New Mazda MX-5 GT RS revealed

Mazda Australia has announced a new track-focused model – the Mazda MX-5 GT RS – that will headline the Japanese brand’s updated sports car range when it launches in January 2021.

Exclusive to the Australian market, the Mazda MX-5 GT RS is priced from $47,020 plus on-road costs for the roadster – or $51,100 plus ORCs in RF (Retractable Fastback) guise – and is only available with the more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine (135kW/205Nm) and six-speed manual gearbox combination, confirming its ‘enthusiast only’ status.

No engine upgrades have been made, with Mazda’s focus with the GT RS firmly on improved dynamic performance.

To that end, a solid alloy strut brace is fitted under the bonnet to improve body rigidity, while the fitment of Bilstein shock absorbers aims to deliver more responsive handling.

Braking performance also moves up a notch with four-piston aluminium Brembo brake callipers at the front axle working over 280mm ventilated discs with specially designed ‘pillar’ internal cooling fins.

The brake pads have been upgraded as well, claimed to deliver “stronger pedal feedback” along with 26 per cent improved fade resistance.

The updated braking package strips 2kg off the kerb weight of the MX-5 GT RS compared to regular models, and new 17-inch forged alloy wheels supplied by BBS also reduce unsprung weight.

Sporty Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres (205/45) are fitted too.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the new MX-5 GT RS offers “more focused dynamics with upgraded suspension and braking systems that provide greater feedback, control and performance”.

Bhindi added that Australia has a “proud history of localised MX-5 variants, including the turbocharged NB-series MX-5 SP” which delivered significantly more hustle for the compact rear-wheel drive sports car.

The entire 2021 Mazda MX-5 range, GT RS included, will feature wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity that pushes pricing up $200 on carryover variants.

Android Auto remains a plug-in or wired system.

White Nappa leather upholstery is now offered on the flagship Mazda MX-5 RF GT Black Roof models, while 1.5-litre MX-5 Roadster and 2.0-litre RF variants pick up black wing mirror caps. (Both GT RS variants also have black caps.)

A sixth colour option has been added to the palette – Deep Crystal Blue – which joins Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Polymetal Grey Metallic.

Premium metallic paint costs an extra $495 and choosing an automatic transmission adds $2000 on all variants bar the manual-only GT RS.

With more than a million sales globally, the world’s top-selling two-seater roadster is now priced from $36,090 plus on-road costs for the 1.5-litre (97kW/152Nm) six-speed manual soft-top roadster and tops out at $51,120 plus ORCs for the 2.0-litre (135kW/205Nm) six-speed auto RF.

Mazda MX-5 sales have proved resilient in 2020, dropping just 1.2 per cent year-to-date from 421 to 416 sales. This compares favourably with the 20.9 per cent drop in the sports car segment overall.

How much does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 cost?
Roadster 1.5-litre (m) – $36,090
Roadster 1.5-litre (a) – $38,090
Roadster GT 2.0-litre (m) – $44,020
Roadster GT 2.0-litre (a) – $46,020
Roadster GT RS 2.0-litre (m) – $47,020
RF 2.0-litre (m) – $41,400
RF 2.0-litre (a) – $43,400
RF GT 2.0-litre (m) – $48,100
RF GT 2.0-litre (a) – $50,100
RF GT RS 2.0-litre (m) – $51,100
RF GT Black Roof 2.0-litre (m) – $49,120
RF GT Black Roof 2.0-litre (a) – $51,120

* Prices exclude on-road costs