Mazda’s heats up MX-5 with Cup Racer and RS version

For those of you who dream of an MX-5 with a little more spice or drama, America or Japan may be the most interesting place for you right now.

America’s announced its Miata Cup Racer, a MX-5 built to one-make series spec, can be had for US$53,000 or $74,410.

The 2.0-litre race car comes with a sealed engine block, ECU, transmission and differential, and will qualify you for Mazda’s 2016 global race series with a turn-key ready racer, bar a racing seat.

But if door-rubbing isn’t what you had in mind, Mazda Japan hasn’t wasted any time in spicing up its 1.5-litre Roadster for its local market.

It’s built a hotter RS version which will feature a host of bits that focus on refining its lithe package.

Outputs stay put at 96kW and 150Nm, but the RS’s suspension package welcomes Bilstein shock absorbers and a front strut brace, while the steering has been tweaked and bigger brake discs feature too.

Mazda’s also sharpened the Roadster’s rasp by fitting an upgraded exhaust.

The effort to improve the car’s feel good vibe continues on the inside, where seat-wizards Recaro have fitted a pair of pews finished in fake suede and Nappa leather.

And like our range-topping MX-5 GT, the RS features a nine speaker Bose stereo system.

Japan will be the only market to receive the 1.5-litre Roadster RS, priced at AU$37,240 converted, meaning we’ll have to make do with the big-block 2.0-litre MX-5 to quench our thirst for more performance.

But will we see any of the Roadster RS’s bits on a special edition sold in Australia down the track? Mazda Australia couldn’t provide a comment right now, but we will check back in due course.