Those attending the Tokyo Auto Show this month were treated to a look at the latest Miata, a racing-derived Japan-only special edition the company calls the Mazda MX-5 12R. It’s also the most powerful factory Miata ever built, with 197 horsepower. Mazda Spirit Racing, the company’s racing division, played a large role in development, applying lessons learned in the Super Endurance series to the current ND-generation MX-5.
Go-Fast Parts Are Always Appreciated
Mazda arrived at that 197 horsepower figure via a few light modifications to the car’s 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder (which produces 181 horsepower, for context). The 12R edition gets new cams, pistons, cylinder heads, and a new exhaust manifold to arrive at the figure.
Frankly, the new and likely more durable parts also mean output could theoretically be pushed further by tuners, but it’s not like anyone is tuning high-power Miatas, right? Regardless, other factory-installed equipment includes Brembo brakes, which could potentially be the same Brembos as offered on the current US-spec Miata. There are also larger rotors, as well as a custom coilover suspension setup. Mechanical changes are rounded off with a set of black RAYS wheels, which are surely lighter than stock Miata wheels.
There are some light aesthetic changes, both in and out, though Mazda wasn’t terribly specific in its presentation at TAS. The 12R wears a new splitter in front, accented by a pair of side skirts, a rear spoiler, and some special graphics. Inside, the cabin looks to have been altered some, notably with four-point harnesses and Spirit Racing-branded bucket seats.
Contributing To The Aftermarket
The 12R is a cool car, but its limited availability on the other side of the Pacific dampens things somewhat. However, it’s entirely possible Mazda could offer these parts, most of which are largely simple bolt-on parts (engine work notwithstanding), as accessories. There’s plenty of aftermarket support out there for Miatas of all types, and cashing in on this blooming aftermarket is something we have yet to see Mazda take full advantage of.
TopSpeed’s Take
Ideally, Mazda will offer the 12R in more flavors, or at least give non-JDM customers their own special edition Miata with more power and grip. The ND-generation Miata can’t stick around forever (though it should), and seeing some updates specifically focused on performance offered through Mazda either as accessories or whole special edition cars, would be a great addition to the ND’s story.
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