Mazda's MX-5 Yusho Concept Adds Boost

It's funny to me.  Mazda's iconic Miata/MX-5 Roadster has been in production for 22 years now(!), and I can count the number of real high-performance derivatives on one hand.  Actually, when it comes to the states, make that one finger: the 2004-05 Mazdaspeed Miata.  They took a strengthened version of the 1.8L BP block, added an IHI turbocharger and intercooler, and put 180 horsepower through a close-ratio 6-speed and an LSD.  I drove one of them back when they were new, and it was fun, but it didn't exactly remove your face with excess velocity.  It was somewhat comparable to the supercharged Mini Cooper S in power; sure, it was a fun car, but nothing amazing.

Other than that, the Miata has gone along with a series of four cylinders (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0) cranking out just enough horsepower to prevent ennui, and focused on providing fun through the maintaining of momentum.  It's a classic British sports car without the obnoxious electrical problems and oil leaks.  But why won't they build a fast one?  Something with some actual power?

Mazda debuted another tantalizing MX-5 concept at the Leipzig Auto Show (who?) called the MX-5 Yusho, which is Japanese for "Victory."  Slathered in diamond white paint with a set of 17" alloys wrapped in Toyo Proxes, it's a little meaner looking than a normal MX-5.  But it's what's under the hood that's most interesting.

The 2.0L MZR four-cylinder is fortified with a rotating assembly from Cosworth (rods & pistons), while a Flyin' Miata MP62 Supercharger Kit pressurizes the little roadster.  Other engine mods include larger injectors, an intercooler, a custom exhaust with a high-flow catalyst, and the necessary ECU tune.  On the transmission side, an upgraded ACT clutch helps put the power down, and a shortened final drive makes the most of it.  Power jumps from 160 to 237bhp, and torque rises from 138 to 202lb-ft.  All in, the Yusho should be good for nearly 150mph - a big step up from the standard 2.0L car's 132mph.

Beyond the built and blown motor, the Yusho gets a fairly standard raft of show-car changes.  Inside, there's a pair of Recaro butthuggers and a suede steering wheel.  Outside, the changes are the aforementioned wheels, a really gorgeous carbon rear diffuser with center-exit exhaust pipes, and a small lip spoiler.  Suspension changes include Bilstein struts and Eibach springs with thicker sway bars.

It's not the most radical concept Miata we've seen, or even the first supercharged one.  The big question is: with their fondness for supercharging the MX-5, is there any chance that Mazda is going to give us a factory car with enough horsepower?  Considering they actually have some competition in the cheap, fun RWD market now (like the Toyobaru Triples - GT-86, BRZ and FR-S, and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T), it might be a wise choice.  Enthusiasts have been harping for years that they need to just throw the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (from the Mazdaspeed 3) in, but Mazda says it neither fits in the engine bay, nor fits the car's character.  A positive-displacement supercharger kit provides a really clean, linear power increase - which does.  I'm not holding my breath, but I guess we'll see.