Mazda’s Most Powerful MX-5 Miata Debuts But Will We Get It? – Forbes
Only 200 units of this new MX-5 12R will be made.A rare, limited edition MX-5 was launched at the Tokyo Auto Salon in early January in Japan, and it seems as though we may not be getting it. The fourth generation Miata MX-5 (ND version) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025 and to mark the moment, Mazda has just launched the ‘MX-5 12R’ — the most powerful factory model ever, and the most desirable MX-5 Miata ever. But sorry folks, it’s looking like we won’t be getting any.Mind you, costing the equivalent of $44,000, the Hiroshima carmaker only plans to make 200 units and sell them in Japan.Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro (front) and ex-design director and Mazda Spirit Racing director Ikuo Maeda, … [+] unveil the 12R at the Tokyo Auto Salon on Jan 10.Boasting a new cylinder head, pistons, exhaust manifold, revised camshafts, and high-performance radiator, the circuit-focused roadster, now known—in full as—the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R, has been confirmed for production with power boosted to 197 horsepower.Now while the torque figure of this revised 2.0-liter engine is still under wraps, it is likely to exceed the 151 lb-ft of the standard car when combined with the 16-hp power boost.As a dedicated track day car, the coupe also gets a 4-pot Brembo braking system and high-performance tires, as well as a set of custom Bilstein dampers and bespoke coil springs in addition to a Mazda Spirit Racing strut brace and lots of underbody reinforcement.Making it look the part, the 12R employs a carbon fiber body package, dark grey Mazda Spirit Racing decals, lightweight 17-inch Rays wheels, several gloss black and red exterior trim pieces, and a lowered ride height.Diehard fans will be glad to hear that this limited edition spec will only be available fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. A black and red color scheme is featured in the cockpit, most notably in the Recaro bucket seats, steering wheel and four-point harness. The fact that only 200 12R’s will be built worldwide, and most probably destined for Japan only is unfortunate.What is fortunate though, is that fact that there is a plan to manufacture and export a modified version of the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster that will have the same stock chassis and 181-hp 2.0-liter engine as the standard MX-5.Even though it is looking like we won’t get any of the limited number 12Rs, Mazda USA was however able to source a limited number of 300 units of the MX-5 35th Anniversary Editions that debuted last year.One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:So, how can you be a power user?Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.
