Mazda MX-5 Yusho: supercharged roadster concept revealed
The high-performance Mazda MX-5 Yusho concept has been unveiled at the 2012 Leipzig motor show in Germany.
The MX-5 Yusho (which means ‘victory’ in Japanese) is powered by a supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine fitted with both Cosworth pistons and connecting rods and a sports exhaust system.
Tuned to produce 177kW of power and 274Nm of torque (up 59kW/86Nm from the standard production car), the six-speed manual Yusho concept has a top speed of 240km/h and is expected to sprint from 0-100km/h in under six seconds.
Other elements unique to the MX-5 Yusho include 17-inch light alloy wheels, carbonfibre rear diffuser with twin central exhaust outlets, and a matt white paint finish, while the cockpit scores Recaro sports seats and an alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
Mazda has made no announcement of plans to make a production version of the Yusho as a swansong for the ageing MX-5, insisting it is simply a concept at this stage.
The current third-generation MX-5 has been in production since 2005 and will have been on sale for more than a decade by the time the fourth-generation ‘ND’ model is released in 2015.
As we reported late last month, the next rear-wheel-drive MX-5 roadster will be developed in collaboration with the all-new Alfa Romeo Spider.
The partnership will reduce R&D costs for both manufacturers and, best of all for Australian sports car fans, will ensure both vehicles are produced in right-hand-drive and available to our market.