The Mazda MX-5 is a sports car legend, and it’s now entering its fourth generation. Will the new Miata live up to the legacy? We’ll soon find out, as the first cars for U.S. sale have just entered production.

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The first 1,000 2016 Mazda MX-5s to reach U.S. shores will be Launch Edition cars, which get unique badging, the MX-5 Grand Touring trim and equipment, plus keyless entry. All Launch Edition MX-5s are painted Soul Red with Sport Tan leather interior. The only buyer-configurable option on the Launch Edition is a choice of six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Launch Edition models are priced at $30,195 (manual) or $31,270 (automatic) (both prices exclude $820 destination charge).

"The MX-5 Launch Edition will give enthusiasts the opportunity to take ownership of one of the very first, very exclusive, 2016 MX-5s to arrive in the U.S.," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "Along with the privilege of exclusivity and being among the first 1,000 to take delivery, owners will be able to enjoy one of the purest expressions of open-top driving exhilaration available today as well as our latest entertainment, safety and luxury technologies – many of which are unique among sports cars."

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If you want to get your hands on a Launch Edition, visit the pre-registration site at LongLiveTheRoadster.com. Once registered, you’ll get a reminder email when orders open on May 5, when you can then place a $500 deposit toward the purchase of a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Launch Edition.

The 2016 MX-5s will begin arriving in the U.S. in late summer 2015.