Car and Driver: Mazda MX-5 Miata, Demio (Mazda 2) Racing Concepts—We Want Both

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Here in the U.S., putting the letters N, R, and A next to one another can conjure two highly differing opinions. However, stick those letters, plus a hyphen, behind the words “Mazda Roadster,” and the result is something every enthusiast should be able to get behind. That’s because the Mazda Roadster NR-A is a racing-prepped MX-5 Miata that’s been sold since 2001 in Japan. The latest version is being showed off—with a flashy graphics—at the 2016 Tokyo auto salon alongside an equally racy Demio 15MB Racing Spec, essentially a Mazda 2 built for rallying. Are we jealous? You bet.

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Mazda Roadster NR-A Racing Spec

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The NR-A Racing Spec sports car is distinct from the Global MX-5 Cup factory race car Mazda has already revealed. The NR-A is sold as a semi-stripped-out MX-5 Miata equipped with height-adjustable Bilstein shocks, a strut-tower brace, and a limited-slip differential. Adding a roll bar and tow hooks, both available from Mazda in Japan, renders the NR-A eligible for the Roadster One Make racing series—also in Japan. Being shown at the Tokyo auto salon (which is Japan’s equivalent to the SEMA aftermarket show), the “Racing Spec” car is an NR-A kitted out with a roll bar (more of a cage, really), the aforementioned tow hooks, and a natty set of racing graphics. Tallying up the various bits, including the car, in yen on Mazda’s JDM website, we reached a grand total of ¥2,881,148. In American, that converts to $23,905. Damn.

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• Picture This: Our 25 Hottest Car Photos of the Year!-
• Mazda MX-5 Miata RS: A High-Po Miata for Japan’s Eyes Only-
• Mazda MX-5 Miata Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More-

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Mazda Demio 15MB Racing Spec

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It isn’t clear from Mazda’s Japanese press materials whether this Demio (Mazda 2, which we won’t get in the U.S.) 15MB Racing Spec is a concept or an actual build, and if the latter, what racing series it’s specifically built for. Mazda claims the Racing Spec Demi “can participate in national rally.” To that end, its interior has been partially gutted, a roll cage fitted, and the hatchback stands slightly taller on a raised suspension. Our favorite bits? Those rally wheels and tires—and the little mudflaps behind each one of them!

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