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with one-hand operation that was lightweight and offered superior weather protection, and is still the model of simplicity in today's roadsters. All together, the MX-5 Miata weighed a low 2,116 pounds curb weight and could reach 60 mph in less than nine seconds. The second-generation MX-5 Miata debuted in 1998 as a 1999 model year, offering a more powerful 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque, and new styling that was most obvious in the front as the first generation car's distinctive pop-up headlights were replaced with a faired-in design. In addition, the plastic rear window in the MX-5's soft top was replaced with a heated glass window. Features such as a straight intake port, a variable-inertia exhaust system and a dual exhaust manifold were incorporated to aid the sporty feel. The base model could reach 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 122 mph. A special limited edition model was introduced in 1999 to celebrate MX-5's 10-year anniversary. This model ramped up performance by use of a new six-speed manual transmission, Torsen(® )limited-slip differential and sport-tuned suspension wi th Bilstein shock absorbers. A special Sapphire Blue Mica paint with more than 700 dealers. blue soft top also was offered on Operations in Mexico are manthe special edition model. aged by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. In 2005, the third generation MX-5 was introduced with a new 16-valve, 2.0-liter MZR I-4 engine, producing 170 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, coupled to either a fivespeed or a six-speed manual transmission or 166 horsepower with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. Every component on the car was either all-new or extensively revised, with the only part shared with the earlier generations being the side-repeater turn signal lamp on non-U.S. models. A front wishbone/rear multilink suspension was used beginning with the 2006 MX-5 to increase ride quality and handling. Technologies like traction control and stability control also were added. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through