2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition

The Mazda MX-5 Special Edition will be offered in the States in a limited run of 750 units, albeit at a much lower price as the U.S. version starts at $30,925 with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when equipped with the six-speed Sport AT automatic. That’s compared to US$47,800 for the Aussie market model.

Power for the Limited Edition comes from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 167-horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque and will be available shortly after its debut at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

2011 Mazda MX-5 is available only in two new colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. The Special Edition is based off of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with the retractable hard top and rides on 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels.

The interior Mazda MX-5 Special Edition for the States market gets gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster, plus aluminum pedals when equipped with a manual gearbox.

The most important addition is the Suspension package, which is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring model, and includes Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension.