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[VIDEO] Front Row at the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Show

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

Remember back in July when The News Wheel first reported that the Mazda Miata was scheduled to be revealed on September 3 near Monterey, California?

If you haven’t noticed, that day has come, and The News Wheel is here to give you a front row view of the unforgettable 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata show!

The Opening Acts at the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Show

Just as Mazda had reported months ago, a special debut show was organized in Monterey, California in preparation for the highly-anticipated revival of Fashion Rocks. While the concert-plus-fashion show on September 9 will primarily focus on the musical and fashion artists, Mazda wanted a special event dedicated to unveiling the fourth-generation Miata.

Hence, last night’s 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata show.

Following a brief performance by Duran Duran, Miata enthusiasts in the audience were “hungry like the wolf” for a glimpse at the revolutionized MX-5.

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Director of Design for Mazda, Derek Jenkins, raises audience excitement in anticipation of the big reveal. Photo: Mazda USA via YouTube

To introduce the vehicle’s 25th anniversary revamp, director of design Derek Jenkins took the stage for a humorous and insightful glimpse into the work that went into the iconic roadster. Clearly, the shouts of adoration and enthusiasm from the audience confirmed their vision of Mazda representatives as rock stars.

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.

“We started with the basics,” Jenkins explained. “Simple, lightweight, affordable, and of course completely in sync with the driver.” Basically, Mazda acknowledges the influence the suggestions of die-hard Miata fans had on the roadster’s new design.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Takes Center Stage

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The Mazda MX-5 is on smokin’ hot! Photo: Mazda USA via YouTube

After plenty of hype, a pristine red roadster sailed onto the stage in the midst of laser lights, smoke blasts, and self-assured electro-rock riffs. Positioning itself on the runway, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata was the star of every audience member’s cell phone shots and tweets.

Before closing out the night, Jenkins took advantage of the audience’s unwavering attention to point out some changes in the Miata’s body: the wider and lower front end the nose that curves nearly to the ground, the low belt-line dip, the fenders pulled back further from the front, the power concentrated on the rear wheels, and the dramatic taper into the rear bumper.

All-in-all, it was a successful debut that was broadcasted live in both Barcelona and Tokyo.

Be sure to return for more news on the MX-5 Miata’s presence at September 9’s Fashion Rocks show. In the meantime, get yourself some shiny new pictures of the MX-5 Miata. The company  simultaneously released a gallery of stunning images of the MX-5 Miata last night, which will undoubtedly become our desktop wallpaper at The News Wheel.

Long live the Roadster!