Mazda moots 205bhp MX-5
Mazda is looking into building a 205bhp version of its rear-wheel-drive MX-5 sports car, almost certainly as a reaction to the immediate success of the Toyota GT-86 and Subaru BRZ.
Mazda’s success in GT racing lends itself to a motorsport-inspired version of the ever-popular MX-5, and the company will be gauging customer reaction when it’s presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Built by racing experts Jota Sport, the concept car’s 205bhp comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine, while power is delivered to the wheels through the same slick six-speed gearbox as in the standard MX-5.
A sports exhaust looks and sounds the part, with two central tailpipes and a raspier engine note. Recaro seats give comfort and support, while the interior is splashed liberally with carbon fibre to lower weight.
It’s also track-ready, with road-legal semi-slick tyres fitted to its alloy wheels, and fully-functional roll-hoops behind the seats.
The road-legal concept will take part in the ‘First Glance’ category of the famous event’s hillclimb, as well as being on display for the rest of the event. Many enthusiasts might ask why Mazda didn’t build it five years ago, and reaction to the car is likely to be extremely positive.
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D Vella
Jul 2nd 2012, 14:47
In this day and age of energy consciousness, global warming, cars with frogal consumption, hybrids and (finally) electric cars one wonders what the whole point of these fuel guzzlers and little boy's toys really is . . .
J Farrugia
Jul 3rd 2012, 10:17
Hybrids cost more to manufacture than the average car, electric cars are still too expensive and are only good for city use, would you buy a Nissan electric car for 28k or a focus tdi for 18k?? apart from the fact the battery only lasts for 5 years and costs 8k to replace.
Besides us petrol heads hate these cars as they are slow look like the back side of a pig and are as much fun as a dead tortoise.
So bring on the 2.0 16v , V8's,v6's, dump valves, 4wd's and turbo's after all you only live once.
Please choose the reason of your report below: