Mazda Celebrates MX-5's 20th Anniversary with Special Edition Model

The world's most successful open-top sports car with more than 860,000 sales spread over three generation models, the MX-5, also known in other markets as the Miata or simply Roadster, is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and to commemorate the event, Mazda has introduced a special edition version of the car for the Japanese market.

The Roadster 20th Anniversary is available either in RS guise with a traditional soft-top and a six-speed manual transmission or as a VS RHT with a retractable hardtop and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The special edition models come in a Crystal White Pearl Mica finish which is used for the first time on the Mazda Roadster. Special equipment includes unique red and black RECARO bucket sport seats, '20th Anniversary' badges on the fenders, clear front fog lights., 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/45R17 84W tyres and a glass rear window for the soft-top model plus heated seats with five temperature settings.

A front strut tower bar and 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/45R17 84W tyres complete the changes. Prices in Japan are set at 2,860,000 yen ($29,900 or €21,100) for the soft-top version and 3,110,000 yen ($32,500 or €23,000) for the RHT model.

And for those living outside Japan, no need to worry as Mazda is planning to launch special edition versions of the MX-5 / Miata in other markets as well.

Supercharged Audi S5 Cabriolet Available for Order in the UK

Audi has opened the UK order books for the range-topping model of its new A5 Cabriolet, the S5. Prices start from £42,245 OTR with first deliveries expected to arrive in October. The rag-top S5 Cabriolet is powered by the same supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that's found under the hood of the latest S4 Sedan and Avant models. It produces an output of 333 HP and 440 Nm of torque from 2,500-4,850 rpm.

Equipped with Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system, the S5 is offered exclusively with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission. According to the German automaker, the 3.0 TSI powers the S5 Cabriolet to 62mph (100km/h) in 5.6 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h.

Toyota Announces Minor Changes for 2010 Avalon, Yaris, RAV4, Highlander and Tacoma

Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August.

Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.

For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.

The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.

* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY