- The sports car’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder has been upgraded to produce 197 hp.
- Mazda has also installed new Bilstein shocks and Rays TE37 wheels.
- The new sub-division will rival Toyota’s, Hyundai’s, and Honda’s performance arms.
The Mazda MX-5 remains one of the few affordable and exciting driver-focused sports cars on the market. Later this year, it will become even more enticing with the production launch of the Mazda Spirit Racing variant previewed at last month’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
Key Mazda rivals, including Toyota and Hyundai, have spiced up their lineups in recent years with the launch of the Gazoo Racing and N brands. Mazda used to have its own in-house performance division, known as Mazdaspeed, but it was phased out over a decade ago. Mazda Spirit Racing is the successor to Mazdaspeed and marks the brand’s return to the performance car space. A tweaked MX-5 is its first model.
Read: Mazda Spirit Racing’s First Production Model Is A MX-5 Special
The production version will reportedly hit the market this November, according to BestCarWeb, and should be largely identical to the car showcased last month. It’s expected to be limited to 200 units and will be restricted to the Japanese market. That’s a huge shame for MX-5 enthusiasts living elsewhere, but if there’s enough global demand for it, there’s a chance it may be sold in other markets as well.
The Upgrades
A slew of visual updates differentiate the MX-5 from Mazda Spirit Racing from the run-of-the-mill MX-5. For starters, it rocks a new front splitter and sleek side skirts, giving it a much sportier appearance. Mazda has also fitted a set of new six-spoke black Rays TE37 wheels sitting over bright red brake calipers. The car also includes black badges and black stickers, adding to the sporty look. Found in the cabin are Recaro seats, four-point harnesses, and red contrast stitching.
Plenty of changes have been made under the skin, too. Most importantly, the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder sports new camshafts, pistons, exhaust manifold, and a new cylinder head, allowing it to produce 197 hp and more torque than the standard model. Bilstein dampers, new underbody stiffening, and special tires are set to make the little roadster handle even better, which no doubt will be welcome news to prospective buyers.
