Mazda MX-5 Spirit Racing Special Model Set for TAS 2025 Debut

Mazda’s Spirit Racing sub-brand first model will be a special racing-inspired MX-5 set to debut at the upcoming TAS 2025.

Joining fellow Japanese automakers in announcing their model lineup for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 (TAS 2025) is Mazda. The Hiroshima-based marque is ready to debut the first road-going model for its new high-performance sub-brand, Mazda Spirit Racing, which is based on the MX-5 (Miata) roadster.

Cordially known as the Mazda Spirit Racing Special Model, this special MX-5 will get a host of cosmetic and motorsport-inspired upgrades, with the former part coming in the form of a new front grille, a special Spirit Racing emblem, new six-spoke black alloy wheels with red-hued callipers, a lip spoiler, redesigned side skirts, and a special racing decal.

As of now, it is yet to be confirmed whether the Mazda Spirit Racing Special Model will benefit from any mechanical changes. While we don’t expect some significant changes to take place in its powertrain setup, the least Mazda can do is to give the special MX-5 a beefier set of brakes or bespoke suspension tuning, to name a few.

For those who aren’t familiar with Spirit Racing, this sub-brand is essentially the continuation of Mazda’s previous motorsport division, Mazdaspeed. Mazda Spirit Racing now also serves as the brand’s high-performance division, as well as its flag-bearer in Japan’s Super Taikyu series since 2021.

Aside from the special MX-5, Mazda will also showcase two of its latest racing concepts at the upcoming TAS 2025. The first one is known as the Mazda3 Bio Concept, which is based on the Mazda3 Liftback, while the second one is the MX-5-based Roadster CNF Concept. In case their racing liveries and aggressive aero parts don’t give you enough clues, both of these concepts have made their first competitive outing under the Mazda Spirit Racing banner during the final round of this year’s Super Taikyu Series at the infamous Fuji Speedway last month.

Completing Mazda’s model lineup at TAS 2025 is a special, rallycross-inspired CX-5 built in partnership with Toyo Tires, featuring a lift kit, bespoke all-terrain tyres, and a unique Toyo Tires blue livery.

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 is slated to take place from Jan 10 to 12, 2025, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. By then, we can expect to learn more details regarding the new Mazda Spirit Racing Special Model, including the juicy performance and mechanical bits.