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, … [+]
The MX-5 12R Inherits A Large Number Of Racing Parts
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 12Rhas 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.
12R Fitted With Brembo Brakes And Bilstein Dampers
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.
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