Designed as a limited edition run, the MX-5 Coupe has been split up into three trim and appearance levels. The most powerful and therefore fastest of the three is the Type A - possibly poking fun at the type-A personality types that might opt for this model. Sporting a rear spoiler, front and rear skirts, and wheel arch extensions, it is also the most visually dramatic. The Type A also features a thick-striped aluminum front grille, and deeply inset front fog lights. Under the hood is the top of the line 1.8-liter inline-four found in the Miata RS (not available in North America). Rated at 160 horsepower, it's quick and free revving. The gearbox is a short-throw six-speed manual, also borrowed from the Miata RS. Mazda has decided on a set production of 200 Type A cars.
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| The Type-A model is fitted with the top of the line 160-hp 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder engine, also found in the Miata RS. (Photo: Mazda) |
Second on the list is the Type E (similarly named to the Jaguar E-Type), a slightly tuned down version of the Type A. Focusing on comfort over sheer performance, the car features a 4-speed automatic transmission and a lavish leather trimmed interior. Creature comforts such as power windows are also standard. Because of the transmission, the car's engine, the same as that used in the Type A, has been limited to 154 horsepower. On the outside, the Type E is far less radical, featuring smoothed front bumpers, a spoiler that's been integrated into the trunk lid, and a silver mesh front grille. It looks quite similar to the XK8 coupe around the back, but it's safe to say the Ford division won't be suing itself for infringement. Mazda plans on building 150 of these.
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| The Type-A is the top of three trim packages that will be offered by Mazda, and will be limited to only 200 cars. (Photo: Mazda) |
Last on the list is the Type S model. Visually, it doesn't feature any of the differentiating trim bits that both separate the Type A and Type E from the roadster, but rather looks more or less like a hardtop Miata. Buyers can choose from either a basic 1.6-liter 125 horsepower engine or the more powerful 160 horsepower unit. Both feature 6-speed manual gearboxes.