View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 is officially underway and Mazda just came out with big news for the world's most popular sports car: the Miata. During the presentation, the automaker introduced two new variants of the new Miata built by the brand's new Spirit Racing performance division launched last year. The first model is a mass-market Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster, while the other is the limited edition Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R. Limited to just 200 Japan-only examples, the special MSR 12R model pays homage to Mazda's #12 MSR Roadster racing in Japan's Super Taikyu racing series.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
EXPERT OPINION: The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available with both the soft top convertible and folding roof variant in the RF version. There are 3 trims for the soft top and just 2 for the RF. Sport and Club trims are sport-focused while Grand Touring models add more tech to the package.
- Starting Price (MSRP)
- $28,985 - $37,010
- Trim
- Sport, RF Club, RF Grand Touring, Club, Grand Touring
- Engine/Motor
- 2-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower
- 184 HP
- Torque
- 151 LB-FT
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
- 0-60 MPH
- 5.5 seconds
And while the regular MSR retains the brand's current engine and output capabilities at 184 hp and 151 lb-ft, the limited run MSR 12R's 2.0-liter hand-assembled Skyactiv-G engine is upgraded to produce an even 200 hp. This marks the first time a factory Mazda MX-5 Miata ever offered 200 hp from a naturally aspirated engine – confirming many suspicions and speculations by enthusiasts on reddit last year.
Mazda Spirit Racing Miata 12R Specifications
Engine |
2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 |
Power |
200 hp |
Torque |
151 lb-ft |
The new limited edition MSR 12R boasts an impressive 200 hp, achieved through a unique camshaft, an enhanced cylinder head, modifications to the piston design, and a brand-new Fujitsubo exhaust system. True to its roots, this model remains a driver's car, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Further separating it from the mass-market MSR Roadster are special paint, decals, black aluminum tower bars, and a race-optimized cabin with bucket seats and racing harnesses. Sold only in Japan, the price to secure one of these special edition models is about 7 million yen (roughly $44,329 USD).
Every Mazda Spirit Racing Miata Is Unique
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Google 新闻
Enjoying the content? Consider adding HotCars to your Google 新闻 feed.
Although the track-focused Miata 12R delivers a bit more horsepower and comes with extra racing features, the regular Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster is still quite thrilling. Both MSR Roadsters will undoubtedly outperform the typical ND Miata in terms of agility on the track, thanks to enhancements like upgraded Brembo brakes with ventilated front rotors, improved cooling systems, enhanced suspension, fresh aerodynamic elements, and new wheels and tires.
Mazda has announced that the standard MSR Roadster will be priced at a reasonable 5 million yen (approximately $31,659). However, the pricing details for the US market have yet to be disclosed.
Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster Features Overview
- Bilstein height-adjustable dampers with thicker tunnel braces
- RAYS TE37 Saga SL six-spoke forged lightweight alloy wheels with Advan Neova AD09 tires
- Double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension (same as standard ND Miata)
- Alcantara upholstery on the seats and other areas of the cabin (bucket seats only available with the 12R)
Not The First 200-HP Mazda Model
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
Although the MSR Roadster 12R is the first naturally aspirated Mazda Miata to produce 200 hp, it isn't the first factory Miata to achieve that milestone. Interestingly, Australia remains the sole country to have received the most powerful factory-built Mazda Miata, and this occurred over two decades ago. This honor goes to the SP variant of the second-generation Miata, which was exclusively sold in Australia and limited to just 100 units. It reached this impressive power output by utilizing an IHI turbocharger paired with its smaller 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Consequently, it delivered 201 hp, representing a 25% increase in power and 33% more torque compared to the standard Miata of that era.
Additionally, it features a custom-tuned Bilstein suspension that reduces the vehicle's height by 7 mm. Equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox that delivers power to the rear wheels, this car accelerates to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds and boasts a maximum speed of 127 mph.