Mazda MX-5 Sport Black Celebrates GT Racer

Mazda has released a cracking looking MX-5 – the 160PS MX-5 Sport Black – "inspired by this year’s highly successful MX-5 GT race car," which Road buddy Mike Wilds has piloted. And there's also a Mazda2 Black introducing a black vinyl roof, privacy glass and matt black alloy wheels, released at the same time. Only 500 and 618, respectively of these Limited Edition Mazdas available for the UK market. Mazda say: "Inspired by the highly successful 275bhp Mazda MX-5 GT Britcar race car, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black is distinguished by unique paint finishes and an enhanced specification." Externally, the car is highlighted by a Brilliant Black powered retractable hard-top (down in 12-seconds), with a choice of bodywork colours – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red mica. And there's dark ‘gun metal’ 17-inch alloy wheels. The special also comes with black leather interior with contrasting ‘sand’ colour stitching, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, and unique ‘Black Limited Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats. The MX-5 Sport Black also has a good spec, offering climate control air-conditioning, a premium Bose^® audio system, an integrated hands-free Bluetooth^® system, cruise control and front fog lights. The Mazda MX-5 Sport Black will cost £22,995 (OTR), just £360 more than the 160PS, 2.0-litre, six-speed transmission Sport Tech model on which it is based. “Special Edition models of the Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers, and the new Sport Black model takes inspiration from the MX-5 GT race car that embodies Mazda’s Defy Convention brand strategy,” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda Motors UK.  “Both the race car and road-going sportscar remain true to their roots, those of driving entertainment, great handling and fun to drive. The Sport Black model delivers a distinctive and sharper edge to our long-running star performer.”
Meanwhile, the new Limited Edition Mazda2 Black five-door is also available in Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red.  It is based on the 84ps, 1.3-litre Tamura model, adding a black vinyl roof, matt black 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, privacy glass and a rear bumper sports trim. Inside, there is the Sports interior with climate control air-conditioning, a Parrot Bluetooth^® hands-free system, electric rear windows, plus unique ‘Black Edition’ exterior badging, uniquely numbered interior plaque and Limited Edition floor mats. It will cost £12,395 (OTR) for the True Red version and £12,815 for the other metallic and pearlescent colours.
The next Britcar race takes place at the Snetterton race circuit from 13-14 August 2011, where you can see the ace MX-5 GT giant killing. Shame Mazda didn't let rip and release a superlight, super powerful Sport Black special, to really mirror the GT car eh? Still, it looks good!