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IRVINE, Calif., April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The wait is almost over, as North America-bound 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata production began today, signaling the imminent arrival of the next generation of the world's most popular two-seat roadster at U.S. dealers. Additionally, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released pricing for the entire MX-5 range, including the first 1,000 cars earmarked as Launch Edition models.

"The three trim levels available – Sport, Club and Grand Touring – are tailored for three very different types of customers, broadening the MX-5's appeal," said Rod McLaughlin, MX-5 vehicle line manager, MNAO. "Whether customers opt for a Sport, Club, Grand Touring or Launch Edition, we're confident the new MX-5 will deliver the same owner passion, excitement and pride that have made the previous generations among the most beloved cars on the road or racetrack at any price point."

MX-5 Miata Launch Edition Limited Treats Buyers with Creature Comforts, Exclusivity
The 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition will comprise the first 1,000 fourth-generation roadsters sold in the U.S., carrying unique badging and with an MSRP of $30,1951. MX-5 Launch Edition comes equipped with features reserved for the MX-5 Grand Touring trim, in addition to Advanced Keyless entry, which is optional in other trim levels. All 1,000 Launch Editions are painted Soul Red with a Sport Tan leather interior – a combination exclusive to the Launch Edition for 2016.

To purchase an MX-5 Launch Edition, customers can currently preregister at 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible Roadster | Mazda USA and will receive a reminder email prior to orders opening on May 5. Customers will then have the opportunity to place a $500 deposit toward the purchase of a 2016 MX-5 Launch Edition, also providing them the opportunity to select a dealership from where they can take delivery. MX-5s are expected arrive in dealers starting late summer.

The Launch Edition's sole option will be the choice of a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission or the six-speed automatic, the latter of which carries an MSRP of $31,2702.

"The MX-5 Launch Edition will give enthusiasts the opportunity to take ownership of one of the very first, very exclusive, 2016 MX-5s to arrive in the U.S.," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Along with the privilege of exclusivity and being among the first 1,000 to take delivery, owners will be able to enjoy one of the purest expressions of open-top driving exhilaration available today as well as our latest entertainment, safety and luxury technologies – many of which are unique among sports cars."

Customers who take delivery of an MX-5 Launch Edition also will receive a Mazda-branded BOSE® SoundLink® Mini Bluetooth® speaker in a customized gift box, along with select items from Mazda's upcoming Heritage Collection apparel line.

MX-5 Sport to Have More Standard Features Than Previous Generation
At the opposite end of the MX-5 lineup, the 2016 MX-5 Sport has a starting MSRP of $24,9153, riding on 16-inch alloy wheels and carrying a host of new standard features such as a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, cruise control, LED headlights and tail lights, Bluetooth phone pairing and audio streaming, leather-wrapped shift knob, power door locks, single USB input and cruise control.

As in the Launch Edition and all models, an automatic transmission option is available as a $1,075 option. Advanced Keyless entry is available for $130 (standard with automatic transmission).

MX-5 Club and Grand Touring Personalize Roadster Experience
Those who want to step up to a higher level of content will have a choice between distinct trim packages: the distilled, performance-focused MX-5 Club or MX-5 Grand Touring, lavished in premium amenities and technology.

MX-5 Club has a starting MSRP of $28,6004 and adds 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45R17 tires, front air dam and trunk-mounted rear lip spoiler, piano black seat back bars and exterior mirror caps, MAZDA CONNECT™ with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and commander control knob and an AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM® satellite radio with a nine-speaker BOSE® audio system with headrest speakers – all in addition to MX-5 Sport's standard equipment. A limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein® shocks and shock-tower brace are standard when equipped with the manual transmission.

Additionally, MX-5 Club is available with a package that equips it with forged, lightweight BBS 17-inch wheels, Brembo® front brake rotors and calipers with painted front and rear calipers, functional aerodynamic side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.

Moving to MX-5 Grand Touring endows the roadster with 17-inch bright alloy wheels, leather-trimmed heated seats, automatic climate control, BOSE® nine-speaker audio system with headrest speakers, AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM® radio, MAZDA CONNECT™ with and seven-inch touchscreen monitor, commander control knob, Homelink® garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights in addition to MX-5 Sport's standard equipment. Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. MX-5 Grand Touring has an MSRP of $30,0655.

Smaller, lighter and more focused, the 2016 MX-5 is purpose-built with one goal in mind: providing the thrills and wind-in-the-hair driving experience that only the MX-5 can deliver. At 2,332 lbs. when equipped with SKYACTIV-MT (2,381 lbs. with the automatic transmission), MX-5 is approximately 150 lbs. lighter than the vehicle it replaces as a result of Mazda's efficient SKYACTIV®6 TECHNOLOGY. MX-5's lighter weight, enhanced technologies and greater performance should help ensure that the 26th year of the MX-5 will be just as exciting from behind the wheel as the first 25 have been.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at Welcome | Mazda USA Media.