Mazda MX-5 GT 2.0 litre - 315HP and 1000kg

Mazda has unveiled their new racing car - MX-5 GT 2.0 litre, which will take part in the British GT Championship in 2012. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Mazda Financial Services and Jota Aviation, the Mazda MX-5 GT will compete in the GT4 class against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Nissan.

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 GT4 weighs just 1 000kg. It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder racing engine delivering 315HP. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Hewland gearbox enabling the car to accelerate to 60mph in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is 258 km/h (160 mph). This makes the car the fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the World.

The outstanding handling that has made the MX-5 a favourite amongst drivers looking for an outstanding drive experience has been further developed through the race programme in 2011 with the help of MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Agency.  The MX-5 GT4 demonstrates high levels of stability under all loads making the car easy and fun to drive, an important feature for the longer endurance races.

Last season the Mazda MX-5 GT demonstrated its strengths in endurance racing, while it is not as powerful as rivals it uses less fuel and is easier on tyres.  This translates to less time in the pits and more time on the track which is a winning formula.

The British GT Championship is nine rounds over seven weekends.  The first race is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter weekend, 7 and 9 April.

"We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK.

"Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling to best exploit those strengths.  We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.", he finished.

Mazda MX-5 GT 2.0 litre (2011)

Source: Mazda