Mazda MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12R: 197 horsepower, 200 cars

According to Carscoops, Mazda only produced 200 MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12Rs for the Japanese market, while the number of registrations exceeded 9,500. The difference in supply and demand shows the appeal of the first model of Mazda Spirit Racing – the new high-performance division that replaced MazdaSpeed.

New power for the MX-5: 197 horsepower from a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine

The biggest difference between the 12R and the standard model is power. Using the same naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder engine as the standard model, the 12R makes 197 horsepower instead of 181. This increase comes from a series of tweaks focused on the engine's breathing: new intake ports, a revised exhaust, and upgraded camshafts.

These changes make the 12R one of the most powerful Miatas ever. With a rear-wheel drive configuration and a 6-speed manual transmission exclusively, Mazda Spirit Racing’s upgrade package is geared toward a pure driving experience, optimizing mechanical feedback rather than relying on turbocharging.

Chassis and dampers: purposeful tuning

Mazda equipped the Spirit Racing Roadster with Bilstein shock absorbers, with specific tweaks to improve handling. Bilstein is a familiar choice in performance-oriented configurations thanks to its tight body control and stable rebound. On the 12R, the goal was to retain the MX-5's inherent agility while raising the threshold for cornering control and load transfer.

The combination of naturally aspirated engine – 6-speed manual – rear-wheel drive gives the driver direct interaction with the car. On roads that require precise gear changes, the 12R promises to take advantage of the engine’s wide rpm range and linearity to maintain a steady pace.

The 12R's unique look: emphasizing performance

The 12R comes in Aero Gray paint, with darker gray accents on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear wing. The color scheme emphasizes aerodynamics and performance rather than just decoration.

Inside, the Roadster 12R features Alcantara-covered sport seats with four-point harnesses. The seats provide better support during high-speed cornering, while the four-point harnesses provide increased torso stability – a detail that fits the track-focused spirit of the 12R package.

MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12R brother 1

Two configurations, two power levels

Mazda introduced two versions: the standard Spirit Racing Roadster and the 12R. With the same naturally aspirated 2.0L engine platform, the standard version has 181 horsepower, while the 12R has 197 horsepower thanks to the above upgrades. Both use a 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, aimed at the group of drivers who prioritize mechanical interaction and pure driving feel.

The clear step-up between 181 horsepower and 197 horsepower also helps Mazda Spirit Racing position the 12R as an option for users who need more performance while still keeping the "less is more" motto of a lightweight roadster.

MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12R brother 2

Selling price, quantity and market

The standard Spirit Racing Roadster starts at 5.265 million yen (about $34,400) and is limited to 2,200 units. The Japan-exclusive 12R will be limited to just 200 units, starting at 7.612 million yen (about $49,700). With over 9,500 registrations, the 12R is unlikely to be available; those who haven’t secured a spot will likely opt for the standard model or wait for later batches if they become available.

As the inaugural product of Mazda Spirit Racing, the limited-volume strategy shows how Mazda controls the experience and market feedback before expanding the high-performance portfolio.

MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12R brother 3

Main specifications table (as published)

Category	Spirit Racing Roadster	Spirit Racing Roadster 12R
Engine	I4 2.0L naturally aspirated	2.0L naturally aspirated I4 (upgraded intake/exhaust/camshaft)
Capacity	181 horsepower	197 horsepower
Gear	6-speed manual transmission	6-speed manual transmission
Drive	Rear axle	Rear axle
Shock absorbers	Bilstein (operational tuning)	Bilstein (operational tuning)
Exterior	—	Aero Gray, dark gray accents (front splitter/side skirts/rear spoiler)
Interior	—	Alcantara sports seats, 4-point seat belts
Quantity	2,200 vehicles	200 cars (Japan)
Starting price	5,265 million yen (about 34,400 USD)	7,612 million yen (about 49,700 USD)

Conclusion: focused tuning package, true to the roadster spirit

The MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster 12R doesn’t change the core philosophy of the MX-5, but instead tweaks the right points of difference on the road: increased power with a technical basis, Bilstein shock absorbers, and a seat-and-belt set-up suitable for heavy use. Limited to 200 cars for Japan, the 12R is both a showcase for Mazda Spirit Racing’s mettle and a worthy collector’s edition for those looking for a powerful, manual, rear-wheel-drive Miata.

With the standard version, the MX-5 Spirit Racing Roadster still retains the "true MX-5" technical configuration and a more accessible price. These two configuration levels help Mazda cover a wide range of needs: from players who like the basic roadster style to the group that requires more performance but still emphasizes human-machine interaction.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/mazda-mx-5-spirit-racing-roadster-12r-197-ma-luc-200-xe-10309467.html