Mazda's MX-5 GT Concept. Image: Mazda
For years, the Mazda MX-5 has been the undisputed low-buck performance king, but the new Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ now threaten to snatch that particular crown away from Mazda. While the Scion and Subaru are a bit heavier than the Mazda, they also have the benefit of making 200 horsepower, compared to the MX-5’s 167 horsepower.
The current Mazda MX-5 is approaching the end of its product life, too, which means that the automaker is hesitant to invest money in a model about to be replaced. That doesn’t mean it can’t crank out a special edition, as demonstrated by the MX-5 GT Concept to be shown at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Mazda's MX-5 GT Concept. Image: Mazda
Aside from the Halloween-themed orange and black paint job, the MX-5 GT Concept gets a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ-fighting boost to 205 horsepower, courtesy of intake, exhaust and ECU mods. There’s a lower ride height, courtesy of an adjustable suspension, and the concept wears larger wheels with (barely) road-legal tires.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Mazda's MX-5 GT Concept. Image: Mazda
Inside, there are Recaro seats, plenty of carbon fiber trim and “roll hoops” sprayed in the body’s color. Mazda stops short of calling these competition approved, so our guess is that the roll hoops are meant more as a style element than as safety gear.
Mazda is interested in customer feedback about this effort, which means that a limited-production run (likely for the U.K. only) is a possibility.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
