MAZDA Australia has upped the dynamic ante of its iconic MX-5 sportscar with the introduction of two GT RS variants that inject an added sense of sportiness to the vary courtesy of upgraded suspension and brakes.
On account of arrive in Australia subsequent month priced from $47,020 (Roadster) and $51,100 (RF) plus on-road prices, the GT RS twins will perch squarely on the prime of their respective ranges by way of dynamic prowess, with the RS badging signalling the set up of Bilstein suspension and Brembo brakes.
Designed particularly “to attraction to driving fanatics”, the GT RS variants are powered by the acquainted 135kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and drive the rear wheels solely through a six-speed handbook transmission.
Whereas no mechanical adjustments have been made to the engine itself, the engine bay has had a minor tweak within the type of an alloy strut tower brace linking the entrance suspension struts for “improved rigidity and steering response”.
To mark them out towards the remainder of the MX-5 vary, the GT RS pair brandish their very own distinctive 17-inch cast alloy wheels – shod with sticky Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres – and black mirror caps.
Save for the brand new wheels and black mirror caps, the brand new sports activities flagships mirror the styling of the remainder of the vary, simply as they do with the common GTs’ normal gear lists.
On the subject of the broader MX-5 vary, wi-fi Apple CarPlay has been added to all variants for the 2021 mannequin yr, as has a brand new ‘Deep Crystal Blue’ paint end.
RF GT Black Roof variants additionally rating a brand new ‘Pure White’ Nappa leather-based inside possibility.
The addition of wi-fi CarPlay has added $200 to the asking costs of the vary with the brand new GT RS’ slipping in $3000 upstream of their normal GT stablemates.
In accordance with Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, the MX-5 is the epitome of the model’s Zoon-Zoom philosophy with the GT RS being the newest in a protracted line of dynamically centered variants.
“Australia has a proud historical past of localised MX-5 variants, together with the turbocharged NB-series MX-5 SP which produced astounding efficiency,” he mentioned.
“These new MX-5 GT RS variants supply extra centered dynamics with upgraded suspension and braking methods that present larger suggestions, management and efficiency.
“They’re an ideal addition to our up to date MX-5 vary, which now presents superior connectivity and contemporary exterior and inside finishes.”
Mazda has offered 461 MX-5s thus far this yr ending November, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the sub-$80,000 sportscar phase – simply 5 items lower than it managed over the identical interval in 2019.
2021 Mazda MX-5 pricing*
| 1.5 Roadster | $36,090 |
| 1.5 Roadster (a) | $38,090 |
| 2.0 RF | $41,400 |
| 2.0 RF (a) | $43,400 |
| 2.0 GT Roadster | $44,020 |
| 2.0 GT Roadster (a) | $46,020 |
| 2.0 GT RS Roadster | $47,020 |
| 2.0 GT RF | $48,100 |
| 2.0 GT RF Black Roof | $49,120 |
| 2.0 GT RF (a) | $50,100 |
| 2.0 GT RS RF | $51,100 |
| 2.0 GT RF Black Roof (a) | $51,120 |
*Excludes on-road prices
