Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Mazda MX-5.

Speculation has been swirling over the last two years that a Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 was right around the corner. At first, it was rumored to be released in late 2007, then early 2008, then early 2009 and then... nothing.

Speaking with Autoblog, Mazda's PR man Jeremy Barnes made it clear that the automaker has no plans to offer a Mazdaspeed version of the current MX-5. While it was originally assumed that the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-pot found in the Mazdaspeed3 would eventually find its way under the hood of the MX-5, Mazda discovered that the swap wasn't a bolt-in affair. According to Barnes, "It does theoretically fit, until you bolt on the head." A high-pressure fuel pump on the back of the head, driven off the cam, would necessitate a notch in the firewall. As such, converting the engine from a transverse (FWD) to a longitudinal (RWD) layout just wasn't feasible.

Thankfully, in addition to Mazdaspeed's own lineup of suspension and engine components, aftermarket companies are developing their own forced induction systems for the NC MX-5. Cosworth is currently testing a supercharger and Flyin' Miata is a couple months away from releasing its own centrifugal blower.

Until the Mazdaspeed version of the MX-5 makes its debut, those of us looking for forced-induction power from Mazda's NC Miata must turn to the aftermarket. Of all the tuning firms looking to turbo- or supercharge the new MX-5, Cosworth has both the reputation and technological prowess to pull it off sans drama.

According to Eric Hsu, founder of XS Engineering and current Cosworth engineer, despite some setbacks, Cosworth will be releasing its bolt-on supercharger soon. The setup produces approximately 210 hp at the wheels, looks OEM clean and is designed to be legal in all 50 states. But Cosworth isn't stopping there. Hsu says that a Stage 2 version is planned that ups the boost, adds a set of headers and includes some hotter cams. We can't wait to check it out, particularly with the "1G" suspension package offered by Mazdaspeed.

[Source: Beyond the Dyno]

Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition.

It's already been two full years since Mazda released its third generation MX-5 (NC), and in keeping with tradition, it's rolled out another limited edition model for enthusiasts in its home market. The "Prestige Edition" Roadster (as it's known abroad) is based off the RS and VS retractable hardtop models, and is equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, 17-inch BBS wheels, stainless steel scuff plats and front fog lamps. Underhood, the MX-5 gets a front strut tower bar along with DSC when equipped in six-speed auto guise.

Mazda's full press release is posted after the jump, and we've included a gallery of all the glitz below.

[Source: Mazda]