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Mazda's supercharged MX-5 concept produces 244bhp and will hit a top speed of 155mph

Mazda has unveiled two special edition versions of its venerable MX-5 sports car at this week’s Leipzig motor show.

The Mazda MX-5 Yusho concept increases the power of the standard car’s 2.0-litre petrol unit by 86bhp to 244bhp, thanks to the addition of a supercharger, Cosworth pistons and new fuel injectors. With the upgrades in place, Mazda claims that the Yusho concept will achieve a top speed of 155mph, some 18mph quicker than the standard machine. 

The Yusho’s body is wrapped in white vinyl and the car’s ride height has been lowered thanks to Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks.

Mazda’s second special edition car at the Leipzig show – the Mazda MX-5 Senshu – is a limited-edition production model, of which 200 units will be built for the German market only.

Standout features of the Senshu include a matte finished front and rear diffuser, contrasting stripes down the body's sides, as well as 17-inch alloys clad in 205/45 rubber.

Colour options for the MX-5 Senshu include red, white or black and power comes courtesy of the standard car’s 2.0-litre unit, which develops 158bhp and 138lb ft of torque.

Prices for the MX-5 Senshu start from 29,190 euros (about £23,550).

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TJK 7 June 2012

At Last

As an RX8 owner, I was always puzzled why:

Angel Mazda didn't use the turbo 2.3 MPS engine (from the old Mazda6 MPS and Mazda3 MPS) in the MX5 for power hungry users: 260 bhp, almost double the torque of the Renesis rotary (which I do love despite its horrendous urban fuel consumption) and considerably better fuel consumption than the rotary, and,

(b) Also offer that 2.3 turbo engine in the RX8 as a lower co2, much better economy and torque option to the rotary.

Considering the ludicrous number of engines that companies like VW offer, surely Mazda can at least offer one engine alternative for the MX5 and (RIP) RX8.

What are you waiting for Mazda? Only 158 bhp in the MX5 severely narrows the appeal of an otherwise great car.

toptidy 6 June 2012

Hardcore MX5

At last, an MX5 with some proper grunt!

I would guess that 155 mph is a limited top speed, but it ought to get there pretty quickly!

pl1988@yahoo.com 6 June 2012

"some 18mph quicker than the standard machine"

  Re the Mazda MX-5 Yusho concept

That is not much gain in top speed for all the cost and extra power involved.

  With lower ride height I would expect ride comfort is compromided also

 

However I'm sure there will be plenty of takers

 

Now for a photo