The Mazdaspeed Miata Successor Is Coming

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the sharpest tools in the sports car shed, especially with its fresh-for-2024 updates, but there’s always room for improvement. And it seems that Mazda is busy honing its topless katana, with an interesting prototype caught testing at the Nürburgring. Spotted by @rollendereporter on Instagram, the soft-top roadster sports a unique two-piece front splitter that lends the fascia a more menacing look.

Moving along the sides of the vehicle, side skirts and sportier six-spoke Rays wheels let passers-by know this isn’t a run-of-the-mill Miata. And the changes don’t end there, with the rear end benefitting from a subtle spoiler and lower bumper garnish. Knowing the Hiroshima-based brand, these additions aren’t merely aesthetic and likely improve aerodynamic performance. If it looks familiar, there’s a good reason for this, but we’ll get to that shortly. What we can tell you is this is the closest thing we’re getting to a Mazdaspeed Miata successor, and that’s good news.

What Is This Intriguing MX-5 Miata?

It looks wonderful and will undoubtedly appeal to hordes of Miata fans. But there’s one question that has been left unanswered: what is it? Well, the answer lies in the unique livery worn by the car. This is a Mazda Spirit Racing test vehicle, identified by the decals on the front fender. If you’re wondering what that is, allow us to explain. Known for its work in the Super Taikyu racing series, Mazda Spirit Racing (MSR) will now pick up where Mazdaspeed left off.

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Essentially, MSR will be the Mazda equivalent of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing, which has developed the delightful GR Yaris and GR Corolla, among other machines. MSR officially started developing high-performance Mazdas earlier this year, previewed by the Spirit Racing RS Concept and Spirit Racing 3 Concept. At this time, there is no performance data for either vehicle, but we expect the MX-5 will receive a minor power and torque boost. There’s no word yet on when it will reach production, but the test mule is a good indication that it will debut soon.

From the concept, we’re expecting to see upgrades in the following areas:

• Modified 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• Revised suspension and upgraded brakes
• New aerodynamic body kit inspired by Super Taikyu racing development
• Lightweight wheels and sticky tires

35th Anniversary Edition On The Horizon

Aside from the MSR MX-5 Miata, Mazda also has plans to introduce a unique model to celebrate the roadster’s 35th anniversary. Not much is known about the new car, but MX-5 Miata Program Manager Shigeki Saito has shared a few details. For one, production won’t be limited to a certain number of units, with Mazda opting for a fixed build period. During that time, the automaker will happily accept orders.

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Aside from that, we know the car will debut with a special paint job. While there’s no information on this, fans are pleading for British Racing Green or yellow. Those in the latter camp may get closest, with Saito hinting at a gold paint finish. At the 2024 Karuizawa Meeting last month, he said event organizers must get a gold pen for him to sign the new model with, alluding to the potential shade. “A color that has gold in it, and oh, this is a hint,” he suggested. Perhaps the new special edition will borrow styling cues and mechanical upgrades from the MSR-tuned model, but this remains to be seen.