Mazda MX-5 12R Unveiled in Tokyo as Most Powerful Factory Miata Ever
The fourth-generation Miata is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, and yet Mazda still isn’t out of ideas for the roadster. The brand attended the Tokyo Auto Salon to show a racing-inspired, limited-edition trim called 12R that stands proud as the most powerful factory-built production Miata ever.
Mazda Spirit Racing, the Japanese company’s racing division, played a significant role in developing the 12R by leveraging the lessons learned in the Super Endurance series. Designed for both street and track use, the model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 197 horsepower. For context, the regular model’s 2.0-liter four develops 181 horsepower. And while that’s not a huge increase—you’ll get a hell of a lot more power by bolting a Flyin’ Miata turbo kit (or a V8) to your ND—it should be noticeable in a driver-focused car that tips the scale at about 2,500 pounds.
Details about the changes made to the 12R remain a little vague, but it doesn’t sound like Mazda merely tweaked the ECU and called it a good job well done. The brand mentioned several trim-specific parts including the cams, cylinder heads, pistons, and exhaust manifold.
