Unleash the Beast: Mazda Unveils the Most Powerful MX-5 Miata Ever at Tokyo Motor Show

Mazda Unleashes the Most Powerful Factory-Built Miata Ever: Introducing the Limited-Edition 12R

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata is turning 10 years old in 2025, and the brand is still pumping out innovative ideas for the iconic roadster. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda showcased a racing-inspired, limited-edition trim, dubbed the 12R, which proudly boasts the title of the most powerful factory-built production Miata ever.

A Collaboration with Mazda Spirit Racing

Mazda Spirit Racing, the company’s racing division, played a significant role in developing the 12R by harnessing the know-how gathered from the Super Endurance series. This collaboration has resulted in a model designed for both street and track use, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 197 horsepower. For comparison, the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the regular model delivers 181 horsepower. While it’s not an enormous increase, the 12R will certainly make a noticeable difference in a driver-focused car that weighs around 2,500 pounds.

What’s Under the Hood?

Details about the changes made to the 12R are a bit vague, but it appears that Mazda didn’t simply tweak the ECU and call it a day. The brand has revealed trim-specific parts, including cams, cylinder heads, pistons, and an exhaust manifold. This suggests that a more substantial reworking of the engine was necessary to produce the increased power output.

Transmission and Brakes

The only transmission available for the 12R is a six-speed manual transmission. To match its increased power, the model gets Brembo brake calipers, larger rotors, and height-adjustable dampers.

Aesthetics and Comfort

The 12R doesn’t scram its scales and become a hardcore, track-only monster. Instead, it wears a new body kit featuring a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, and is finished in Aero Gray. Forged RAYS wheels add a touch of luxury. The model is exclusively available with a soft top, presumably due to the weight penalty of the hardtop-equipped RF model. Red accents add a pop of color to an otherwise understated design.

Interior and Options

Pics of the interior aren’t available yet, but we’re told it features bucket seats and Alcantara upholstery. Don’t worry – it’s not a stripped-out track car; air conditioning and a radio are still included. Only 200 Units Available

The bad news? Mazda will cap production of the Miata 12R at just 200 units, and it’ll be exclusively available in Japan. That means a long wait until 2050 to legally enjoy one in the United States. The 12R represents a step in the right direction, but it’s disappointing that it won’t be available to the wider market.

A Mission Statement from Mazda

At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda’s mission echoed the sentiment from CES: "We aim to make motorsports more accessible and enjoyable for everyone." In a world where technology is rapidly replacing human interaction with cars, Mazda’s commitment to driving excitement is a refreshing change. I’m eager to see what the brand has in store for the Miata.