It looks like the current Mazda Miata is going out with a bang. Before the NC gets replaced by a new roadster co-developed with Alfa Romeo, British enthusiasts will have access to a hotted up version with some tasty BRZ-fighting power. The only problem is it won't be cheap.
This is the Jota Mazda MX-5 GT. Jota Sport is the company that prepares some of Mazda's racing cars, and they have extended their magic to our beloved Miata. Their car is essentially a production version of the very cool MX-5 GT Concept that showed up at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year.
Here, the Jota MX-5 GT will put out 203 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine thanks to a revised ECU and a sport exhaust. It's not as insane as the supercharged, one-off Miata Super20, but it has the kind of power from the Miata we have always craved. The car also comes with Recaro seats, a revised suspension and looks inspired by the concept.
While PistonHeads and other outlets claim a zero to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, I bet it's quicker than that; 6.5 was about what the 167 horsepower Miata Club Edition I had recently would do.
Here's the kicker: it's only available in the UK and can only be special ordered through the Jota and Mazda dealer Lodge Garage in Aylesbury. Expect it to cost £29,995, or about $48,500 to us Americans. That may seem steep, but in the UK it's only a few grand more than a Toyota GT86.
Come on Mazda, bring it over. We'll take good care of it. We swear!