Mazda will add a high-performance model to the new Roadster, the “Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R,” limited to 200 units by lottery, and a mass-produced model, the “Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster,” which will go on sale from October 24, 2025. The “Mazda Spirit Racing” brand will be launched in the future. The 200 units of the lottery-limited model will be priced at 7,612,000 yen, while the mass-produced model, limited to 2,200 units in Japan, will be priced at 5,265,000 yen.
On January 10, 2025, at the Mazda press conference at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, President and CEO Masahiro Moro and Senior Fellow Brand Design and Mazda Spirit Racing Representative Ikuo Maeda made some exciting announcements.
It is the arrival of the “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER,” a special model of the new Roadster created by Mazda’s motorsports division, “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING.”
This special model is the culmination of the Roadster, combining high levels of speed and quality, with the technology and know-how cultivated through the Super Taikyu race generously poured into it. Two grades have been announced: the mass-produced “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER,” and the high-performance “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R,” which will be sold by lottery and limited to 200 units.
At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, which will be held at Makuhari Messe from January 12th to 14th, 2024, Mazda unveiled a prototype of the Roadster-based MAZDA SPIRIT RACING concept (Mazda Spirit Racing RS concept). On the same day , Mazda also unveiled a prototype of the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING 3 concept (Mazda Spirit Racing 3 concept) based on the MAZDA3 .
Mazda Roadster High-Performance Model “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R”
New Roadster MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER
- This special model was created by Mazda’s motorsports division, MAZDA SPIRIT RACING.
- By incorporating the technology and know-how cultivated through Super Taikyu races, we have achieved both speed and quality.
- Available in two grades: the mass-produced model and the “12R” limited to 200 units.
- Reservations will begin to be accepted in the fall of 2025, with sales scheduled to begin within the year.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R (limited to 200 units)
- This limited edition model bears the development code name “12R” of the vehicle competing in the Super Taikyu Race.
- Equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine (200PS).
- Equipped with specially developed Bilstein C-ring type height adjustable suspension, RAYS forged aluminum wheels, Fujitsubo special exhaust manifold (wrapped in bandage), and Brembo opposed 4-piston brake calipers.
- The interior features Recaro full bucket seats, Sabelt four-point harnesses, and Alcantara material.
- The body color is Aero Gray and it is equipped with special badges, bonnet stripes and a rear wing.
- The price is 7,612,000 yen.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER (Japan limited 2,200 units)
- Equipped with specially developed Bilstein C-ring type height adjustable suspension, RAYS forged aluminum wheels, Fujitsubo sports muffler, and Brembo opposed 4-piston brake calipers.
- Equipped with a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine (184PS).
- The interior features special seats with red stitching and Alcantara material.
- The price is 5,265,000 yen.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING
- The team will compete in the Super Taikyu Series ST-Q class and continue to develop its technology.
- We are implementing a challenge program to support the growth of e-motorsports into real racing.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R: A limited edition model that takes driving to the pinnacle
As its name suggests, the “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R” is a special roadster bearing the development code name “12R” of the vehicle competing in the Super Taikyu Race. In addition to its rarity with only 200 units produced, it is equipped with a number of special features designed for circuit racing, maximizing its driving potential.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R
The engine is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, incorporating know-how gained from the Super Taikyu series. It employs a special camshaft, cylinder head, pistons, and other components, producing a maximum output of an astounding 200 PS . This is the first time a soft-top Roadster in Japan has been fitted with a 2.0-liter engine.
The suspension is equipped with specially developed Bilstein C-ring type height adjustable suspension, RAYS forged aluminum wheels (TE37), a Fujitsubo special exhaust manifold (wrapped in vantage), and Brembo opposed 4-piston brake calipers (painted red). Furthermore, to accommodate circuit racing, a special tower bar is also installed connecting the struts and bulkhead. The exterior, with its aero gray body color, MAZDA SPIRIT RACING badge, bonnet stripe and logo, and rear wing shaped to reduce the effects of crosswinds, creates a bold impression.
The interior features “Regane” suede-like artificial leather and red stitching, creating a sporty and luxurious space. Other features include Recaro full bucket seats, Sabelt four-point harnesses, Alcantara on the steering wheel, shift knob, handbrake, and floor mats, all of which feature the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING logo, creating a truly racing atmosphere.
The engine, a 2L gasoline engine previously only available in the Roadster RF in Japan, has been specially tuned to boost output from 184ps to 200ps. This marks the first time a 2L engine has been fitted to a soft-top model in Japan. With this high-output engine, specially tuned suspension and aero parts that enhance aerodynamic performance, the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R truly embodies the driving sensation of “Jinba Ittai” (oneness between man and machine), making it the pinnacle of the Roadster range.
The appeal of the MSR RS is not limited to its true value on the circuit: even in everyday use, its high-quality ride and powerful acceleration generated by the 2L engine provide the driver with an exhilarating driving experience.
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER: A high-performance model that can also be enjoyed for everyday use
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER
Meanwhile, the mass-produced model “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER” is designed to allow a wider range of users to experience the appeal of the Roadster’s driving performance.
Like the 12R, it comes standard with specially developed Bilstein C-ring suspension, RAYS forged aluminum wheels, a Fujitsubo sports muffler (stainless steel), and Brembo opposed 4-piston brake calipers (painted red). The engine is a 2L gasoline engine with a maximum output of 184ps.
The interior features special seats with red stitching, and a steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake made from Alcantara material, creating a sporty yet high-quality space.
Common dedicated equipment
Both models feature the following exclusive equipment:
- 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
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING: A new brand born from motorsports
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER is the first production model under the “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING” brand. Mazda has been competing in the Super Taikyu Series ST-Q class since 2024, and is advancing technological development through motorsports activities under the spirit of “Taking on the Challenge Together.”
President Moro stated, “Mazda will not give up on engines. We will develop internal combustion engine technology that is in line with the times through multi-solutions and take on the challenge of becoming carbon neutral,” and also mentioned future-oriented initiatives such as the re-establishment of the rotary engine development division.
Maeda also explained that the company will expand MAZDA SPIRIT RACING activities, including a challenge program to support growth from the world of e-motorsports to real racing.
Mazda’s new “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R” specifications
| Specifications | MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER |
MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,915mm | 3,915mm |
| Overall width | 1,735mm | 1,735mm |
| Overall height | 1,235mm | 1,235mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310mm | 2,310mm |
| engine | 2.0L straight 4DOHC SKYACTIV-G |
2.0L straight 4DOHC SKYACTIV-G |
| Maximum power | 135kW (184ps) / 7,000rpm |
200ps/ 7,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 152Nm (15.5kgm) / 4,500rpm |
205Nm (20.9kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Drive system | 2WD | 2WD |
| transmission | SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission | SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission |
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.
Mazda Roadster (soft top model) price and grade
For the Roadster, the “Special Edition 990S,” “Special Edition BROWN TOP,” and “S Leather Package White Selection” have been discontinued, while for the Roadster RF, the “VS White Selection” and “VS Terracotta Selection” have been discontinued.
| grade | engine | Drive system |
transmission |
New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | SKYACTIV-G 1.5 | 2WD (FR) |
6MT | 2,898,500 yen |
| NR-A | 6MT | 3,064,600 yen | ||
| S Special Package | 6MT | 3,087,700 yen | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,203,200 yen | |||
| S Leather Package | 6MT | 3,498,000 yen | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,613,500 yen | |||
| S Leather Package V Selection |
6MT | 3,553,000 yen | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,668,500 yen | |||
| RS | 6MT | 3,679,500 yen | ||
| MAZDA SPIRIT RACING | SKYACTIV-G 2.0 | 6-speed manual transmission | Approximately 5 million yen | |
| MAZDA SPIRIT RACING 12R | 6-speed manual transmission | Approximately 7 million yen |
Mazda Roadster RF (retractable hardtop model) price and grade
| grade | engine | Drive system |
transmission |
Old price | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | SKYACTIV-G 2.0 | 2WD (FR) |
6MT | 3,527,700 yen | 3,796,100 yen |
| 6EC-AT | 3,555,200 yen | 3,823,600 yen | |||
| VS | 6MT | 3,823,600 yen | 4,154,700 yen | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,851,100 yen | 4,182,200 yen | |||
| VS White Selection |
6MT | 3,864,300 yen | abolition | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,891,800 yen | abolition | |||
| VS Terracotta Selection |
6MT | 3,864,300 yen | abolition | ||
| 6EC-AT | 3,891,800 yen | abolition | |||
| RS | 6MT | 3,988,600 yen | 4,308,700 yen |
Mazda’s new “Mazda Roadster” undergoes major product improvements
Mazda will significantly improve its compact open sports cars, the Mazda Roadster (soft-top model) and the Mazda Roadster RF (retractable hard-top model), and release them in mid-January 2024.
This latest improvement includes the latest advanced safety and connected technologies, such as the new adoption of Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Smart Brake Support with Rear-Mounted Safety System – Reverse Brake Detection (SBS-RC), as well as improvements to Mazda Connect. The exterior design has also been improved, making this the most significant product improvement for the fourth-generation Roadster.
In terms of exterior design, changes to the daytime running lights have given the car a sporty, light look. The taillights have also become more three-dimensional, giving it a clearer impression.
The interior now features a new 8.8-inch center display. It also features a new color coordination of a sports tan interior and a beige top, reminiscent of the lightweight open sports cars of the past.
In terms of dynamic performance, the new Roadster employs a newly developed Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (ASSD), which stabilizes the vehicle’s cornering behavior by changing the differential gear’s limiting force during acceleration and deceleration. Along with the evolution of the electric power steering and engine performance feel, the Roadster’s unique linear and nimble driving has been refined. Furthermore, to enable more people to enjoy motorsports safely, manual transmission vehicles feature a new control mode, “DSC-TRACK,” for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), optimized for circuit driving.
A word from the editorial department
The Roadster is Mazda’s signature open sports car that has been loved around the world since the first model was released in 1989. Its appeal lies in its nimble handling and the joy of open-air motoring.
The current Roadster (ND model), which was released in 2015, has evolved even further by adopting Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology and Kodo Design. Its lightweight and highly rigid body, easy-to-control handling, and pleasant engine sound have captivated many drivers.
The Roadster is more than just a means of transportation; it is like a partner that enriches your life. The Roadster offers the sense of freedom that only an open-top car can offer, the exhilaration of feeling the breeze as you drive, and the sense of unity between you and the car – a true “Jinba Ittai” (oneness between man and machine).
The MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R is a special model that further enhances the appeal of the Roadster. With an even sportier and more refined design, the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R will offer a new driving experience to not only Roadster fans, but also many sports car enthusiasts.
Starting with the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R, Mazda plans to continue to develop a variety of special models under the “MAZDA SPIRIT RACING” brand. Mazda vehicles, including the Roadster, will continue to evolve and provide us with the joy of driving.
Please look forward to the new MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER and the future of the Roadster.
Mazda news release
