Total production of the Mazda MX-5 sports car reached 900,000 units today at Mazda's Hiroshima plant in Japan. The milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989 and further extends the Mazda MX-5's lead as the best selling two-seater sports car of all time. Indeed, the MX-5 took that title from the MGB (1962-80) in May 2000 when production reached 514,853 units to exceed the iconic British sportster. Second place on the list is now held by Porsche's 911 series (1963-present) which has sold over 700,000. It's also fifty years this year since Jaguar launched the first affordable super sports two-seater, the E-Type, but we'll be doing something special and separate for that shortly.
With its 21 year production run, the MX-5 is the longest enduring nameplate in Mazda's global lineup, having undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades.
"More than 20 years have passed since the first-generation Mazda MX-5 was born," said Mazda's executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai. "During this time, society and vehicles themselves have changed significantly. Responding to environmental issues and the depletion of the Earth's natural resources has become increasingly important for all automakers. As part of its environmental efforts, Mazda announced its new SKYACTIV technologies last year. Currently, we are pushing forward with development of future products that will incorporate these technologies. Many of the elements that go into our SKYACTIV technologies, such as comprehensive weight reduction, grew from the long years of development work that have gone into the MX-5. Indeed, the guiding principle behind the SKYACTIV technologies - to build cars that are fun to drive - is perfectly embodied by the MX-5."
"As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units," Kanai continued, "Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5. We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities. As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand."
If they are so keen on weight reduction, SKYACTIV etc, they can start by bringing the next model back down to the 1000kg of the original! Seriously - they\'ve bloated out a bit since mk1.
That said, I\'m sure its still the most fun on four wheels. I\'ve driven a 911 and found it to feel heavy at hand (Teutonic?). As for the Jags, they went away from the sporty feel years ago. I understand the Indians at Tata plan on converting their big XF sedan into a coupe, but that will be no sports car for certain.
Right on, Mazda ! (PS: My daughter drives a 6)
The Mazda has a long way to go.
Your comparison of the Miata to a Cessna is apropo, and no one would call the single-engined Cessna a sport plane! The Corvette would be the Zivko Edge 540. Aside from the silliness of calling a Miata a sports car, the actual record the Miata has must be qualified as the best selling \"OPEN\" two-seater sports car - they\'ve sold a lot of convertibles.
This article is in fact incorrect in saying the have the \"world\'s top selling two seater sports car\" as Masda does not hold that record. Look it up.
It would be more like comparing a Cessna with a P-51.
The Corvette is one of the most enduring sports cars ever built. The fact that it is also luxuriously comfortable and aggressively intimidating are further tributes to its heritage.
For the money,not much compares with the Corvette\'s style,comfort and performance for trouble-free extended traveling.
The Corvette is one thing America still does well. They even get good gas mileage!