Mazda MX-5 GT concept to debut at Goodwood

Mazda will bring the Miata of our dreams to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom on June 28. The Mazda MX-5 GT concept will run in the “First Glance” class for the legendary hillclimb.

Mazda says the GT concept is inspired by its MX-5 GT race program, and its debut at Goodwood is meant to gauge customer reaction to the car.

News flash: We love it.

The car was built by Jota Sport, which coaxed 205 hp out of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Mazda gasoline engine. Mazda's stock six-speed manual transmission handles the shifting. Suspension is improved and is adjustable for different track conditions. The car also gets a new aero kit including a front splitter, rear diffuser and a trunk spoiler. In addition, Jota Sport added a sports exhaust kit with a centrally located tailpipe. For track use, the GT concept has road slicks and body-color roll hoops behind the passengers' heads.

Inside, drivers are held in place with Recaro seats, while the rest of the interior gets plenty of carbon-fiber trim.

Mazda drivers Mark Ticehurst, Owen Mildenhall and kart racer Jade Paveley will be at Goodwood to pilot the car.

“The MX-5 has been our best-known car for 22 years, and with the GT4 and GT concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience,” said Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda UK.

By Jake Lingeman