2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club debuts




New York International Auto Show was the perfect opportunity to unveil the most track-ready version of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata we civilians will likely be able to buy.

A press release from Mazda said the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club will feature go-fast goodies including a trim-exclusive limited-slip differential and Bilstein suspension. Also exclusive to the trim level are 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels with 205/45R17 tires, a shock tower brace, and front air dam and rear lip spoilers. Mazda noted the limited-slip diff, Bilsteins, and shock tower brace only comes on the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club if equipped with the manual transmission the automaker calls SKYACTIV-MT.

Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Jim O’Sullivan said, “MX-5 is the heart and soul of Mazda, serving as a beacon for the rest of our lineup with its fun-to-drive dynamics, design and technologies. Jinba Ittai—oneness between driver and machine—defines the MX-5. It’s a philosophy that has led every decision we’ve made toward bringing the MX-5 back to the basics that made drivers fall in love with it 26 years ago when the first generation debuted.”

On the technology front, the press release said standard equipment on the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club includes Mazda Connect infotainment with a seven-inch color touchscreen display, multi-function commander control, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, two USB ports, a nine-speaker Bose audio system with headrest speakers, seatback bars, and piano black exterior mirrors. In addition, the release said all Mazda MX-5 Miatas headed for North America will feature compact LED headlights, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capabilities, and the automaker’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Any 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be a fun car to drive in the twisty stuff, with a curb weight of just 2,332 lbs with the manual transmission. However, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club’s chassis bonuses should give it an extra edge that should make it even more fun, whether on the long way home or on the track for the weekend.