Mazda must be beginning to feel the pressure from the GT86/BRZ twins as it has just announced that a 208hp version of the MX-5 will debut at the forthcoming Goodwood Festival of speed. Built in conjunction with Jota Sport (who builds and runs the MX-5 GT race car) the MX-5 GT concept will take to Goodwood's hillclimb in the 'First Glance' category.
Exterior
While the concept is inspired by the MX-5 GT race car it does not share the striking lime green paintwork, instead opting for tangerine orange. The colour is offset by carbon fibre front splitter, boot spoiler and rear diffuser, the latter of which houses a centrally mounted exhaust pipe.
Interior
Mazda has not actually released any images of the interior but the MX-5 GT is said to feature Recaro racing seats and a number of carbon enhancements that help reduce weight. Customers who want to acquire the car for track use can opt for road-legal semi-slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.
Mechanicals
The race specialists at Jota Sport have fettled, massaged and cajoled the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine to produce 208hp - a big step up from the 170hp offered by the standard car. No word on what work was exactly carried out nor performance figures but suffice to say it probably will not compare with the 257km/h and 0-100km/h in three seconds that the 309hp race car boasts.
Fully adjustable race suspension that can be set up to the characteristics of different circuits has been fitted.
Anything else?
The MX-5 GT is, at the moment, a one-off concept designed to gauge the public's response to a more tuned and focused MX-5. If it receives enough attention Mazda may put it into production. Anyone with a pulse is expected to make a beeline for the Mazda stand at Goodwood and tell the nice people to make it.