TAS 2025 | The Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster is the first car you can buy from the performance brand
PHOTO BY SAM SURLA
At the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Hiroshima-based manufacturer officially launched the Mazda Spirit Racing brand with two concepts based on the MX-5 and the Mazda 3 hatchback. Think of it in the same vein of Nismo and Toyota Gazoo Racing, but it is considered as the spiritual successor to the legendary Mazdaspeed.
As part of the brand’s introduction, the first model to be introduced under the marque is the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster (MX-5/Miata).
PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
Based on the latest ND3 refresh, it differentiates itself from the rest of the variants with a very subtle body kit, RAYS wheels based on the TE37, and Alcantara upholstery.
Handling is improved with upgraded height-adjustable Bilstein dampers and four-piston Brembo brakes.
PHOTO BY SAM SURLA
Performance-wise, it comes with the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine with 184 horsepower and a six-speed manual.
For something with a little more power and exclusivity, the 12R is a special variant limited to 200 units worldwide. This gets a power bump to 200 horsepower thanks to a special camshaft, cylinder heads, pistons, and a Fujitsubo exhaust manifold.
PHOTO BY SAM SURLA
Now the question is whether Mazda Philippines will be launching this in our market. Given that they do regularly bring in special variants of the MX-5, we won’t be surprised if we see this launched soon.
