It's long overdue - an MX5 with power. It's the most successful roadster in
the world thanks to it's good handling and good looks. What it's always lacked
is a beefier version that can really push the car to its limits.
Mazda are showing the new Roadster MPS (Mazda Performance Series) in Tokyo.
Fitted with a 195bhp 2 litre engine the car should be a lot of fun.
Chassis mods have also been made with front and rear suspension mounting
points reinforced with a large-sized lightweight aluminium ladder underbody
reinforcement for enhanced rigidity.
The revamped exterior styling includes a front end featuring exclusive
headlamp units and a newly designed "face" to give a larger air-intake
area and improved cooling. For a more aggressive, lower-and-wider appearance,
Roadster MPS is equipped with new front and rear bumpers with enlarged wheel
arches to match the wider track (+50mm in the front, +60mm in the rear), a
mono-formed rear bumper integrated into the body with a single extruded
silencer, and lightweight large-diameter aluminium wheels.
The aerodynamic performance has been improved with air outlets in the bumpers
to lower air pressure inside the engine compartment and reduce front-end lift,
and a spoiler on the boot lid to generate appropriate downforce.
No word yet on if/when it'll hit the UK.
[links]Mazda|mazda[/links]