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.

Most Beautiful LUMMA Design CLR 6 M BMW M63

Most Beautiful LUMMA Design CLR 6 M BMW M63

The new BMW M6 F12 doesn’t arrive until later this year. But that hasn’t stopped the German tuning company LUMMA Design from showing what upgrades they’ll offer for BMW’s high-performance GT car when it does actually go on sale. LUMMA’s package includes a number of fairly obvious bodywork changes. Including a new front bumper with lower lip spoiler, a new hood – optionally available in bare carbon fiber, wheel arch extensions, a new rear bumper which hosts a massive diffuser, and a huge rear wing which looks like it came straight off the back of a DTM race car.

LUMMA Design also intend to offer huge split-rim alloy wheels measuring 10×21-inches up front and 12.5×21-inches at the rear – now you know why the kit comes with wheel arch extensions. The only other visible changes to the exterior of the car are the dual center-mount exhaust tips which are neatly housed within the rear diffuser.

On the inside LUMMA Design offer a fairly comprehensive makeover for the M6′s cabin. There’s a huge choice of colors and materials including fine leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber. LUMMA say there really isn’t any constraints on the customer’s options for the interior. They’ll pretty much do anything they’re asked to.

At the moment it looks as if LUMMA Design’s CLR 6 M package for the M6 only covers cosmetic upgrades. Meaning that buyers will have to “make do” with the M6′s standard 4.4 litre 560 horsepower V8 for the time being. Hopefully a few of LUMMA’s engineers will develop some bolt-on go-faster bits as soon as they get their hands on the car in a few months time.

LUMMA Design say the first of their CLR 6 M cars should be reaching their customers early in 2013.

New Honda Concept C

Honda Concept C

The Honda Concept C is the second concept car Honda revealed at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, the other one being the Honda Concept S. The Honda Concept C is a preview of a mid-range sedan concept which is being developed for the Chinese market. Sadly, like the “S” in the Concept S, Honda’s tragic marketing department have dictated that the “C” should stand for something. They’ve gone with “Cool”, “Challenge” and “China”.

The Honda Concept C was developed through a collaboration between Honda design teams in both Japan and China. The styling is said to be inspired by the shape of traditional Chinese dragons. And while its not the most beautiful front end, it’s refreshing to see some degree of originality come out of China’s automotive sector.

The Honda Concept C will be mass-produced through Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. Sales are due to begin some time next year. Unlike the Concept S, there is no mention of sales outside China.