Mazda MX-5 Yusho Prototype with 237hp at Leipzig Show [39 Photos]

The new MX-5 Senshu Edition wasn't the only Miata to debut at Mazda's stand at the 2012 Auto Mobil International Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany, on Friday. Mazda surprised show-goers with a far more intriguing proposal in the form of the MX-5 Yusho prototype, named after the Japanese word for "Victory".
The matte white paint together with the 17-inch anthracite gray alloy wheels wrapped around in semi-click Toyo Proxes R888 tires size 215/45 R17, lowered suspension, boot lid spoiler and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser housing the centrally mounted twin tailpipes tell only part of the story.
The real magic occurs under the bonnet with the heavily fettled 2.0-liter MZR four cylinder petrol engine gaining a supercharger system, an intercooler, special Cosworth pistons and connecting rods, a custom exhaust system and reprogrammed software.
Other upgrades include the new fuel injectors and metal sport catalysts along with a beefed up transmission with a sports clutch.
All these modifications bump the four-banger's output from 158hp (160PS) at 6,700rpm to 237hp (241PS) at 6,800 rpm and peak torque from 188Nm (138 lb-ft) at 5,000rpm to 274Nm (202 lb-ft) 5,400rpm.
Mazda did not provide any information on the car's weight or 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time but did say that the MX-5 Yusho can reach a top speed of 240km/h (149mph).
There are more changes to be found under the body including the uprated suspension with Bilstein absorbers, larger stabilizer bars and lowering springs from Eibach.
Inside, the MX-5 Yusho study is enhanced with a suede-trimmed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats in leather and Alcantara.
No word if the Japanese automaker plans to produce or at least offer these upgrades on the production model, but we wouldn't hold our breath…

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Mazda Takeri Concept to Make European Debut in Geneva with photos

We saw the new Mazda Takeri concept for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon last December and now the mid-size sedan will be making its European debut at at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show. What's special about the Takeri is that it isn't one of those fantasy concept models that will go away after hitting the motor show scene as it previews the styling of the next Mazda6 range, expected in 2013.
The Takeri is the latest Mazda concept to adopt the Japanese firm's "KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme after the production CX-5 SUV and the Shinari sports sedan study showcased at Geneva last year.
Under its swooping lines, the 4,850mm-long Takeri makes full use of Mazda's much tooted SkyActiv Technology, which aims to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions while retaining a sporty drive through a suite of powertrain, chassis and body technologies.
The study is fitted with Mazda's new SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine (available with 150PS and 175PS) with a fuel-saving ‘i-stop’ system and six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.
In addition, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to be equipped with the firm's i-ELOOP technology, short for “Intelligent Energy Loop", which is a unique regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thus reducing the load on the engine and increasing fuel economy by up to 10 percent, according to Mazda.

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