Mazda will finally launch the new ” MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster ” on October 24, 2025. As a high-performance model based on the current ND Roadster, it has attracted the attention of many car enthusiasts. However, many people may be wondering, “Should I wait for the new model or buy the current model?”
In this article, we will thoroughly explain whether you should wait for the new model, taking into account the detailed specifications, price, and limited production status of the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster Basic Information
Two grade configurations
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster will be available in two trim levels:
1. MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER (standard model)
- Price : ¥5,265,000
- Production volume : 2,200 units limited to Japan
- Engine : 2.0L inline 4-cylinder “SKYACTIV-G 2.0”
- Maximum output : 184ps/20.9kgm
- Release date : Pre-orders start on October 24, 2025
2. MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R (Limited Edition)
- Price : 7,612,000 yen
- Production quantity : 200 units, lottery limited
- Engine : 2.0L inline 4-cylinder “SKYACTIV-G 2.0” (specially tuned)
- Maximum output : 200ps/20.9kgm
- Special equipment : RECARO full bucket seats, engine head cover with serial number
Common dedicated equipment
Both models come with the following exclusive features:
- Brake system : Brembo 4-piston calipers (front), large diameter brake rotors (rear)
- Suspension : BILSTEIN height adjustable dampers (special setting)
- Wheels : RAYS TE37-based wheels
- Aero parts : Newly developed aero parts through wind tunnel testing
- Interior : Extensive use of Alcantara material
Release information :
- Standard model: Pre-orders start on October 24, 2025
- 12th Race: Lottery application via dedicated app (details to be announced later)
Why you should wait for the new model
1. Dramatic improvement in driving performance
Compared to the current ND Roadster, the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster offers clear performance improvements. In particular, the 12R model’s 200ps output is the highest performance ever for a soft-top roadster.
Comparison with current model :
- Current 1.5L model: 136ps/15.5kgm
- Current 2.0L RF: 184ps/20.9kgm
- MSR 12R: 200ps/20.9kgm (+16ps improvement)
2. Full-scale specifications designed for circuit racing
As the first mass-produced model produced by Mazda’s motorsports division, the technology cultivated through Super Taikyu races has been generously poured into this car. It is not just a special edition car, but is appealing in that it has the perfection of a “manufacturer complete car.”
3. Asset value due to scarcity
The 12R model in particular is an extremely rare model, limited to just 200 units. It is likely to occupy a special place in the history of the Mazda Roadster, and is expected to become a valuable asset in the future.
Why you shouldn’t wait for the new model
1. The reality is that it’s hard to get hold of
Issues with the standard model (limited to 2,200 units) :
- Possibility of first-come, first-served sales similar to the 35th anniversary model
- Risk of selling out immediately upon release
- It may be difficult to purchase at retail price
Challenges for 12R (limited to 200 units) :
- Uncertainty of availability due to lottery sales
- Application via dedicated app required
- Low probability of winning
2. Significant price increases
Considering that the current Roadster’s top grade “RS” is priced at 3,679,500 yen:
- MSR standard model: +1.58 million yen
- MSR 12R: +3.93 million yen
This price difference is a significant burden even when considering the performance improvement.
3. The current model is highly refined
Thanks to the major improvements made in 2023, the current ND Roadster is already highly refined:
- New LED design light
- New generation Mazda Connect with 8.8-inch display
- Improved SKYACTIV-G engine
- Extensive safety equipment
What is the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster? A special model born from Mazda’s motorsports spirit
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster was developed as the first special model by Mazda’s motorsports division, MAZDA SPIRIT RACING.
The car was born as a high-performance model that emphasizes “speed” and “quality” thanks to the evolution of the suspension and aerodynamics cultivated through participation in the Super Taikyu race, and the interior and exterior appearance that matches these. It was developed with the aim of being a car that can be enjoyed from around town to sports driving on the circuit.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R
Incorporating technology cultivated through Super Taikyu races
Mazda is currently competing in the ST-Q class of the Super Taikyu race, and all the knowledge gained there has been fully incorporated into the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster. Developed based on actual race data from the circuit, the car is not just a high-performance vehicle, but also one that is practical.
Significant improvement in engine performance: Long-awaited 2.0L engine for increased power
Standard model: 2.0L engine with 184ps/20.9kgm
The Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster will be fitted with a soft-top model and a 2.0L gasoline engine that produces 184ps, which was previously only available in the hard-top Roadster RF in Japan.
Compared to the current soft-top’s 1.5L engine (136ps/15.5kgm), this engine delivers approximately 1.4 times the power output, making it a long-awaited specification for users who have previously felt that the engine lacked power.
Limited edition model “12R”: Power increased to 200ps
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster 12R, limited to 200 units, uses a special camshaft, cylinder head, pistons, and exhaust manifold, increasing output from 184ps to 200ps.
Special tuning has improved acceleration at high RPMs, achieving performance worthy of being called the ultimate Roadster.
Numerous dedicated equipment to support driving performance
Significantly improved braking system
The front brakes feature Brembo ventilated discs and opposed 4-piston calipers (painted red), while the rear brakes feature large diameter brake rotors and calipers (painted red) for significantly improved braking power.
BILSTEIN suspension for optimal ride comfort
The suspension features specially set damping characteristics and spring rates for the height-adjustable BILSTEIN dampers . Combined with increased body rigidity achieved by increasing the thickness of the tunnel brace, this provides a “supple” suspension characteristic that combines a high-quality ride comfort in city driving with stability during sporty driving.
Dedicated RAYS wheels combine lightweight design with stylish styling
The wheels are based on the RAYS TE37 and have been specially developed to follow the design used on machines competing in the Super Taikyu Race. They combine high rigidity with reduced unsprung weight.
Aerodynamic exterior design
Aero parts optimized through wind tunnel and circuit testing
The newly developed aero parts have been optimized through wind tunnel testing and actual circuit testing to achieve optimal front and rear aerodynamic balance, downforce, and drag, achieving high stability and handling during high-speed driving.
Exclusive equipment for the limited edition 12R model
The 12R, limited to 200 units, features an aero gray body color and newly developed aero parts in a special gray color. It also comes equipped with special body decals, a black aluminum tower bar, and special machined wheels.
Special interior equipment to enhance the quality
Alcantara material provides both anti-glare and operability
The interior utilizes Alcantara, a material also used in Super Taikyu race cars, for the seats and trim control parts, providing both anti-glare properties and ease of use, helping to improve concentration while driving on the circuit.
12R dedicated full bucket seat
The limited edition model is equipped with specially designed full bucket seats that combine ease of entry and exit in everyday driving with support for circuit driving, providing the ultimate sports driving experience.
Interesting price: 5 million to 7 million yen range
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster: 5,265,000 yen
The standard Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster, limited to 2,200 units in Japan, is priced at 5,265,000 yen. Considering that the current Roadster RS is priced at 3,679,500 yen, this represents a price increase of over 1,580,000 yen, but considering the 2.0L engine and the use of specially developed parts, this is a reasonable price.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster 12R: 7,612,000 yen
The 12R, limited to 200 units, is priced at 7,612,000 yen. This price is set at an additional 3,930,000 yen, taking into account the rarity of the limited production model and the value of the special engine, which has been boosted to 200 horsepower.
Optional parts for full-scale circuit driving enjoyment
Mazda will also be offering recommended aftermarket parts for those who enjoy sporty driving on the circuit, including a titanium sports muffler, reinforced bushings and short bump stoppers, slit rotors and sports pads, and a four-point harness.
These parts will be available for purchase and installation at Mazda dealerships, as “parts selected by Mazda’s in-house master engineers from parts manufacturers’ product lineups.”
Release date and purchase method
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster is scheduled to go on sale from October 24, 2025. The 12R, limited to 200 units, will be sold by lottery.
Should I wait for the new model? Points to consider when purchasing
Recommended for:
- Those who feel that the current soft top lacks power
- 2.0L engine provides approximately 1.4 times more power
- People who want to enjoy circuit driving
- Technology cultivated through racing activities allows for full-scale sports driving
- People who value scarcity
- The 12R is an extremely rare model, limited to just 200 units.
Points to note
- A big price increase
- Price increase of more than 1.3 million yen from the current model
- Difficulty in obtaining limited edition models
- There is a high possibility that the 12th race will be decided by lottery.
- Increased maintenance costs
- High-performance parts may also increase maintenance costs
Bottom line: If you’re looking for the ultimate roadster, it’s worth the wait.
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Roadster is a long-awaited model for those who have felt that previous Roadsters were not quite up to par. It incorporates the technology cultivated through Mazda’s motorsports activities, resulting in a genuine high-performance model that is suitable for everything from city driving to the circuit.
The price is significantly higher, but the 2.0L engine and the extensive range of specially developed parts make this a model worth waiting for for true Roadster enthusiasts.
Further details are expected to be announced before the release on October 24, 2025. If you are aiming for the 12R, which is limited to 200 units, we recommend gathering information early and consulting with your dealer.
Mazda news release
