 1989, the reveal took place at the Chicago auto show. Given the city's honored place in Miata lore, it's little surprise that the intervening years have seen a long line of special-edition Mazda roadsters zip through McCormick Place.

This year’s Chicago-bound special edition is based on the Power-Retractable Hardtop Grand Touring model; it will be available in two exclusive colors—Crystal White Pearl and Velocity Red—and all of them will have a contrasting black roof. The car reminds us a little of the minimalist and sinister Super 20 concept from the 2010 SEMA show, as it loses the chrome trim on the grille and door handles of PRHT GT Miatas and adds black side mirrors and dark-finished 17-inch wheels. (Too bad this car couldn’t adopt the Super 20’s first-gen door handles and nonretractable lid. Or roll cage. Or racing modifications. Or—well, maybe the resemblance is only passing. We just want a Super 20. Bad.)

The SE doesn't pack any powertrain upgrades—the standard 167-horse, 2.0-liter four is on offer here, paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. (The 2.0-liter produces 158 hp with the auto.) But the Premium and Suspension packages will be standard along with piano-black interior trim, aluminum pedals, black roll-bar trim, and black heated leather seats with contrasting gray stitching.

Only 450 of the 2012 special-edition cars will be sold in the U.S. starting at the end of this month. Examples with a manual transmission will run $32,020; the unfortunate souls who order an automatic will be charged an additional $450.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

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