The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car

The MX-5 Cup Car is the model that Mazda is taking itself to the SEMA Auto Show being held this week. The model had been launched in 2006 and since then had a very impressive racing career. The car is lean by weight as it tips the scales at just 2,600 pounds. It has a 195 hp motor fitted on it with a six speed gear mechanism to match the engine with the wheels.

To get it ready for the track the MX5 had been tweaked a bit. The work was done under the direction of Derek Jenkins who is the North American design director of Mazda. He was also assigned the task of tweaking the Mazda2s and MX5 as well as a couple of Mazda3s and RX-8 for the SEMA event.

“The versatility of Mazda vehicles is extraordinary. With just minor modifications to a stock Mazda, it can be ready for the track or a car show. Our SEMA cars demonstrate this ability; taking a vehicle from the dealership and making it a truly unique piece.”

A cold air intake was the first modification that was incorporated to the existing Mazda. Then the 3-piece front strut tower brace was added to the chassis. The MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development MX-5 Cup kit was thereafter added to the car, consisting of double adjustable shocks, specified springs, and threaded-perch coil-overs. Identical anti-roll bars and end links can be seen on every Mazda sports car that is available at the show. The car is now waiting for the track.

Source: topspeed