Mazda is set to debut its road legal 205 bhp MX-5 GT Concept this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It will be taking part in the hillclimb in the 'First Glance' category, as well as being on display throughout the weekend on the Mazda stand.
Mazda are keen to gage the public reaction to this high performance version of the MX-5, inspired by Mazda's podium winning MX-5 GT race programme. Race specialists Jota Sport have built the 205bhp Concept car which mates the MX-5's standard manual gearbox with a normally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol engine. Handling has been improved via a tweak to the suspension, which is adjustable for track conditions and aerodynamics are improved by way of a rear diffuser, a front splitter and a boot spoiler.
There are also carbon enhancements throughout the interior to bring the weight down, a central tailpipe sports exhaust system, and Recaro seats. For the track customers - who will be benefitting fully from the cars top speed of 160mph, and 0-60mph time of 3 seconds - this special Mazda comes equipped with road slicks and body coloured roll hoops behind the seats.
"This year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed we have a number of significant cars on the stand and contesting the hillclimb," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK. "The MX-5 has been our best known car for 22 years and with the GT4 and GT Concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience."
Also on show at the Festival of Speed is the Mazda Takeri Concept and the recently launched, SKYACTIV technology toting, Mazda CX-5.
"The Mazda Takeri gives a clear guide as to how the next Mazda6 will look. It will be the second car to use Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology following on from the Mazda CX-5 which we launched in May. SKYACTIV technology reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel consumption and reduces CO2, it takes our cars into the realm of environmentally friendly emissions but with no compromise on the fun to drive attributes that are typical of our brand.
"So come over and say hello during the weekend, we are also giving away a limited number of Le Mans books to visitors to the stand each day - so visit early."
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