Superfaster Mazda MX-5 GT Concept 2012

At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (28 June – 1 July) Mazda will be showing off a tuned version of the MX-5 sportscar called MX-5 GT Concept. The car was inspired by the company’s podium winning MX-5 GT race car, and during its debut at Goodwood customer reaction to this higher performance version of the MX-5 will be gathered.

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept was built by race specialists Jota Sport, and it produces 205 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. That’s a healthy increase over the standard car’s 167 hp. The MX-5 GT Concept uses the same manual gearbox as the standard car. However the suspension system has been exchanged for a more sporting and adjustable setup.

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept is marked out from the standard MX-5 with the addition of a subtle aerokit – made less subtle due to the contrasting paintwork. Up front is a carbon fiber splitter, while at the rear a new diffuser makes an appearance as does a small spoiler.

Complimenting, as well as contributing to, the more powerful engine output is a new sports exhaust with central mounted dual tailpipes.

On the inside the car is fitted with Recaro seats which provide increased support for the driver and passenger, and a number of carbon fiber trim elements help to make it a little bit ‘special’ inside.

Mazda say that customers who want to use the car more for track use would be able to order it with road slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK said of the concept: “The MX-5 has been our best known car for 22 years and with the GT4 and GT Concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience.”

If customer reaction is positive the Mazda MX-5 GT could go into production in the near future.