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…

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Subaru BRZ vs Mazda MX-5 vs Hyundai Genesis Coupe

In our ongoing $25k sports car poll, the Subaru BRZ has taken a clear lead with 20 percent out of more than 6,100 votes cast up until today. Oddly enough, its Scion FR-S twin has only managed to gather 7 percent (despite being the same car), the same as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo, which is still enough to place both higher than the Mazda MX-5 that has secured 4 percent of your votes.
Why do mention these cars specifically? Because Road&Track magazine brought together the Subaru BRZ, Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo and the MX-5 soft-top roadster to find out which of the three ticks the most boxes for enthusiasts looking for a fun, rear-wheel drive sports car without breaking the bank.
As you would expect, we won't spoil the video by telling you the outcome. However, once you've seen it, feel free to hop over to the comments section to voice your thoughts.

VIDEO

PHOTO GALLERY

Read More

Was This a Dangerously Close Call or a Ballsy Move?

A minor spat has broken out on Youtube over whether or not a Lotus Exige GT3 traveling close to 250km/h [155mph] should have passed in between a Mazda MX-5 and a Porsche Boxster during the Production Sports Cars CUE Enduro Series held at the Phillip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia.

If you watch the first video shot from an inboard camera on the MX-5, it looks like a rocket ship flew by inches away from the Japanese roadster. In fact, it all happens so fast that you have to actually pause the video to see the Exige GT3 driven by Barton Mawer.
According to the Philip Island Circuit's official website, the driver in the No66 MX-5 was Michael Hall. Here's what he said on Youtube:
"I'm chasing down a Porsche Boxster in the #66 Mazda MX5 whilst trying to hang onto the lead of Class E. Meanwhile Barton Mawer is trying to hunt down Alan Simonsen in the Lambo for the overall lead, and obviously not in the mood to waste any time."
Asked by a commentator if Mawer made a "safe pass" in his opinion, Hall answered:
"From my footage you'd certainly say it was touch and go, but I'd like to see the footage from his car before making that call. I did see him coming onto the front straight as I pulled up beside the Boxster but I was surprised by the speed at which he caught us. The car does get buffeted around at those speeds for sure, so it wouldn't have taken much for either of us to drift a few inches one way or the other."
Shortly after, the owner of the Exige GT3 being driven by Mawer, who we only know by his Youtube handle "GT3CR1", uploaded a video filmed from inside the car that shows the view from within the Lotus. 
 
He went on to reply on Halls's video:
"Hey, I'm the owner of the lotus that Bart was driving. I thought I'd wait to get my hands on my in-car footage before I responded to some of these posts, but from Bart's perspective, the 2 slower cars, which should have seen him coming left him no choice but to run straight down the middle. It was a ballsy move, but every time you pass a slower car, you're depending on them not to make any sudden moves. Everyone held their line, a spectacular move was made, and the race went on!"
And here's Hall's response:
"Hey Angelo, thanks for posting your video footage. I did see Barton coming around the last turn onto the front straight just as I pulled out to pass the Boxster, but was a little surprised at just how quickly he caught us. From your footage, it seems that Bart had enough time to size us up, realize that there was enough space and that both cars were holding their line to make the pass. I never posted the footage to make an issue of it, just thought people would enjoy the video."
You can have a look at both videos and have your say in the comments section below.

VIDEO

Read More