9.02.1989/5/XNUMX February XNUMX | Mazda MX Premiere

At the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, Mazda debuted its MX-5 roadster, known in the United States as the Miata. Work on the small, roofless sports car had been underway since the early 1986s at Mazda's American design bureau in California and Japan. The final concept was approved this year and preparations for production began.

It was decided to use rear-wheel drive, front engine and independent suspension on all wheels. To guarantee an attractive price, the Mazda roadster was based on solutions from popular models (including the gearbox), although the 1.6 liter engine was developed specifically for this model. Later, a more powerful 1.8-liter unit was added to the offer.

The first generation Mazda MX-5 was produced in Japan until 1997. From the factory in Hiroshima, it was shipped all over the world. One of the main markets was the United States, but in Europe the car performed well. Today, 30 years after its debut, it is the best-selling roadster in history. More than a million vehicles of four generations have already been handed over to customers.

Added by: 2 years ago,

a photo: Press materials