2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car Ready to Race Globally
With the success of the MX-5 Cup series, it was only a matter of time until Mazda unveiled a new Cup car based on the fourth-generation MX-5.
Ready to compete in a Global Cup series for the 2016 calendar year, the MX-5 will be raced in several countries around the world with an end of year Global shootout taking place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California to crown the world champion. That winner will then get a chance to test-out for a spot in Mazda’s TUDOR SKYACTIV prototype race car.
Not much is known about the car (including technical specifications) other than power will come from a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine. Obvious safety equipment has been added like a roll cage, racing seat and a racing harness. The interior has been gutted out, a racing wheel added and some aero tweaks are present. But that is all we know as to what modifications may have been made to the MX-5.
Production on the racecar specials will begin this winter and anyone interested in entering the series will be able to purchase an MX-5 ready for racing from a single supplier.
With the new car’s debut on the track still over a year away, 2015 will mark the final year of the third generation NC MX-5 to be used in the Cup series.
GALLERY: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car Concept
Discuss this story on our Mazda MX-5 forum.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation