Do you remember the MX-5 Sport Black Edition launched in Britain last summer or perhaps its twin from Japan, the MX-5 Black Tune Edition released this past October?

If the answer is yes, we would like to congratulate you on your excellent memory and tell you that the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition that will be unveiled at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show is more or less the U.S. market version of those two models – hence the RHD pictures released by Mazda.

The main difference is that the American model will not be offered with the Spirited Green Metallic that’s available on the Japanese and British variants, as buyers will have to make do with two color options, Crystal White Pearl Mica or Velocity Red Mica.

Like its two siblings, the MX-5 Miata Special Edition features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) with matching color 17-inch alloy wheels and exterior accents such as the mirrors.

Inside you’ll find black heated leather seats with accent stitching, piano black interior finishes and alloy pedals.

The special edition will be available with either the six-speed manual gearbox with or a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, both linked to the regular 167HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The manual gearbox model gets Bilstein shocks, limited-slip rear differential and sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda said production of the MX-5 Miata Special Edition would be limited to 450 units with pricing to be announced.

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