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Everything You Need for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s Appearance at Fashion Rocks

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Mazda MX-5 Miata's Appearance at Fashion Rocks Jennifer Lopez performs on stage

Jennifer Lopez will be one of a dozen artists performing at Fashion Rocks 2014 September 9 on CBS. Photo: Ana Carolina Kley Vita

Practically the entire world has had Miata fever since the announcement that Mazda would be reviving and producing this year’s Fashion Rocks in order to promote the 25th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Sure, there will be musical artists and fashion models everywhere, and while such contributions are entertaining, they can hardly rival the glamour of the newest generation MX-5 Miata.

Tonight (Tuesday, September 9) on CBS at 9:00 PM ET/11:00 PM PT, numerous musical and fashion artists will hit the stage in a gigantic spectacle. But, if you want to get the full experience watching Fashion Rocks 2014, there is a large amount of need-to-know information to prepare you for tonight.

No need to worry, however! The News Wheel has compiled this information in one convenient place. Read on, roadster enthusiasts, and prepare for the Miata’s appearance at Fashion Rocks!

A Brief History of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata's Appearance at Fashion Rocks and Duran Duran

Duran Duran unveiled the newest generation roadster last week on September 3 in a private concert.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, or the Roadster as it is also known around the world, first debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The two-seater soon caught on for its lightweight body and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. While other UK roadsters were being phased out of production by competitors like Triumph Motor Company and MG Cars, the MX-5 made a splash with its revolutionary unibody construction with detachable subframes. It wasn’t until nearly ten years later, in 1998, that the second generation MX-5 was produced, and the third generation in 2006. Now, it’s time for the fourth generation to be revealed.

Among the numerous awards won by Mazda’s signature MX-5 Miata are Wheel Magazine’s Car of the Year in 1989 and 2005, Sports Car International’s “best sports car of the 1990s” and “ten best sports cars of all time,” 2005–2006 Car of the Year Japan, and 2005 Australian Car of the Year.

With the Miata being the best-selling two-seater convertible sports car in history, the little roadster propelled Mazda into the successful automotive brand it is today.

Initial Reactions to the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Prepare for Mazda MX-5 Miata's Appearance at Fashion Rocks Revealed Red 1

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata revealed on September 3. Photo: Mazda USA via YouTube

At the official unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 Miata on September 3, director of design Derek Jenkins discussed the crucial balance the design team faced: keep the DNA focused on the quintessential roadster to respect the Miata’s fan base while still capturing the spark of a new generation of drivers.

As images of the newest generation Miata have hit the internet, reactions on the newest roadster have been undeniably polarized.

Younger fans want a turbo-charged sports edition of the roadster, rather than its affordable and lightweight current form. Without a 6-speed turbo, a stronger engine, or other supercharged features, the sentiment of many young “power junkies” can be summarized as “No Turbo, No Care.”

On the other hand, older fans think the design looks too modern, especially with the heavily-sloped front end that nearly touches the ground. With such drastic stylistic changes, the classic image of the roadster has been nearly lost.

Obviously, some people had to like the new design, as the fourth generation’s exclusive pre-order on Tuesday, May 20 closed almost immediately. Within 10 minutes, 250 people had registered for the 100 special edition models being offered. This seems to be the open-minded third group of people, who find the newest model “upscale” and “sophisticated” while still retaining its trendy and fashionable image.

What are your thoughts on the new design? Take a look at the gallery of pictures already revealed and read our thoughts on the newest MX-5.

The Revival of Fashion Rocks

Fashion Rocks Tweet 1

The Fashion Rocks Live Twitter Feed has been ablaze with numerous fashion and music-related updates. Photo: Fashion Rocks Twitter

Music, fashion, art, and cars–it all culminates in one of the biggest televised events this year: Fashion Rocks 2014.

After being on a five-year hiatus since 2008, this concert-meets-fashion-pageant has been resurrected for a new generation and will be featuring a new model: the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. While certain audience members will be excited to see the fashion portions of the show, such as the premiere of Steve Madden’s fall 2014 collection, the majority of viewers are focused on the music.

Fashion Rocks’ lineup of musical performers have every demographic covered: hip hop, 80s rock, 90s pop, modern dance, country, and even reggae fusion. Take a look at the range in the selection that’s scheduled for Fashion Rocks tonight:

  • Afro Jack, Usher, Nico + Vinz, Pitbull
  • Duran Duran, Kiss
  • Enrique Iglesias, Nicki Minaj, Rita Ora
  • Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Magic!
  • Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan

Duran Duran has already performed at the official unveiling of the Mazda MX-5 Miata on September 3, as they delivered a mini-concert in Monterey, CA, but they still will likely take the stage again. Duran Duran has been the headlining artist during the entire Road to Fashion Rocks campaign. “Duran Duran and the MX-5 Miata both made their world debuts in the 1980s and captured the hearts and imagination of an entire generation,” says Russell Wager, vice president of Marketing, MNAO. “In 25 years, both the car and the band have evolved while staying true to their roots.”

Fashion Rocks will be the opening act to New York Fashion Week and will air on CBS on September 9 at 9:00 pm ET/11:00 pm PT, syndicated on networks globally at later dates.

Psyched for the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s Appearance at Fashion Rocks Tonight!

Press sources at Mazda promise that, in relation to their month-long Road to Fashion Rocks promotional effort, “The program will culminate with the broadcast of the Sept. 9 show, featuring the 2016 MX-5 Miata.” It’s yet unclear how the MX-5 Miata’s presence will be seen in the event, but be sure to keep an eye out for it as you tune in.

Also, Mazda and Fashion Rocks recommend you have your Shazam app engaged for a second screen experience during the broadcast. Maybe we’ll get to see some special footage of the Miata!

We’ll conclude on one final bit of media to get your mouth watering for tonight’s festivities. This year’s host of Fashion Rocks, Ryan Seacrest, stands front and center as the personality and humor in CBS’s official commercial, which you can watch below.

Make sure you have The News Wheel bookmarked as we plan to cover Miata’s appearance at Fashion Rocks tonight, as it airs.

Long live the roadster!