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Mazda’s MX-5 just got hotter: Say hello to the Spirit Racing Roadster 12R

This special edition MX-5 is limited in numbers and exclusive to Japan.

Jerome Tresvalles
Mazda 12 R

To experience the true, unadulterated joy of driving, the Mazda MX-5 is a car that truly delivers. Its precise, agile handling, lightweight design, and convertible top make it perfect for enjoying the open sky and the thrill of the road.

Under the hood, the MX-5 offers a range of gasoline engines. The lineup starts with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder and tops out with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter unit produces 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque—more than enough to propel this lightweight roadster with spirited ease, even if it doesn’t set your heart racing with raw power.

Related: New Mazda patent filing suggests the brand is working on a carbon fiber chassis

At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, however, the spotlight shines on the fastest Mazda MX-5 ever built with the Mazda Spirit Racing MX-5 12R, a feisty roadster inspired by Mazda’s racing division. The speed is courtesy of a boost in power, achieved through enhancements to the camshaft, pistons, manifold, and exhaust system giving it a max output of 197 hp. 

Speed isn’t the only upgrade made to this hot MX-5. The MX-5 12R comes fitted with a bespoke body kit, including a Fujitsubo exhaust and height-adjustable Bilstein dampers. Subtle red accents and Spirit Racing decals enhance both the exterior and interior, perfectly complementing the car’s exclusive ‘Aero Grey’ paint finish. 

Mazda mx-5 12R

Complementing the Aero Gray paint is a set of black RaYS TE37 wheels with Brembo brakes installed on the front pair for enhanced stopping power. Inside, the steering wheel, gearshift, and center console are trimmed in Alcantara textile, while Recaro seats provide a snug, sporty feel. The six-speed manual transmission, the sole gearbox option, ensures drivers will be one with the car, as Mazda intended.

Excited? Well, it’s time to bring the mood down by revealing that the MX-5 12R will be limited to just 200 units, each priced at seven million yen. Here in the Philippines, that translates to around P2,600,00, but don’t bother budgeting your money because the 12R is exclusive to Japan only.

If all you want is the look of the 12R without the extra power, a variant called the Spirit Racing Roadster will also debut this year. While it mirrors the distinctive design of the 12R, it lacks the Spirit Racing-tuned engine and modified exhaust system. You won’t go as fast but you’ll still certainly look cool.

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