Mazda MX-5 GT – modified for racing
Posted:
Apr 08 2011
Inspired by Mazda’s “Gram Strategy” Jota Sport has created a modified stripped down version of the Mazda MX-5. It’s lightweight but at the same time more powerful that your normal MX-5. So much so that TopGear calls it Mazda’s “MiniHulk.”
Auto Express writes: “the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has been upgraded from 158bhp to 275bhp, which has sliced the 0-62mph time from 7.6 to just 3.0-seconds and increased the top speed from 132mph to 160mph. The engine is coupled to a six-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox.”
To optimise the weight, the team at Jota have trimmed down every part as well as “added carbon fibre doors, polycarbonate windows and dipped the car’s body in an acid bath, shedding 15kg. Despite the addition of an FIA-spec roll cage, the MX-5’s weight has dropped from 1,165kg to just 850kg.”
The Mazda MX-5 GT debuted at the 2011 Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship at Silverstone where it finished in sixth place. Competing against the likes of Porsche, BMW and Lotus, we think that’s pretty good going.
You can watch a time lapse video of the MX-5 GT being built here.
(Images from TopGear)