Mazda MX-5 GT Concept To Debut At Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept To Debut At Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Fans of the Mazda MX-5, one of Europe's most popular roadsters, will be tempted to head to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year.

That is after the Japanese manufacturer revealed that the event will be used to unveil the new Mazda MX-5 GT Concept.

The firm will be in attendance at the annual show to gauge the reaction of the crowd to the 205bhp updated version of the model.

A host of other Mazda activity will take place at the festival, with the new Takeri sedan and CX-5 also set to feature.

There is no doubt that the road legal MX-5 Concept will be the highlight of Mazda's involvement, however, and the car will be demonstrating its power between June 28th and July 1st.

The car will be on display throughout the entire festival and will also be taking part in the 'hillclimb' race in the ‘First Glance’ category.

Jeremy Thomson, managing director at Mazda UK, explained that the MX-5 has evolved and the new models build on the work of previous version.

"The MX-5 has been our best known car for 22 years and with the GT4 and GT Concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience," he commented.

Thomson also revealed that the Takeri, which will be the second car to use Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology, will give the biggest hint yet as to what motorists can expect from the forthcoming Mazda6.

"SKYACTIV technology reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel consumption and reduces CO2, it takes our cars into the realm of environmentally friendly emissions but with no compromise on the fun to drive attributes that are typical of our brand," he added.

Jade Paveley, who at just 19 years-old is one of the youngest drivers at the festival, will be one of the aces driving for Mazda at the event.

Posted by Craig Salter