Mazda MX-5 Sets New World Record

Japanese carmaker Mazda has successfully managed to enter the Guinness Book of World Records with its MX-5 roadster model by creating the longest continuous MX-5 parade of all times this past weekend. With 459 officially recognised vehicles gathered at the grounds of the UNESCO Zollverein World Heritage site in Essen, the former world record of 249 vehicles set in New Zealand has been broken.

“The excitement leading up to this event was amazing,” said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO Mazda Motor Europe, in a statement for the press. “Over 600 MX-5 owners applied to take part; so many that we didn’t have room for them all because of technical reasons. The event, the parade, the many visitors – Mazda MX-5 showed today why it’s still one of the best-loved sports cars on the planet.”

Cars from 16 countries took part in the world record attempt, including Germany and Russia. The world record has been celebrated by all participants afterwards on the grounds of the Zollverein World Heritage Site.

Mazda is currently working on a new generation MX-5 model, which is rumored to make its debut sometime in 2012 and use the Nagare design language. Mazda also hopes the new MX-5 will weigh around 1,000 kg, and will keep the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low.

The Nagare design language, which is inspired by the nature’s flowing elements, will not be featured on any of the new Mazda concepts. It has been replaced by a new design direction this fall, dubbed KODO - Soul of motion. KODO has first been previewed on the Mazda Shinari concept, which will be displayed at the upcoming auto show in Paris.