Win on Sunday, sell on Monday – that’s the mantra for makers who spend millions striving for motorsport success. By notching up on-track victories, they aim to enjoy success in the showroom.
Mazda is a firm follower of this philosophy, having secured silverware in the World Rally Championship and Le Mans over the past two decades. However, the Japanese giant’s latest on-track adventure is closer to home, with bosses entering the legendary MX-5 into the tough Britcar British Endurance Championship.
Despite having less power than big-hitting rivals from BMW and Lotus, the lightweight two-seater has clinched a brace of podium finishes in the hands of Auto Express’s senior road tester Owen Mildenhall and fellow racer Mark Ticehurst. To celebrate, Mazda has launched a special roadgoing version of its hardcore MX-5 racer.
With eye-catching paint, a luxurious cabin and a limited production run, the newcomer should be every bit as desirable as its hardcore cousin. To find out, we’ve brought the two together for a special head-to-head. Which one will pass the chequered flag first?
Why oh why the abysmal colour!
Never did like the front grill on these versions, so yet another reason not to purchase, who in their right mind comes up with such dreadful colours? Grief! and to think someone actually gets paid for this! I'm out!
By CarlyWarly on 11 August, 2011, 7:50am