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Will Mazda show the next Miata's chassis in NY?

Mazda is being very sneaky about what it is bringing to the New York Auto Show, and it might have something to do with the next-generation MX-5 Miata. Australian website Motoring.com.au spoke to a company insider who told it that at least the chassis for the roadster would debut in Manhattan. The rumor goes that the show will act as the kickoff for the PR campaign for the new model.
We contacted Mazda USA PR Director Jeremy Barnes to find out more, and he would neither confirm nor deny the rumor. "Just because you read it on the Internet doesn't mean you should repeat it," he said to Autoblog. That's not exactly an outright, No.
Supporting evidence that the new drop top might be appearing in the Big Apple includes Mazda's plan to celebrate the model's 25th anniversary at the show. It's bringing 15 cars from the first three generations to display. "It will be absolutely worth attending the New York Auto Show if you're a Miata fan," Barnes said. That at least hints that there might be something he's not telling us. Otherwise it's a lot of sizzle without much steak.

Mazda MX-5 breeds upgraded Roadster RS in Japan

Fans of the new Mazda MX-5 Miata looking for something a little more performance-focused may be enticed by the new RS model. Unfortunately they'll have to go all the way to Japan to get it. Because Mazda will only be offering this particular version back home. The new RS version of the Mazda Roadster (as it's known in Japan) features a number of performance upgrades, although none of them specifically affect the engine or its output. The Roadster RS features Bilstein dampers and front suspension tower brace for better handling, along with bigger brakes for added stopping power, a retuned steering rack for sharper turn-in, and upgraded exhaust for a better sound. Inside it's also been treated to heated Recaro seats with Nappa leather and Alcantara trim and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. It also comes equipped with adaptive front lighting and high-beam control as well as lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. Feeling left out yet? Don't be too disappointed, or book that ticket to Tokyo's Natita International Airport just yet. The Mazda Roadster RS only comes with the smaller 1.5-liter engine that produces 129 horsepower, which is significantly less than the 2.0L we get here at 155 hp. It does, however, come with the six-speed manual instead of the automatic. So while this may not be the most powerful version of the Miata, it may be the enthusiast favorite – at least in the JDM. Related Video:

Mazda ad showing Facebook updates while driving criticized by Senate committee [w/video]

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, held an all-day summit on Thursday to discuss the dangers of using modern technology while driving, during which an ad that Mazda aired during the Super Bowl was used as an example of the worrisome future towards which we're headed. While seemingly innocuous at first glance, the ad, which can be seen below, shows a brief glimpse of a driver using the Mazda Connect infotainment system in a Mazda3 to check/update his Facebook page while driving down the road.
Officials from major communications companies like Samsung, Google and Apple attended the summit, as well as representatives from automakers including General Motors and Toyota. A representative from Mazda was not present despite the company's own currently available technology being used as the poster child for the issues being discussed.
According to Automotive News, Senator Rockefeller warned the automaker and communication execs on hand that he will propose legislation to regulate the use of technology while driving if they don't work together to implement their own standards more quickly. Michael Robinson, GM's vice president of sustainability and global regulatory affairs, argued that his company has had distracted driving guidelines in place for 15 years since the advent of its OnStar system, noting that the technology in question has also helped the automaker save lives through automatic crash detection and calls to 911.