This is the MX-5 aimed at us gearheads. While all copies of the current MX-5 receive the same drivetrain, the Club adds the stiffer suspension, limited-slip rear and 17-inch wheels.
In addition to those gunmetal wheels, exterior cues include a blacked-out air dam and rear lip. Call it the spiritual successor to that original 1994 Miata R.
Unlike the Miata …
Sure doesn't look like a Florida coastline!
When cars are in high demand, do manufacturers run media events? Each mag gets a mule on some curvy roads for 30 minutes, an hour, so that there can easily be a reporting swarm?
Many cars are introduced via media events so a bunch of publications can sample a new car at once. The scope of an event can be international, national or regional.
The usual schedule includes a tech talk, lots of eating/drinking and some drive time. Driving time can include street and/or track and/or autocross. I have been to some that have also include drag runs, off-road courses, rally stages, etc. This all depends on the car and situation. Sometimes we get what seems like just a few minutes behind the wheel. Other times we get to drive a lot.
Then there are the test cars placed into regional rotation. We get one or two per week, and those are the reviews that you can read here. Some of these cars we first saw at a press introduction, while this is our first dance with others.
I admit that some weekly review cars might not seem like the usual GRM fodder. We get them and drive them and figure we'll still share our opinions. Maybe someone here is looking for a family car. Maybe a friend has a question about an SUV. They're online so they're not taking away pages from the usual mix.
Mazda didn't do the usual press intro for the MX-5. Cars were loaned to media outlets one-on-one. Our loan became the Tire Rack-to-Florida cover story. Usually, though, new introductions are handled through some sort of media event.
I think I'm in the minority here, but I'll state my opinion. The MX-5 is MUCH better looking than the Fiat.
The Club looks awesome. Totally useless for my needs and not in my future, but that's still my opinion.
doc_speeder wrote: I think I'm in the minority here, but I'll state my opinion. The MX-5 is MUCH better looking than the Fiat. The Club looks awesome. Totally useless for my needs and not in my future, but that's still my opinion.
One thing that I have noticed, and I think it's a good thing, is that people either prefer the Fiat or the Mazda. Good, each one appeals to different people.
My 2016 is a Club but without the Brembo/BBS package and I love it.
miatafan wrote: My 2016 is a Club but without the Brembo/BBS package and I love it.
Good color choice, too.
My own ND will be non-Brembo Club spec.
In reply to Keith Tanner:
Any word/update on the transmission failure issue some people have had?
Mazda is very aware and is introducing a fix. I don't know if it will cure all problems or only decrease the frequency - which appears to be greater on the internet than in Mazda's warranty return files.
Keith Tanner wrote: Mazda is very aware and is introducing a fix. I don't know if it will cure all problems or only decrease the frequency - which appears to be greater on the internet than in Mazda's warranty return files.
No surprise there. 
In fairness wasn't it was Mazda who first brought the transmission issues to light after racing them ? (thunderhill if I'm remembering correctly) They were being far more candid than a manufacturer would normally be, but it set the stage for the general non-first hand internet opinion.
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