The Most Powerful Factory Mazda MX-5 Miata Revealed

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Spirit Racing Roadster 12R was revealed at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon last weekend. It is boasted as the most powerful MX-5 Miata ever produced by Mazda.

The good news is that the new Spirit Racing Roadster 12R sports upgrades that make it more track ready. It gets a bump in horsepower to 197, 16 more horses than the standard model. The bad news? The Mazda MX-5 Miata Spirit Racing Roadster 12R is a special edition that will be limited to Japan. This JDM gem will not be offered in the United States.

The most powerful Mazda roadster to roll out of Hiroshima balances daily usability with on-track performance while still offering what is arguably the purest driving experience of any car on sale since the Miata first hit showrooms in 1990.

Developed in tandem with Mazda’s racing division Mazda Spirit Racing, the MX-5 12R gets its power from an upgraded version of the standard model’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sports new cams, cylinder heads, pistons, and a new exhaust manifold.

Although the 197 horsepower may not sound like much of an increase, Miatas are always the answer thanks to their light weight and playful driving dynamics. Weighing in at around 2,500 pounds, the MX-5 Miata continues to prove that cars don’t need a ton of power to be fun to drive.

Not much more information was released about the Miata’s new limited-edition racing-inspired trim. Torque numbers were not shared, but the standard 2025 Mazda Miata offers 151 pound-feet, so we’ll use that as a starting point.

We do know that the updated engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, plus the sports car receives upgraded Brembo brakes and height-adjustable dampers. Mazda will offer the 12R with a soft top only, plus a tasteful body kit that adds a front splitter, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and forged RAYS wheels. The exterior is finished in Aero Gray and adorned with subtle graphics while it interior features Alcantara-upholstered bucket seats.

The post The Most Powerful Factory Mazda MX-5 Miata Revealed appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.