The MX-5 Just Got Meaner—Meet Mazda’s Limited-Run Spirit Racing Edition

Mazda is about to make the MX-5 even more tempting with the upcoming Spirit Racing edition—a hardcore, track-ready version of their legendary roadster. First shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this model marks Mazda’s return to the performance game, taking on the likes of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing and Hyundai’s N division.

Word is, the production version drops in November, but here’s the kicker—it’s Japan-only, and just 200 units will be built. That’s a tough break for Mazda MX-5 fans elsewhere.

Style-wise, this thing looks properly mean. It gets a more aggressive front splitter, slick side skirts, and a set of black six-spoke Rays TE37 wheels wrapped around bright red brake calipers. Black badges and decals give it that stealthy, motorsport-inspired vibe, while the cabin gets serious with Recaro bucket seats, four-point harnesses, and red contrast stitching.

Mazda’s put in real work under the hood. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gets new camshafts, pistons, an upgraded exhaust manifold, and a fresh cylinder head, pushing power up to 197 hp with more torque to play with. Throw in Bilstein dampers, extra chassis bracing, and grippy performance tires, and you’ve got an MX-5 that’s sharper, faster, and more fun to toss around than ever.

For now, it’s a Japan-exclusive, but if enough people make noise, who knows? Maybe Mazda will give the rest of the world a shot at this little beast.