Mazda upgrades MX-5 with more power, but Australia to miss out
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Mazda proves its MX-5 can produce up to 147kW from its 2.0-litre engine, but Spirit Racing variant to remain in Japan only.
Mazda has unveiled its most potent factory-built MX-5 to date, with the Spirit Racing Roadster 12R making its debut at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon.
Powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as the standard MX-5 line-up, power increases 12kW from 135kW to 147kW – making this the most powerful Mazda roadster to roll out of Hiroshima.
No torque figure has been stated, but the standard MX-5 produces 205Nm.
Of note however, the 2002 MX-5 SP – based on the second-generation MX-5 – produced 157kW, but was limited to Australia and achieved the power figure thanks to the local fitment of a turbocharger to the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine.
While the MX-5 Spirt Racing's 147kW output is not enough to match the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, which have 174kW from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, the new MX-5 does outmuscle the Mini Cooper S that features 141kW from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.
To achieve the increase in output, the 12R sports a revised intake and exhaust system, as well as changes to the pistons, camshafts, and cylinder heads.
Other changes to the 12R include 17-inch forged Rays TE37 wheels, Brembo front brakes, Recaro sports seats with four-point racing harnesses, Bilstein dampers, and a more aggressive bodykit.
Inside, there are also lashings of Alcantara on the steering wheel, dashboard, and gear knob.
However, this is where the good news ends, as the Spirit Racing Roadster 12R will be limited to just 200 units and only available in Japan, with Mazda Australia confirming there are "no plans" to bring the car Down Under.
In Japan, the new MX-5 wears a ¥7,000,000 price tag, which translates to about $AU72,220 – well above the top-spec RF GT RS positioned at $57,220 in Australia.
Mazda's performance-orientated Spirit Racing line was unveiled at last year's Tokyo Auto Salon, with a modified MX-5 and Mazda 3 hatchback on display, so expect to see the next model take a more practical shape.
This year, Mazda also exhibited a Spirit Racing version of the CX-60 family SUV complete with Alcantara-clad interior and exterior tweaks.
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