Mazda MX-5 GT Race Car Unveiled as Brand’s Fastest MX-5
Mazda UK and Jota Sport have developed the MX-5 GT, a lightweight, 275bhp race car built for the Britcar Endurance Championship, not for the road.
Mazda UK has revealed the MX-5 GT, a purpose-built race car intended for the 2011 Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship. Developed in partnership with Jota Sport, the MX-5 GT is the fastest and most powerful MX-5 the company has produced, but it will not be offered as a road car.
Introduction: The Fastest MX-5 Yet
Development and Engineering
Jota Sport, based in Tunbridge Wells, handled the engineering and construction of the car. The focus was on weight reduction and extracting more power from Mazda’s 2.0-litre engine. The result is a car weighing just 850kg, fitted with a sequential paddle-shift six-speed gearbox and producing 275bhp. According to Mazda, this allows the MX-5 GT to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in three seconds and reach a top speed of 160mph.
Technical Details and Race Preparation
The MX-5 GT’s lightweight construction is achieved through the use of carbon-fibre doors and polycarbonate windows. For endurance racing, the car features FIA-approved safety equipment including a full roll cage, racing seats and harnesses, external electric cut-off, fire extinguisher, and safety catches for the bonnet and boot. Competition alloy wheels and a motorsport steering wheel complete the specification.
- 2.0-litre Mazda engine, 275bhp
- Six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox
- Carbon-fibre doors, polycarbonate windows
- FIA-approved roll cage, race seats, harnesses
- External electric cut-off, fire extinguisher
- Competition alloy wheels, race steering wheel
Race-Ready Features
The MX-5 GT is equipped with a number of features specifically for endurance racing. Aside from the stripped-out interior, the car is fitted with advanced safety and performance components that are required for professional motorsport. The FIA-approved roll cage and racing harnesses are designed to protect the driver in the event of an accident, while the external electric cut-off and fire extinguisher provide additional safety measures. The use of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and polycarbonate helps keep the overall weight down, improving acceleration and handling on the track.
Mazda’s Motorsport Ambitions
Mazda’s entry into the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship with the MX-5 GT marks a step up from previous club-level MX-5 racing efforts. The GT car is intended to compete against established endurance racers, showing what can be achieved when a lightweight sports car is adapted for professional motorsport. This move highlights Mazda’s commitment to motorsport and the potential of the MX-5 platform when developed beyond its road-going origins.
By entering the MX-5 GT in a higher-level endurance championship, Mazda and Jota Sport aim to demonstrate the durability and competitiveness of the MX-5 chassis. Their efforts could influence future motorsport projects or inspire customer racing programmes, although the GT itself remains a factory-backed effort rather than a customer-available car.
Not for the Road
Despite its MX-5 badge, the GT is strictly a race car. The modifications required for competitive endurance racing, from the stripped-out interior to the bespoke safety systems, mean it cannot be registered for road use. Mazda has not announced any plans to offer a similar specification for private customers or road-going MX-5s. At 850kg and 275bhp, the MX-5 GT is the fastest and lightest factory-backed MX-5 ever built.
Comparison: Road vs. Race MX-5
| Specification | MX-5 GT | Standard MX-5 (2011 UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, tuned | 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder |
| Power Output | 275bhp | 160bhp |
| 0–60mph | 3.0 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160mph | 136mph |
| Weight | 850kg | circa 1130kg |
| Gearbox | 6-speed sequential paddle-shift | 6-speed manual |
Fastest MX-5 to Date
The MX-5 GT joins a field of endurance racers for the 2011 season, where its performance will be measured against more established machinery. While it is not available to the public, the project demonstrates how far the MX-5 platform can be developed for motorsport. The car’s combination of low weight, high power, and advanced safety features makes it a notable entry in the world of endurance racing.
