Mazda outs track-ready MX-5 GT

The Mazda MX-5 has never been about outright power, but that doesn't mean a fraction more than the standard 160bhp would go amiss. Luckily, Mazda's been listening, and has responded with this - the track-focused MX-5 GT Concept.

Built to "test customer reaction to a high performance version of the iconic sportscar", the GT will make its debut at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. It'll be running the infamous hillclimb course as part of the "First Glance" category, alongside the new Aston Martin Vanquish and Bentley Continental GT Speed. Well, it's good to aim high...

The GT, which uses the same 2.0-litre four-pot and six-speed manual as the standard car, packs 205bhp, 45 more than its production spec sibling. There's no word yet on acceleration, top speed or torque - but as the road-going car can crack 62mph in 7.6 seconds and run on to 132mph with a measly 160bhp, the GT should be entertainingly brisk.

Other mechanical enhancements include adjustable suspension, a set of sticky semi-slick track tyres and a new sports exhaust system that promises a better bark from the single, central pipe. The GT is also a whisker lighter than the standard car, thanks to a pair of grippy Recaros and carbon-fibre interior trimmings.

Visually, a carbon front splitter, side skirts and a spoiler differentiate the GT from standard MX-5s. Whether they actually provide a measurable aerodynamic benefit - as Mazda claims - will be tested by Goodwood's notoriously unforgiving walls.

Want one? Well too bad - Mazda's keeping its cards close to its chest, so there's no word yet on when, or even if it'll make production. But surely you wouldn't stick a set of road legal semi-slicks, not full-on racing tires, on your track-special concept unless...